What causes body aches when you’re sick. How can you alleviate full-body pain during illness. Why does fever often accompany body aches. What are the best home remedies for body aches and fever. When should you see a doctor for persistent body aches.

Understanding the Connection Between Body Aches and Fever

When illness strikes, it often brings along unwelcome companions: body aches and fever. These symptoms can leave you feeling miserable and wondering why your entire body seems to be rebelling against you. Let’s delve into the science behind this common occurrence and explore effective ways to find relief.

The Immune System’s Role in Body Aches

Why do you experience widespread pain when you’re sick? The answer lies in your immune system’s response to infection. When viruses or bacteria invade your body, your immune system springs into action, releasing white blood cells to combat the intruders. This process triggers inflammation throughout your body, resulting in those all-too-familiar aches and pains.

Interestingly, the severity of your body aches often correlates with the intensity of your immune response. A stronger reaction may lead to more pronounced discomfort, but it’s also a sign that your body is working hard to fight off the illness.

The Relationship Between Fever and Body Aches

Fever and body aches frequently go hand in hand during illness. As your body temperature rises, you may experience chills and shivering, causing your muscles to tense up and potentially exacerbating the aching sensation. This connection explains why managing your fever can often help alleviate body aches as well.

Common Symptoms Accompanying Body Aches and Fever

Body aches and fever rarely occur in isolation. They’re often part of a constellation of symptoms that indicate your body is battling an infection. Some common accompanying symptoms include:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Shivering or fluctuations in body temperature
• Cold and flu-like symptoms (such as congestion, sore throat, or cough)
• Headache
• Loss of appetite

Recognizing these additional symptoms can help you better understand the nature of your illness and determine the most appropriate course of action for recovery.

Effective Home Remedies for Body Aches and Fever

While waiting for your body to overcome the infection, there are several strategies you can employ to alleviate discomfort and support your recovery process. Here are some proven home remedies to help you find relief:

Stay Hydrated

How does proper hydration help combat body aches and fever? Adequate fluid intake is crucial for maintaining your body’s normal functions and supporting its ability to fight infection. When you’re ill, symptoms like sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea can lead to dehydration, potentially exacerbating your discomfort.

To stay properly hydrated, consider the following options:

• Water: The most straightforward and essential choice
• Herbal tea: Provides hydration and potential soothing effects
• Broth or soup: Offers hydration along with easy-to-digest nutrients
• Electrolyte drinks: Help replenish vital minerals lost through sweating or other symptoms

Apply Heat Therapy

Can heat application really help with body aches? Yes, heat therapy can be an effective way to relax tense muscles and provide relief from generalized body pain. However, it’s important to use this method judiciously, especially if you have a high fever.

Consider these heat therapy options:

1. Warm bath or shower: Keep the water temperature just above lukewarm to avoid raising your body temperature further
2. Heating pads: Apply to specific areas of discomfort, but avoid prolonged use
3. Warm compresses: A gentler alternative to heating pads

Remember to exercise caution with heat therapy if you have a severe fever, and never use heating devices if there’s a risk of falling asleep.

Regulate Your Body Temperature

Managing your body temperature can play a crucial role in alleviating both fever and associated body aches. Here are some strategies to help regulate your temperature:

• Take over-the-counter fever-reducing medication (more on this below)
• Use a cool compress on your forehead or take a lukewarm bath
• Dress in light, breathable clothing
• Keep your room at a comfortable temperature
• Use only a light blanket or sheet if you’re feeling cold

Prioritize Rest and Sleep

Why is rest so crucial when dealing with body aches and fever? Sleep and the immune system are intricately connected. Quality rest strengthens your body’s defense mechanisms and allows it to focus energy on fighting the infection. Moreover, relaxation can help ease muscle tension, potentially reducing the severity of body aches.

