When to Get Tested for Fever: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Are you experiencing symptoms like high body temperature, chills, sweating, and headaches? All these signs may indicate a fever. But don't worry. 

Fever is not always a sign of something severe. Usually, it is a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. The cause of fever can be mild to severe. But how do you know when to seek medical advice or get tested? In this blog, let's understand the common symptoms of fever, when you should get tested, and why it's important to pay attention to warning signs that shouldn't be ignored. 

8 Common Signs of Fever You Should Not Ignore

Fever doesn’t always mean something serious, but certain signs and symptoms can indicate it’s time to seek medical attention. A fever occurs when your body’s temperature rises above the normal range, usually 98.6°F (37°C). 

Fever can be caused by viral, bacterial, or inflammatory diseases or even certain medications. However, when combined with other symptoms, fever can be more concerning. Let's understand common signs of fever that you should pay attention to.

1. High Fever (103°F / 39.4°C or Higher)

Are you feeling feverish? Have you checked your body temperature? One of the most common signs of fever is a high body temperature that reaches 103°F (39.4°C) or higher. Fever is a sign that your immune system is fighting an infection, which may cause complications like dehydration, seizures, or organ damage. If the fever is high, seek medical help immediately.

2. Severe Headache

A fever and a severe headache could indicate a serious infection like meningitis or encephalitis, requiring immediate medical attention. If the headache is intense and accompanied by a stiff neck or sensitivity to light, don't hesitate to get tested or visit a healthcare provider.

3. Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing

Feeling short of breath? Difficulty breathing could indicate a respiratory infection, such as pneumonia, or even a more severe condition, like sepsis. Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any breathing issues.

4. Chest Pain

If you're experiencing fever and chest pain, it could be a sign of a heart infection, lung infection, or other serious health conditions. Chest pain can also signal a heart attack, and you should not wait to get it checked out if these symptoms occur.

5. Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea

Are you experiencing nausea with a fever? If the fever is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, it could be a sign of a gastrointestinal infection, like food poisoning or a viral infection, such as the stomach flu. Get hydrated to recover faster, and seek medical attention if these symptoms persist.

6. Rash or Skin Changes

Rashes are common during fever. They can develop from viral infections like measles or chickenpox, or even bacterial infections such as meningitis. If the rash is spreading or changing in appearance, consult your doctor; it can be a sign of a serious illness.

7. Severe Muscle or Joint Pain

Another common sign of fever is muscle aches or joint pain. These could indicate conditions like the flu, Lyme disease, or other viral or bacterial infections. While not serious, severe muscle pain can be debilitating and should be addressed by a healthcare provider.

8. Persistent Fever Lasting More Than Three Days

A fever that lasts longer than 3 days without showing any signs could indicate a serious condition, such as a bacterial infection, autoimmune disease, or chronic infection. If your fever persists, consult your doctor; they might recommend some diagnostic tests to identify the cause of the fever.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Fever

If you experience any of the above signs of fever, it's time to visit your doctor or seek medical care.

1. For Infants and Young Children

• If the baby is 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, don't delay seeking medical attention. Young children are at higher risk of infections, as their immune systems are still developing.
• A doctor should also examine children between 3 months and 3 years old with a fever above 102°F (38.9°C) or a fever lasting more than 24 hours.
• If the child refuses to eat and drink or has a persistent fever, consult your doctor.

2. For Adults

• People over 65 with existing health issues like heart disease, diabetes, or immune disorders are at higher risk of complications. 
• If you have a history of surgery or injury, it’s important to consult your doctor and let them know about your symptoms.
• If you experience any of the severe symptoms mentioned earlier, chest pain, shortness of breath, or confusion, seek immediate medical care.

3. For Pregnant Women

• If you're pregnant and have a fever, you should contact your medical professional. Don't delay consulting your doctor, as a high fever can pose a risk to both the mother and baby. 

When Should You Get Tested for Fever?

Your doctor may recommend a few blood tests for fever based on your symptoms, duration of fever, medical history, and recent exposure to infection or any disease. You should get tested in the following cases:

1. Persistent Fever
2. High-Grade Fever
3. Severe Symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or confusion.
4. Recent Travel history.
5. Weak Immunity
6. Fever with rashes
7. Infants & Elderly
8. Recurrent Fever

The Key Takeaways

Pay attention to fever symptoms and take appropriate action if you have fever symptoms. You should get tested or consult a doctor if the fever lasts more than 2-3 days, is high, or is accompanied by severe headaches, difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or persistent vomiting. Based on your symptoms and medical history, your healthcare provider may recommend a blood test for fever, such as CBC, Widal test, Dengue test, ESR, etc. Get tested early, as it can prevent the spread of infectious diseases and help manage complications. 

FAQ’s

1. How do you know if your fever is severe?

A fever may be serious if it lasts more than 2-3 days, exceeds 103°F, or has severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or headache. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice these signs of fever.

2. What happens if you ignore a fever?

Ignoring a fever can lead to complications, the spread of infection, in severe cases, brain damage, dehydration, and organ damage. 

3. What are common fever symptoms?

Common fever symptoms include chills, sweating, headaches, body aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. 

4. What are the five stages of a fever?

The five main types of fever patterns are intermittent, remittent, continuous (sustained), hectic, and relapsing.

5. What does the start of a fever feel like?

The early symptoms of fever start with unwellness, chills, shivering, and a tired face. Other symptoms may include muscle aches, headache, loss of appetite, and irritability.