What to do if you have a headache and fever for a long time

You can make an appointment with a therapist by phone

8-(4822)-33-00-33
or using the online registration system on the website

Make an appointment with a doctor

Substances that stimulate the synthesis of pyrogens:

• metabolites of steroid hormones;
• bacterial polysaccharides;
• medicine pyrogenal (anti-inflammatory drug).

Leukocytes themselves - blood cells that fight infections - can also synthesize pyrogens. Therefore, during colds and other diseases, a person’s body temperature rises.

Pyrogens can be produced by some tumor cells. Therefore, long-lasting fever is a reason for a serious examination of the body.

Some drugs (lysergic acid, caffeine, etc.) act directly on thermoregulation. When they are taken, the body temperature rises not due to pyrogens. They can provoke headache and fever as a side effect, so the doctor who is conducting the examination must know about their use.

Causes of headache and fever 37

If you have a headache at a temperature of 37–37.3 degrees, this is not a separate disease, but a symptom of various pathologies. This condition is accompanied by a noticeable deterioration in well-being and other signs characteristic of various diseases. An increase in temperature and at the same time a headache can indicate the following processes:

• entry into the body of viruses, bacteria, fungi - pathogens of infectious diseases;
• action of toxins of any origin;
• autoimmune processes - malfunctions of the immune system, in which it perceives its own cells as foreign and begins to fight them;
• cells that are formed during oncological processes;
• violation of thermoregulation, which is normally provided by the hypothalamus.

A temperature that does not exceed 38 degrees, but is above normal, is called subfebrile. It rises during the immune system’s fight against infectious disease agents, toxins and other pathogens. It is important that for some adults and children the normal temperature is 37 degrees, and this feature must be taken into account during diagnosis.

Intoxication

Headache and temperature up to 37.5 are characteristic signs of poisoning. The entry of any toxins into the body affects the functioning of internal organs. These substances accumulate in the blood and on the vascular walls, poison the liver and can penetrate the brain. The process is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, indigestion, and more dangerous symptoms may also appear: impaired coordination of movements, damage to the optic nerve and blindness, fainting, hallucinations and other signs.

There are several types of poisoning, depending on the type of toxic substance:

• food - the most common, occurs due to poor quality food;
• pesticides, heavy metals;
• medications and alcohol;
• bites of poisonous animals and insects.

In case of poisoning, it is important to determine what substance caused it. In some cases, this helps to select an antidote - a compound that neutralizes the effect of a particular poison. If an antidote does not exist, measures are taken to remove toxins from the body. For this purpose, sorbents are prescribed, as well as drip injection of electrolyte solutions in large volumes. This helps make the blood less thick and reduce the concentration of toxic compounds in it.

Infectious diseases

Temperature 37–37.5, headache, feeling sharply worse - this is the first sign of infectious diseases caused by viruses or bacteria. The clinical picture will differ depending on the pathogen, how it enters the body and the characteristics of its spread. There are several infectious pathologies, which in the initial stages can cause headaches and fever to subfebrile levels.

1. Influenza is a viral disease that is transmitted by airborne droplets and household transmission. It is especially common during the cold season and in the off-season, when immune defenses weaken. The patient develops a cough, sore throat, swelling of the mucous membranes and general weakness. Without treatment, influenza has serious complications and can cause pneumonia.
2. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges. This is a dangerous disease that, if left untreated, can cause nerve dysfunction and paralysis. Its causative agents are viral, bacterial or fungal infections, and meningitis also manifests itself as a complication of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract.
3. Intestinal infections (salmonellosis, rotavirus infection, botulism, staphylococcosis and others) are manifested by disruption of the digestive tract. Headaches and a temperature of 37 degrees or more are the result of toxic metabolic products of bacteria entering the bloodstream. Diseases are transmitted through household contact and can occur in an acute form, so it is important to isolate the patient from others.

It is important that viral and bacterial diseases, which are accompanied by a temperature of 37–37.2 and headache, are often spread by airborne droplets. The patient must be provided with separate dishes and household items, and he must try to reduce contact with others to a minimum.

Head injuries

If, after a bruise or fall, the temperature remains at 37 and the head hurts, these symptoms indicate traumatic brain injury. They are closed if the skull bones remain intact during the impact. There are several types of injuries - the classification is based on the complexity of the injuries and the clinical picture.

