Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice

Temperature issues

Hello Doctor, I am currently on day four of quarantine.
Since the first night of quarantine, I have felt an increase in body temperature and warmth.
(In previous years, I occasionally felt feverish, with temperatures around the mid-36s, sometimes reaching 37.3, but it would return to normal after a couple of days.) However, this time it has been four days, and in the last two days, my highest temperature reached 37.9, mostly hovering around 37.4.
I have a headache and some mild diarrhea, but no other respiratory symptoms, and I haven't had a significant fever, just a feeling of discomfort from the warmth.
I want to lie down but can't sleep, and I feel a bit anxious...
Tonight, I did a PCR test and also consulted a doctor.
After blood and urine tests, the doctor said everything was normal and there was no infection...
I just received the PCR result, and fortunately, it was negative.

1.
Doctor, does my condition resemble a common cold?
2.
I had a health check-up last August, including blood tests, urine tests, gastroscopy, abdominal ultrasound, and chest X-ray, all of which were fine.
Could this low-grade fever be caused by inflammation from something concerning?
3.
Which specialist should I see next? Thank you for your professional assistance, Doctor!

Amy, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/04/21

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello,
1.
It can be difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of a common cold and COVID-19, so it may still be necessary to perform a PCR test or a rapid test for confirmation.

2.
There are many possible causes of fever, and a detailed examination may be required to determine the underlying reason.

3.
You can consult a family medicine physician or an infectious disease specialist, but remember to inform the health department when seeking medical care.

Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2022/04/21

More Info

When dealing with a persistent low-grade fever, especially in the context of recent isolation and mild symptoms, it’s essential to approach the situation with a balanced perspective. Based on your description, you have been experiencing a low-grade fever (around 37.4 to 37.9 degrees Celsius) for four days, accompanied by headaches and mild diarrhea, but without significant respiratory symptoms. Your PCR test for COVID-19 has returned negative, which is a reassuring sign.

1. Understanding Your Symptoms: Your symptoms could resemble those of a common viral infection, but they may also indicate other underlying issues. Low-grade fevers can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, stress, fatigue, or even inflammatory processes in the body. Given that you have a history of occasional low-grade fevers, it’s possible that your body is responding to something less severe this time, such as a mild viral infection or even stress-related symptoms due to your current situation of isolation.

2. Concerns About Underlying Conditions: You mentioned having undergone a comprehensive health check-up last August, which included blood tests, urine tests, endoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, and chest X-ray—all of which were normal. This is a good baseline, but it’s important to remember that new symptoms can arise. While it’s unlikely that a serious condition is developing, persistent low-grade fever can sometimes be associated with chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, or malignancies. However, these are less common and usually present with additional symptoms.

3. When to Seek Further Medical Advice: Since your recent tests have shown no signs of infection and your symptoms are relatively mild, it may not be necessary to rush into further testing immediately. However, if your fever persists beyond a week, worsens, or if you develop new symptoms such as significant weight loss, persistent diarrhea, or severe fatigue, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare provider. In such cases, a visit to an infectious disease specialist or a general practitioner would be appropriate. They may recommend further tests, such as blood cultures or imaging studies, to rule out any underlying conditions.

4. Managing Your Symptoms: In the meantime, focus on self-care. Ensure you stay hydrated, rest adequately, and monitor your symptoms. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage fever and discomfort. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques may help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety you’re experiencing due to your current health concerns.

5. Conclusion: In summary, while your symptoms may resemble a mild viral infection, it’s essential to remain vigilant. Keep track of your symptoms, and if there are any significant changes or if your condition does not improve, don’t hesitate to seek further medical advice. Your health is paramount, and staying proactive about your symptoms is the best approach.

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