Fever
Overview
Causes
The cause of this fever is not known. In some people, the cause may never be known. Finding a cause may be delayed if there is:
- A common illness that does not have the usual symptoms
- An infection that is often hard to diagnose
- An illness with symptoms that only appear later
- An illness that may not show up on tests until later, called a delayed positive test
- A genetic condition that causes fever (rare)
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
The fever may be steady or come and go. A person may also have chills, sweating, and other symptoms. They can vary based on the cause.
Diagnosis
The doctor may ask questions to look for possible causes. A physical exam will be done. Other questions may be asked to look for possible causes. These may include:
- Have you traveled?
- Have you been hospitalized?
- Is your immune system damaged?
- What medicine are you taking?
- Have you been near anyone who has been ill?
- Have you ever been around someone with tuberculosis?
Tests to look for cause may include:
- Blood and urine tests
- X-rays
- CT scan
- Ultrasound
Treatments
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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