- February 3, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health emergency, call 988 (Crisis Lifeline) or 911 immediately.
Fever represents your body’s natural defense mechanism against infection, but knowing when an elevated temperature requires medical attention can be confusing. This comprehensive guide explains fever causes in adults, when to see a doctor vs managing symptoms at home, and warning signs requiring emergency evaluation.
Understanding Fever in Adults
Fever occurs when your body temperature rises above the normal range in response to infection, inflammation, or other triggers. Normal body temperature averages 98.6°F but varies throughout the day and between individuals.
Fever classifications:
- Low-grade fever: 99-100.9°F (37.2-38.3°C)
- Moderate fever: 101-102.9°F (38.3-39.4°C)
- High fever: 103-104.9°F (39.4-40.5°C)
- Very high fever: 105°F (40.6°C) and above
According to research, fever alone, without other concerning symptoms, is among the most common preventable reasons for emergency department visits in adults.
Symptoms of Fever in Adults
Beyond elevated temperature, fever typically presents with various accompanying symptoms that help identify severity and underlying causes.
Common symptoms accompanying fever:
- Chills and shivering
- Sweating:
- Headache:
- Muscle aches and body pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- General malaise (overall feeling of being unwell)
Irritability or restlessness
Common Causes of Fever in Adults
Infectious Causes
Viral infections: Common cold, influenza, COVID-19, mononucleosis, gastroenteritis. Most viral fevers resolve within 3-5 days without specific treatment.
Bacterial infections: Strep throat, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sinus infections, skin infections. Require antibiotic treatment.
Other infections: Fungal infections, parasitic infections (particularly after travel).
Non-Infectious Causes
Inflammatory conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and lupus.
Medications: Drug-induced fever from antibiotics, antihistamines, and anti-seizure medications.
Heat illness: Heat exhaustion or heat stroke from excessive environmental heat exposure.
Malignancy: Some cancers cause persistent low-grade fevers.
Blood clots: Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism may cause fever.
When Fever Requires Emergency Care
| Emergency Symptoms | Why It’s Serious |
| Severe headache with stiff neck | Possible meningitis |
| Confusion or altered mental status | Brain involvement or severe infection |
| Difficulty breathing or chest pain | Pneumonia, heart involvement, or pulmonary embolism |
| Persistent vomiting | Severe dehydration or serious infection |
| Seizures | Neurological complication |
| Severe abdominal pain | Appendicitis, gallbladder infection, or other surgical emergency |
| Rash that doesn’t fade when pressed | Possible meningococcemia or sepsis |
| Temperature 105°F or higher | Risk of organ damage |
| Signs of severe dehydration | Unable to keep fluids down, minimal urination, extreme weakness |
| Immunocompromised with high fever | Increased risk of severe infection |
When to See Your Doctor for Fever
Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or urgent care for a fever when:
Fever persistence:
- Fever lasting more than 3 days without improvement
- Recurring fevers without a clear cause
- Low-grade fever persisting for weeks
Fever with concerning symptoms:
- Fever with painful urination (possible UTI)
- Fever with severe sore throat
- Fever with ear pain
- Fever with significant sinus pain or pressure
- Fever with persistent cough producing colored mucus
High-risk individuals:
- You have chronic medical conditions (diabetes, heart disease, lung disease)
- Recent travel to areas with endemic diseases
- Recent surgery or medical procedures
- You take immunosuppressant medications
- Age over 65 years old
Need for evaluation:
- Uncertain about fever severity
- Fever not responding to over-the-counter medications
- Want a professional assessment for peace of mind
Treatment for Fever in Adults
Treatment of fever in adults depends on identifying and addressing the underlying cause. Your physician determines appropriate treatment based on diagnostic findings.
Treating Underlying Infections
Bacterial infections: Require antibiotic therapy targeting the specific bacteria.
Viral infections: Most resolve without specific treatment. Supportive care manages symptoms while the immune system fights infection. Antiviral medications prescribed for:
- Influenza
- COVID-19 in high-risk patients
- Severe viral infections in immunocompromised individuals
Fungal or parasitic infections: Require specialized antimicrobial medications based on the organism identified.
Treating Non-Infectious Causes
Inflammatory conditions: Anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, or disease-specific treatments.
Drug-induced fever: Discontinuing causative medication under physician supervision.
Heat-related illness: Cooling measures, IV fluids, hospitalization for severe cases.
Home Management of Fever
For low to moderate fevers without emergency warning signs, home treatment often provides adequate relief.
Supportive Care:
- Hydrate frequently (water, broth, electrolyte drinks)
- Rest adequately
- Wear light clothing
- Apply cool compresses to the forehead/neck/wrists
- Maintain a comfortable room temperature
- Monitor temperature every 4-6 hours
Seek medical evaluation if: Fever doesn’t respond to medications, temperature continues rising despite treatment, cannot keep fluids down, or symptoms worsen.
