Persistent Fever Above 37.2°C for Two Weeks: When to Seek Medical Help?

A body temperature above 37.2°C for two consecutive weeks?

Thank you, doctor, for your response despite your busy schedule! I started experiencing headaches, skin itching, and a temperature ranging from 37.4 to 36.8 degrees Celsius since May 14, which has continued until today (May 28).
This week, my temperature peaked at 37.8 degrees Celsius, accompanied by fatigue, a feeling of pressure in my head, and a sore throat (for 2 days).
I have a history of allergic rhinitis, and my menstrual cycle was from May 8 to May 12.
Given the ongoing pandemic, I am unsure which specialty I should consult and what tests I should undergo.
What symptoms during this period would warrant a visit to the doctor?

Ru Jian, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/28

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine

Hello,
You mentioned that you have a slightly elevated body temperature, accompanied by fatigue, a headache, and a sore throat.
Given these symptoms during the pandemic, if they persist, it is advisable to contact your local health department to arrange for an appointment at a hospital with a COVID-19 testing site.

This response is from Dr.
Chen Po-Chang, Department of Family Medicine, Keelung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2021/05/28

More Info

When experiencing a persistent fever above 37.2°C for two weeks, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as headache, skin itching, fatigue, and throat pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention. Your symptoms suggest that there may be an underlying infection or other medical condition that requires further evaluation.

Fever is a common response of the body to infection, inflammation, or other health issues. In adults, a fever is generally defined as a body temperature above 38°C (100.4°F). However, your reported temperatures, while not consistently above this threshold, indicate a fluctuation that could still be concerning, especially when combined with other symptoms.

Given your history of allergic rhinitis and the current pandemic situation, it is essential to consider both infectious and non-infectious causes of your symptoms. Allergic reactions can sometimes mimic infections, leading to symptoms like headaches and fatigue. However, the persistence of your fever and the recent onset of throat pain warrant a thorough investigation.

Here are some steps you should consider:
1. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given the duration and nature of your symptoms, it would be advisable to see a healthcare provider. You can start with your primary care physician or an internal medicine specialist. If you suspect an allergy-related issue, an allergist may also be appropriate.

2. Diagnostic Tests: Your healthcare provider may recommend several tests to determine the cause of your fever and other symptoms. Common tests include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test can help identify signs of infection or inflammation.

- Throat Culture or Rapid Strep Test: If your throat pain persists, these tests can help determine if you have a bacterial infection.

- Chest X-ray: If you have any respiratory symptoms, this can help rule out pneumonia or other lung issues.

- Allergy Testing: If your symptoms are suspected to be allergy-related, testing can help identify specific allergens.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any other associated factors (like exposure to allergens or sick contacts). This information can be invaluable to your healthcare provider.

4. Consider Other Symptoms: If you experience additional symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, or rash, seek immediate medical attention, as these could indicate a more serious condition.

5. Follow-Up: If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, ensure you follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

In summary, persistent fever, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, should not be ignored. It is essential to seek medical help to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Your health is paramount, and timely intervention can lead to better outcomes.

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