1. A concussion is the mildest degree of traumatic brain injury. The condition is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, weakness, and fever up to 37–37.4 degrees. These symptoms last for 7–10 days but may continue to appear several months after the injury. Immediately after a blow to the head, loss of consciousness and amnesia may occur.
2. Brain contusion can be mild, moderate or severe. Clinical manifestations include confusion, memory loss, drowsiness and other symptoms, depending on the location of the injury. Diagnosis is carried out using CT or MRI methods. Minor hemorrhages, swelling and inflammatory processes can be detected in the brain tissue.
3. Intracranial bleeding - manifests itself as a result of damage to cerebral vessels. The danger lies in large hematomas, which compress nerve tissue and cause necrotic processes in neurons. Surgery may be required to remove them if important nerve functions are compromised.

The first symptoms of a head injury include pain in the head, temperature of 37 degrees or more, nausea and weakness. Deterioration of vision and impaired coordination of movements are also observed. The recovery period lasts from a week to several months, depending on the complexity of the damage. The patient must be provided with complete rest and avoid any physical activity.

Surgical pathologies

Headaches, fever up to 37 degrees and staying within these limits for a long time are signs of disorders that require surgical treatment. They include inflammatory processes, purulent formations and other problems, which in the initial stages are manifested by common malaise, fatigue and headache. A complete diagnosis can reveal a number of disorders that progress over time:

• peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines;
• appendicitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis;
• varicose veins, thrombosis.

For some diseases, surgical treatment is simpler and safer than long-term medication. To remove purulent formations, correct anomalies in the structure of organs, as well as to correct blood vessels, a planned operation is prescribed. In the future, the patient will have a rehabilitation period, but timely seeking medical help will completely restore the functions of the internal organs and avoid dangerous complications.

Violation of thermoregulation

The hypothalamus is the center of thermoregulation. This is an important structure that allows you to maintain a constant body temperature, regardless of metabolic processes, changes in ambient temperature and other factors. However, with chronic brain diseases, injuries, and infectious processes, the functioning of the thermoregulation center may be disrupted. This leads to a persistent increase in temperature to 37–37.2 or more, in the absence of inflammatory processes, infectious diseases and other causes.

Other reasons

Low-grade fever and headaches are a manifestation of many disorders. A number of diseases and conditions are accompanied by similar clinical signs in the early stages, so it is important to undergo a comprehensive diagnosis and determine their cause. The following problems may be discovered during the examination:

• ENT diseases, including tonsillitis, otitis, rhinitis of infectious or non-infectious origin;
• chronic hypertension – persistent increase in blood pressure;
• heatstroke is a condition that manifests itself after prolonged exposure to the open sun and is accompanied by weakness, nausea, headache and fever;
• neoplasms – long-lasting fever is one of the first signs of brain tumors, as well as leukemia;
• dental diseases;
• parasitic infections - helminth infestations are not necessarily accompanied by abdominal pain, and in the first stages symptoms include weakness, weight loss, frequent headaches;
• thermoneurosis is a specific condition caused by stress and disorders of the autonomic nervous system, in which the temperature rises and the patient experiences frequent migraines.

Headache, which is accompanied by a temperature elevated to 37 degrees, can be diagnosed in a healthy person. These symptoms appear due to physical fatigue, intense exercise, stress and disruption of the daily routine. They go away after proper rest and a course of vitamins, but can appear again if you do not pay attention to their prevention.

Possible diseases

Typically, an increase in body temperature combined with a headache is a sign of a cold. It can be caused by bacteria (ARI) or viruses (ARVI). Long-lasting low-grade fever may be a sign of a herpes infection in the acute phase. Also, similar symptoms are characteristic of long-term inflammatory diseases.

With anxiety disorders and other mild mental disorders, fever and headaches are observed. They occur especially often against the background of severe stress.

Since the cells of some tumors are capable of producing pyrogens, the cause of long-term fever may be an oncological disease. You should be concerned if no other reasons for an increase in body temperature are found.

Symptoms of low-grade fever

In some cases, a rise in temperature to 37 can be caused by weather, diet, stress and other minor changes, in others it is a symptom of disease. Look out for the following signs:

• the temperature systematically rises and falls over several days for no apparent reason;
• you do not have ARVI or exacerbation of chronic diseases, there is no pain, runny nose, cough or other symptoms of disease;
• you have not been immunized or taken new medications;
• there were no shocks associated with stress, you eat well and get enough sleep.

