What should I know and do about fever?
ACS Answer
Fever is a body temperature (taken orally) of more than 100.5° Fahrenheit that lasts for 1 day or more. While a person's temperature normally rises a little at night, infections usually cause long-standing fevers. When the body is infected with germs, the body "heats up" in an effort to kill the invader. This heat, which is a vital natural defense mechanism, causes the fever. People receiving chemotherapy are more likely to have infections because they have decreased numbers of the white blood cells needed to fight invading organisms.
Infection with a virus, bacteria, or fungus can cause a fever. If the source of the infection can be treated with medication (such as antibiotics), those may be prescribed; otherwise the fever itself can be controlled through other means. Other causes of fever include inflammatory conditions, drug reactions, or tumor growth. In some cases, no cause can be identified.
What to look for
- Increased skin temperature
- Warmth and sweating
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Feeling cold
- Body aches
- Confusion
- Skin rashes
- Shaking chills
What to do
- Take your temperature every 2 to 3 hours.
- Keep a record of temperature readings.
- Drink lots of liquids, such as water, fruit juices, cola, Popsicles, and soups.
- Rest.
- Cover with a blanket if you are chilled.
- Cover only with a sheet if you are hot.
- Use a cold compress on your forehead if you are hot.
- Take Tylenol or other medications for fever only if prescribed by the doctor.
Do not
- Take any medication, including aspirin or Tylenol, unless the doctor prescribes it
- Try to bring the fever down with ice baths or alcohol baths
Call the doctor about any of the following symptoms
- A rise in temperature (taken orally) to 100.5º Fahrenheit or higher
- Two or more symptoms listed in "What to look for"
- Fever lasting for more than 24 hours
Related Resources
Get more information about treatment of fever.
Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore.
Recommended Consultation
You should consider discussing this topic with your doctor or health care team.
