Frequent Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Worry

We all get a fever once in a while throughout our lives. It is a natural response of our body to a health issue or an infection. A fever happens when the internal temperature of the human body exceeds the normal range. This is part of the response by our immune system towards an infection present in the body. Getting a fever occasionally is pretty normal, but if you get them often, that can point to a serious hidden health issue. If this is happening, then you need to get checked by a doctor immediately. Such frequent fevers can occur in both children of young age and adults. 

This can happen due to many causes, such as infections, specific inflammation issues, and other health problems, etc. When you understand what can cause fever, how can you recognise the symptoms, and knowing when you should consult a doctor about the issues helps to make sure that you get correct assessment and care in a timely manner. Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy provides several diagnostic tests to help you in your journey of diagnosis and treatment. 

What Is Considered Frequent or Recurrent Fever?

A fever refers to a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above. Frequent fever means you are having multiple episodes of a high temperature. Recurrent fever can also occur if you have multiple episodes of fever with periods of normal temperature in between. Sometimes it can be a fever that lasts for several days or comes and goes. The pattern, length, severity, and symptoms help doctors work out the possible cause.

Common Causes of Frequent Fever

There are many different health issues that can cause recurrent fever. It is important to know what is causing your fever to help treat it.

1. Repeated Infections

Common infections such as viral and bacterial infections can cause fever. If you are suffering from a respiratory, throat, urinary tract, or gastrointestinal infection, you may experience frequent episodes of fever. This is especially true if you are catching new infections or not fully recovering from your previous infection.

2. Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that can affect many parts of the body; however, it is common to affect the lungs. You may suffer from persistent or recurrent fever, night sweats, weight loss, tiredness, and a persistent cough. It is important to seek medical help if you are suffering from these symptoms.

3. Malaria and Dengue

If you live in an area with lots of mosquito-borne infections, you are prone to getting fevers like malaria or Dengue. Malaria can cause recurrent episodes of fever with chills and sweating. Dengue can cause high fevers, headaches, body aches, and tiredness. These can cause similar symptoms, so blood tests may be required to help determine what infection you have.

4. Urinary Tract Infections

You may have a fever because of a urinary tract infection. If it is affecting your kidneys, you may also have symptoms such as burning when passing urine, frequent urination, lower abdominal pain, and pain in the back/sides. Some people may not have typical urinary symptoms; this is common in children and elderly patients.

5. Autoimmune and Inflammatory Conditions

Some autoimmune conditions and inflammatory conditions can cause recurrent fevers. Conditions such as lupus and some types of inflammatory arthritis can cause fever, joint pain, tiredness, skin changes, and other symptoms.

6. Other Underlying Medical Conditions

Sometimes persistent or unexplained fever can be caused by blood disorders, certain cancers, drug reactions, and other medical issues. These are less common but may need investigation.

Common Symptoms Associated with Frequent Fever

Depending on what is causing the fever, you may suffer from other symptoms. Common symptoms include chills, sweating, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and dehydration. Some people may also suffer from coughing, sore throat, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes, and painful urination. The symptoms you are experiencing can help your doctor work out what investigations they may need to do. Parents should also watch out for any unusual symptoms in their child, such as unusual tiredness, poor feeding, irritability, less urine passed, and difficulty breathing.

When Should You Worry About Frequent Fever?

Not all fevers are a sign of a serious illness. However, if you are having recurrent fevers, this should not be ignored. If you are having recurrent fevers with no clear cause or other symptoms, it is best to see a doctor. If you are having recurrent fevers that last longer than expected, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, persistent cough, swollen glands, or ongoing tiredness, it is best to seek medical help. If you are having difficulty breathing, confusion, seizures, severe headache with stiff neck, severe dehydration, or unusual drowsiness, seek urgent medical help. If your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above, seek prompt medical help.

Diagnostic Tests for Frequent Fever

Your doctor starts by asking about your medical history, pattern of fever, travel history, recent infections, medications, and any symptoms. A physical examination also helps identify any possible infection/inflammation. The following investigations may be recommended.

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This blood test measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Changes in these values may provide useful information when evaluating infections and other health conditions.
• C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and ESR: These tests help assess inflammation in the body. They may be recommended when an inflammatory or infectious condition is suspected.
• Blood Culture: A blood culture may be advised when a bloodstream infection is suspected. It helps identify certain bacteria or fungi in the blood.
• Malaria and Dengue Tests: Depending on symptoms and local infection patterns, doctors may recommend malaria testing or dengue investigations such as NS1 antigen and antibody tests.
• Urine Routine and Culture: These investigations help identify urinary tract infections and determine whether bacteria are present in the urine.
• Liver and Kidney Function Tests: These tests help assess organ function and may be recommended when fever is prolonged or accompanied by other symptoms.

Depending on what is suspected to be causing your fever, you may be advised to have investigations such as a chest X-ray, ultrasound, or TB tests. Not all investigations are required for all patients.

How Can You Manage Frequent Fever?

It is important to identify what is causing your frequent fevers and treat this. Getting enough rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating light meals can help. Only take fever-reducing medication as advised by a medical professional. Especially in children. Don’t take antibiotics, as they are not effective against viral infections and require a prescription. Taking good care of your hygiene, safe food/water practices, following recommended vaccinations, and avoiding mosquito bites can help reduce the risk of certain infections.

Diagnostic Support at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy provide lab and imaging investigations to help with a variety of health issues. Investigations such as FBC, CRP, ESR, blood cultures, urine tests and other specialised investigations may help your doctor identify possible causes of recurrent fever. The right investigations depend on your symptoms, medical history, and examination. Prompt investigations can provide useful information to help with diagnosis.

Conclusion

Frequent fevers can be caused by recurrent infections, mosquito-borne diseases, urinary tract infections, inflammatory conditions, and other underlying medical issues. Being aware of the pattern of your fever and symptoms can help you to know when to seek medical help. If you are having recurrent fevers or unusual symptoms, it is best to see a healthcare professional. Having the right investigations for fever and seeking prompt medical help can help identify the cause and provide the correct treatment.