If all the criteria are met, and the temperature continues to remain above 37 °C, this is a reason to consult a therapist. Especially if you notice in yourself:

• neoplasms (nodules) on the skin;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• bruises that appeared from nowhere;
• severe loss of appetite;
• rash;
• muscle joint pain;
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

The doctor will examine your medical history and complaints, and then prescribe the necessary tests and examinations.

Causes of low-grade fever

An examination by a specialist is necessary because an elevated temperature can be a sign of a wide range of illnesses, ranging from minor to very serious. Thus, a temperature of 37–38 °C is typical for:

• overheating of the body (due to hot weather, inappropriate clothing, in a bath or sauna), heat stroke;
• teething in infants (in this case the temperature rises to higher levels, which is normal);
• vaccinations (the body's natural immune response);
• side effects from certain medications.

You can read the continuation of the article by following the link to RBC Style.

Diagnostics

The examination plan always includes a general blood and urine test. Based on their results, it is possible to determine the presence of an infection of viral and bacterial origin, as well as inflammation in the genitourinary system. A biochemical blood test, including determination of C-reactive protein and liver enzymes, is also indicative.

In some cases, an analysis for tumor markers is indicated. Only a doctor can determine the need for it based on complaints, anamnesis, examination and other studies. Independent assignment of this analysis is impossible due to the large number of indicators and its lack of information in some cases.

Prevention methods

At home, you can prevent diseases that cause high fever and acute headache. If you follow doctors' recommendations, you can strengthen the immune system, increase the body's resistance to viral diseases, and also identify chronic diseases of internal organs in the early stages. To do this, it is enough to fulfill a few simple conditions:

• avoid hypothermia of the head, especially during sudden temperature changes;
• ensure proper rest and normal daily routine;
• get enough vitamins from food or in medications;
• Lead an active lifestyle and pay attention to physical activity.

The Clinical Institute of the Brain has all the conditions for a full diagnosis and successful treatment of diseases that are accompanied by headaches and fever. High-quality modern equipment, highly qualified specialists and many years of experience, the opportunity to undergo treatment in a hospital setting are the main advantages of the center. Doctors recommend not only contacting the patient at the first symptoms, but also undergoing regular examinations to identify hidden pathologies in the initial stages.

Treatment Options

Treatment tactics depend on the cause of the condition. Possible treatment options:

• antidepressants for anxiety disorders;
• antiviral for herpes infection (Vamciclovir, Famciclovir, Acyclovir, etc.);
• drinking plenty of fluids, bed rest and frequent ventilation during acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections;
• anti-inflammatory drugs for long-term chronic diseases;
• inactivators of toxic substances and symptomatic therapy for chronic poisoning.

The success of therapy depends not only on the doctor, but also on the patient. If a person is not ready for treatment and ignores the recommendations of a specialist, the chances of recovery are minimal. But with the right tactics and compliance with the instructions, relief occurs within a few days.

Read also: How to treat headaches due to a cold?

Dear patients! Remember that only a qualified doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, determine the causes and nature of the disease, and prescribe effective treatment. You can make an appointment with our specialists or call a doctor at home by calling 8-(4822)-33-00-33

Be healthy and happy!

Examination methods

High-quality and timely diagnosis is the main condition for proper treatment. During the initial examination, temperature is measured and medical history is collected, including information about any chronic diseases. However, to understand the full picture, a number of additional examinations are necessary to make a final diagnosis. The doctor may prescribe the following methods:

• MRI of the head is a comprehensive, informative way to determine tumors, areas of ischemia and other pathologies of the brain;
• CT is a modern method of examination, which also allows you to obtain a complete three-dimensional picture of the brain;
• Dopplerography of the vessels of the head and neck is an important diagnostic stage, thanks to which cerebral circulatory disorders are detected;
• blood tests - tests will indicate inflammatory processes, the presence of infection, poisoning and other pathologies.

The Clinical Brain Institute has modern equipment for diagnosing diseases that are accompanied by headaches. This allows you to accurately and quickly determine the cause of deterioration in health and differentiate pathologies that are similar in clinical picture. It is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis at home, as well as as a result of a simple examination of the patient.

Syrup for children

The syrup is used in children aged from one month. The drug has an antipyretic and analgesic effect.

Paracetamol is indicated for:

• Pain syndrome of weak and moderate intensity.
• Increased temperature due to respiratory and other infectious diseases.
• Hyperthermia after vaccination.