Fever Evaluation and Diagnosis
At Your Doctor's Appointment
Medical history: Discussion about symptom onset, fever pattern, associated symptoms, recent travel, sick contacts, and medical conditions.
Physical examination: Thorough assessment identifying infection sources—throat, ears, lungs, abdomen, skin, lymph nodes.
Diagnostic testing may include:
| Test | Purpose |
| Rapid strep test | Diagnoses streptococcal pharyngitis |
| Urinalysis | Detects urinary tract infections |
| Complete blood count | Evaluates for bacterial vs viral infection |
| Chest X-ray | Identifies pneumonia |
| Blood cultures | Detects bloodstream infections in severe cases |
| Influenza/COVID testing | Confirms viral respiratory infections |
Special Considerations
Fever in Elderly Adults
Older adults may not mount significant fever responses even with serious infections. Low-grade fever in elderly patients warrants more aggressive evaluation than in younger adults. Watch for:
- Confusion or delirium (may be the only sign of infection)
- Falls or weakness
- Decreased appetite or fluid intake
- Changes in baseline functional status
Fever with Chronic Conditions
Diabetes: Infections can destabilize blood sugar control. Monitor glucose levels closely during febrile illness.
Heart disease: Fever increases heart rate and cardiac workload. Contact a physician if experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath.
Lung disease: Respiratory infections in COPD or asthma patients require prompt evaluation and treatment.
Immunosuppression: Cancer patients, transplant recipients, or those on immunosuppressing medications need urgent evaluation for any significant fever.
Fever After Travel
Recent international travel warrants medical evaluation for fever, particularly travel to:
- Malaria-endemic regions
- Areas with Zika, dengue, or chikungunya
- Regions with typhoid or other endemic diseases
Mention all recent travel to your physician, even if it seems unrelated.
Preventing Infections That Cause Fever
Vaccination: Stay current on flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, pneumonia vaccines (if eligible), and other recommended immunizations.
Hand hygiene: Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the most effective way to prevent the most common infections.
Avoid sick contacts: When possible, maintain distance from people with active infections.
Food safety: Proper food handling, cooking, and storage prevent foodborne illnesses.
Hydration and nutrition: Adequate hydration and balanced nutrition support immune function.
Adequate sleep: Regular, sufficient sleep strengthens the immune response to infections.
Expert Fever Evaluation at Windermere Medical Group
Our Alpharetta and Lawrenceville locations provide comprehensive fever evaluation, including:
- Same-day appointments
- Rapid diagnostic testing
- Comprehensive assessment
- Treatment planning
- Follow-up care
Final Thoughts
Most fevers in adults are self-limited viral infections that resolve with supportive care. However, recognizing warning signs that require medical evaluation ensures that serious infections and other conditions receive appropriate treatment promptly.
Windermere Medical Group provides comprehensive fever evaluation for patients, including same-day appointments, rapid diagnostic testing, and expert clinical assessment, distinguishing serious from benign causes.
FAQs:
1. When should I worry about shortness of breath?
Worry about severe difficulty breathing, chest pain with breathlessness, bluish discoloration, confusion, or sudden onset. Seek emergency care for these symptoms.
2. When should I go to the ER for shortness of breath?
Go to the ER immediately if you have shortness of breath, emergency symptoms: severe air hunger, inability to speak, confusion, or chest pain. If your breathing does not improve after 30 minutes of rest, or if you have a history of heart disease, seek emergency care.
3. What are the most common causes of shortness of breath?
The most common causes of shortness of breath include asthma, COPD, heart failure, pneumonia, obesity, and anxiety. Acute viral infections such as influenza or COVID-19 are also frequent causes.
4. Can anxiety cause shortness of breath?
Yes. Shortness of breath and anxiety are very common. Panic attacks can cause hyperventilation and chest tightness that mimics a heart attack. However, you must always rule out physical causes with a doctor before assuming it is anxiety.
5. What is the difference between acute and chronic shortness of breath?
Acute shortness of breath appears suddenly (hours or days) and is often an emergency or an infection. Chronic shortness of breath develops over weeks or months and is usually tied to long-term conditions like COPD or heart failure.
6. How is shortness of breath diagnosed?
Doctors use shortness-of-breath tests, including pulse oximetry, spirometry (to assess lung function), electrocardiograms (to evaluate the heart), and chest X-rays. Windermere Medical Group provides these diagnostic services on-site.
7. How can I prevent shortness of breath?
Preventing breathing problems involves quitting smoking, avoiding allergens, getting vaccinated against respiratory viruses, and managing existing heart or lung conditions with medication.
About the Author
Priya Bayyapureddy
Dr. Priya Bayyapureddy, MD is a board certified Internal Medicine doctor with over 20 years of experience in primary care Internal Medicine. Dr. Bayyapureddy completed her Internal Medicine residency at Emory University School of Medicine and internship at University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga.
