Results for: Fever
Emergency Warning Signs
Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Sudden numbness or weakness in face, arm, or leg
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty swallowing)
- Heavy bleeding that won't stop
- Loss of consciousness
- Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
20 Possible Conditions
These conditions are listed by likelihood based on the symptom. This is not a diagnosis.
Influenza (Flu)
A viral respiratory infection that commonly causes fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough.
COVID-19
SARS‑CoV‑2 infection often presents with fever, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell.
Common Cold (Viral Upper Respiratory Infection)
Mild viral infection of the nose and throat that can cause low‑grade fever, sore throat, and congestion.
Bacterial Pneumonia
Infection of the lung tissue by bacteria, leading to high fever, productive cough, and chest pain.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Bacterial infection of the urinary system that may cause fever, dysuria, and flank pain.
Meningitis
Inflammation of the meninges, usually bacterial or viral, presenting with fever, headache, and neck stiffness.
Sepsis
Life‑threatening systemic response to infection, characterized by fever, rapid heart rate, and organ dysfunction.
Malaria
Parasitic infection transmitted by mosquitoes, causing cyclic fevers, chills, and flu‑like symptoms.
Dengue Fever
Mosquito‑borne viral illness that leads to high fever, severe headache, joint pain, and rash.
Typhoid Fever
Salmonella Typhi infection causing sustained fever, abdominal pain, and rose‑spot rash.
Rheumatic Fever
Inflammatory disease following streptococcal throat infection, presenting with fever, joint pain, and heart involvement.
Kawasaki Disease
Vasculitis of medium‑sized arteries in children, marked by prolonged fever, conjunctivitis, and rash.
Drug Fever
Fever caused by an adverse reaction to medications, often resolving after discontinuation of the drug.
Heat Stroke
Severe hyperthermia due to environmental heat exposure, leading to high core temperature and neurological symptoms.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Flare
Autoimmune disease flare that can cause low‑grade fever, joint pain, and skin rash.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Flare (Crohn’s/Ulcerative Colitis)
Active intestinal inflammation may present with fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Acute Leukemia
Malignancy of blood‑forming tissue that can cause persistent fever, fatigue, and easy bruising.
Hyperthyroidism (Thyroid Storm)
Excess thyroid hormone production leading to high fever, tachycardia, and agitation.
Tuberculosis (Pulmonary)
Chronic bacterial infection of the lungs that often presents with low‑grade fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
Endocarditis
Infection of the heart valves causing fever, heart murmur, and systemic embolic phenomena.
When to Seek Emergency Care
While many conditions can be managed with home care or a doctor's visit, some situations require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if:
Heart-Related
Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath
Brain-Related
Severe headache, confusion, or sudden vision changes
High Fever
Fever above 103°F (39.4°C) or fever with stiff neck
Severe Bleeding
Uncontrolled bleeding or coughing up blood
Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, WebMD, CDC, NIH