Dosage of the drug

• To reduce the reaction to vaccination in children, it is recommended to take 2.5 ml of the drug once.
• Children from 3 months to 1 year use 2.5-5 ml of paracetamol.
• For children from 1 to 6 years old, 5-10 ml of the drug is recommended.
• Children from 6 to 14 years old - 10-20 ml of paracetamol.

Most often, the frequency of administration is from 1 to 4 times a day, the interval between doses is 4-5 hours. In addition, it is allowed to take paracetamol simultaneously with other antipyretic drugs.

Treatment of acute respiratory infections in children, effective relief of symptoms

Recommendations on how to treat acute respiratory infections in children are aimed at relieving clinical manifestations associated with the inflammatory reaction.

Recommendations on how to treat acute respiratory infections in children are aimed at relieving clinical manifestations associated with the inflammatory reaction.

• a diet rich in vitamins;
• drinking plenty of water;
• antipyretic drugs.

Locally, symptoms are relieved by the following means:

• for nasal congestion - with vasoconstrictor drops;
• if the throat is affected - with sprays, local antiseptics, gargles;
• to relieve a wet cough - with expectorants;
• for dry cough - antitussives. Source: T.A. Samsygina Modern treatment of acute respiratory diseases in children // Pediatrics, 2013, No. 3, pp. 38-42

Inhalations and physiotherapy may also be prescribed.

Antibiotic treatment for acute respiratory disease is prescribed to children when the causative agent is a bacterial infection; only a doctor should give clinical recommendations, select the drug and dosage. If a child is prescribed an antibiotic for the flu, it is necessary to relieve complications that arise from bacterial damage (for example, pneumonia). In general, antibacterial drugs are powerless against viruses.

Doctors recommend avoiding antibiotics for uncomplicated respiratory viral infections. Their use is not justified even with mucopurulent runny nose lasting less than 2 weeks. Source: Seto WH, Conly JM, Pessoa-Silva CL et al Infection prevention and control measures for acute respiratory infections in healthcare settings: an update // East Mediterr Health J., 2013, i9 (Suppl. i), p. 39-47

Signs of a bacterial infection for which antibiotics are indicated:

• anaerobic sore throat;
• purulent processes;
• acute tonsillitis when group A streptococcus is detected;
• sinusitis, if clinical changes persist in the sinuses after 2 weeks from the onset of the disease;
• acute otitis media;
• pneumonia;
• chlamydia and mycoplasmosis (respiratory form);
• bronchitis caused by mycoplasma (mycoplasma bronchitis).

The child is required to have bed rest

until body temperature normalizes,
eat a balanced diet, take multivitamins
. You can gargle with decoctions of medicinal herbs, infusions, and antiseptic solutions. If the body temperature is normal, then the following will be useful: dry heat on the lower back and feet, hot foot baths.

Side effects of the drug Paracetamol

Like any medicine, paracetamol has a number of side effects. Infrequent adverse reactions that may occur after using paracetamol include:

• Hives;
• Skin itching;
• Rash;
• Quincke's edema.

Rare adverse reactions include:

• On the part of digestion: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain are possible.
• From the side of hematopoiesis - anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytopenia.

If adverse reactions occur, stop taking the medication and the doctor selects another drug.

Light form

Up to 80 patients have a mild form of COVID-19. As a rule, these are young people without any concomitant diseases. The symptoms of the disease, in this case, are similar to those of ARVI. However, there are certain differences that make it possible to recognize infection with coronavirus infection.

Full recovery occurs within 14 days without any negative consequences for the body:

• 1 day. Body temperature rises slightly, rarely exceeding 37.2°C. There is also a slight malaise, which can easily be attributed to fatigue. Nasal congestion may occur and your sense of smell may deteriorate.
• 2-4 days. General weakness and increased fatigue persist, but no critical temperature is noted. Additionally, there is a sore throat and a slight unproductive cough. Problems with the sense of smell are intensifying; sick people characterize them as “lack of odors.” Sometimes an additional disorder of the digestive system occurs, and there is no appetite.
• 5-6 day. All of the above symptoms subside and the condition improves. The intensity of the cough decreases, but the sense of smell does not return.
• 7-14 days. There is a complete recovery, all symptoms of COVID-19 completely disappear.

In children, the mild form, in most cases, does not manifest itself with any symptoms. Sometimes there may be signs of a mild cold without fever. But at the same time, the infection persists in biological fluids and waste products for a long time. This means that after infection the child becomes an active virus carrier.