Fever: Symptoms, Treatments, Types, and Causes

Fever is one of the most common reasons people feel unwell and one of the first signs that the body is fighting something. If you’re suffering from fever, it’s natural to wonder: What’s causing it? How long will it last? Can stress be the culprit? And, most importantly, what can you do right now to feel better?

In this blog, we'll walk through fever symptoms, its types, causes of fever, and practical steps you can take for relief, like what to eat in fever and home remedies for fever. Think of this as your go-to guide for everything fever-related.

What Is a Fever?

A fever occurs when your body temperature rises above its normal range, typically considered around 100.4°F (38°C) or higher when taken orally. It isn’t a disease in itself, but rather the body's natural defense mechanism, activating the immune system to fight infection.

Fever Symptoms

Fever doesn’t come alone. When your body heats up, you may notice:

• Chills, shivering, followed by warmth or sweating
• Muscle aches, fatigue, or a general sense of weakness
• Loss of appetite, headaches, mood changes, or confusion, especially in higher fevers

These symptoms stem from your body’s immune response ramping up.

Causes of Fever

A fever can be triggered by many factors, including:

• Viral infections: such as flu, colds, COVID-19, and others
• Bacterial infections: like urinary tract infections, pneumonia, typhoid fever, etc.
• Inflammatory or non-infectious causes: including autoimmune conditions, reactions to medications or vaccines, and even cancer
• Rare and periodic fevers: such as systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAIDs)

In most cases, a fever is short-lived and reflects a routine immune response.

Types of Fever

Different types of fever present with varying patterns and intensities. Here’s a brief overview of the most common ones:

• Continuous fever: steady elevated temperature, seen in typhoid and some bacterial infections
• Intermittent fever: spikes followed by normal temps, common in malaria
• Remittent fever: fluctuating but always above normal
• Pel-Ebstein fever: cyclic patterns in lymphoma (rare)
• Undulant fever: waves of fever in imbalanced conditions like brucellosis

How Long Does Viral Fever Last

If your fever is caused by a virus, how long will viral fever last? Typically, viral fevers resolve in about 3 to 7 days, sometimes up to a week or two depending on the virus. During flu season, most people manage within a week with rest and fluids.

Also Read: Avoiding Viral Trend: Understanding Viral Fever, Causes & Treatment

How to Cure Fever at Home & Home Remedies for Fever

While fever can be uncomfortable, many cases can be managed at home. Here's what helps:

• Hydration: Drink water, herbal tea, or broth. Fever increases metabolic rate.
• Rest: Let your body focus on recovery.
• Cool compresses or sponge baths: Especially if temperature exceeds 103°F—as seen in pediatric guidelines.
• Light clothing and comfortable environment: Avoid excessive bundling or overheating.

Over-the-counter antipyretics (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can help if the fever is causing pain or discomfort.

What to Eat in Fever

When you have a fever, your appetite may dip—but nutrition still matters:

• Soups and broths: Gentle on the stomach and hydrating.
• BRAT Diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, easy to digest and soothing.
• Fruits like watermelon or oranges for hydration and vitamins.
• Yogurt or light protein: If tolerated, good for gut and strength.

Stick to light, bland, and fluid-rich foods that support recovery without burdening digestion.

Fever Temperature & When to Use Fever Medicine

Understanding fever temperature is key:

• Low-grade fever: 99–100.9°F – may resolve without medicine
• Moderate to high fever: ≥100.4°F – consider comfort-based treatment
• Hyperpyrexia: >106.7°F – rare and a medical emergency

You may reach for fever medicine when the fever is uncomfortable, causing pain, or interfering with rest. Always follow recommended dosages and consult a healthcare professional if fever persists or reaches high levels.

Can Stress Cause Fever?

Yes, though rare, stress can lead to what’s known as psychogenic fever, a fever triggered by emotional or psychological stress, rather than infection. These fevers often lack typical symptoms like chills and muscle aches and may resolve with stress management techniques such as mindfulness, therapy, or relaxation exercises.

Conclusion

Fever is a common yet important signal from your body that something needs attention. By knowing the fever symptoms, causes of fever, and types of fever, you’re better equipped to respond thoughtfully. Simple steps, like what to eat in fever, trying home remedies for fever, and knowing how long viral fever lasts, can make recovery smoother.

Remember, if a fever temperature spikes dangerously or doesn’t improve with fever medicine, don’t wait, seek medical help.

At Apollo Diagnostics, we offer diagnostic support to help you understand the cause of your fever and track recovery with confidence. Stay hydrated, rest well, and take care.