To promote better rest during illness:

• Create a comfortable sleeping environment
• Limit screen time before bed
• Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle stretching
• Use extra pillows to support your body in a comfortable position

Over-the-Counter Medications for Body Aches and Fever

When home remedies aren’t providing sufficient relief, over-the-counter medications can be a valuable tool in managing body aches and fever. Which types of medication are most effective for these symptoms?

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are often the go-to choice for addressing both body aches and fever. These medications, such as ibuprofen, work by blocking the body’s production of inflammation-causing chemicals. As a result, they can help reduce pain, inflammation, and fever simultaneously.

Acetaminophen

While acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) is effective at reducing fever and pain, it lacks the anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs. However, it can be a suitable alternative for those who cannot take NSAIDs due to medical reasons.

Always follow the recommended dosage instructions and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about taking over-the-counter medications.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Body Aches and Fever

While most cases of body aches and fever resolve on their own with home care, there are instances where professional medical attention is necessary. How can you determine when it’s time to see a doctor?

Duration of Symptoms

If your body aches and fever persist for more than 3-5 days without improvement, it’s advisable to consult your primary care physician. Prolonged symptoms could indicate a more severe underlying condition that requires medical intervention.

Severe or Unusual Symptoms

Certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Seek help if your body aches:

• Appear after a tick bite
• Are accompanied by severe redness or swelling
• Occur alongside an unexplained rash
• Are associated with difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Come with severe headache or neck stiffness

Chronic or Recurrent Body Aches

If you frequently experience body aches without an apparent cause or accompanying fever, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. These symptoms could be indicative of an underlying medical condition, such as an autoimmune disorder or fibromyalgia, that requires proper diagnosis and management.

Prevention Strategies for Body Aches and Fever

While it’s not always possible to avoid illness entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing body aches and fever. What are some effective prevention strategies?

Boost Your Immune System

A strong immune system is your first line of defense against infections that cause body aches and fever. To support your immune health:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Get regular exercise
• Ensure adequate sleep
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices
• Consider taking vitamin supplements, particularly vitamin C and D, after consulting with your doctor

Practice Good Hygiene

Many illnesses that cause body aches and fever are transmitted through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. To minimize your risk:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available
• Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home and workplace

Get Vaccinated

Vaccinations can provide protection against many illnesses that cause body aches and fever. Stay up to date with recommended vaccines, including:

• Annual flu shot
• COVID-19 vaccine and boosters as recommended
• Other vaccines as advised by your healthcare provider based on your age, health status, and risk factors

Understanding Different Types of Fever

Not all fevers are created equal, and understanding the different types can help you better assess your condition and determine the appropriate course of action. What are the main categories of fever?

Low-Grade Fever

A low-grade fever typically refers to a body temperature between 99.5°F (37.5°C) and 100.3°F (38°C). While it can be uncomfortable, a low-grade fever is often a sign that your body is effectively fighting an infection. In many cases, rest and home remedies are sufficient for managing a low-grade fever.

Moderate Fever

A moderate fever ranges from 100.4°F (38°C) to 103°F (39.4°C). At this level, you’re likely to experience more pronounced symptoms, including increased body aches. While still manageable at home in most cases, a moderate fever may require more aggressive treatment with over-the-counter medications.

High Fever

A high fever is generally considered to be 103°F (39.4°C) or above. This level of fever can be more serious and may require medical attention, especially if it persists or is accompanied by severe symptoms. High fevers can lead to complications such as dehydration and, in rare cases, febrile seizures in children.

It’s important to note that fever thresholds can vary slightly depending on age, overall health, and the method of temperature measurement. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you’re unsure about the severity of your fever or if you have concerns about your symptoms.

The Role of Nutrition in Managing Body Aches and Fever

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting your body’s immune function and helping you recover from illness. How can you use diet to your advantage when dealing with body aches and fever?

Foods to Embrace

When you’re feeling under the weather, certain foods can help alleviate symptoms and support your immune system:

• Bone broth: Rich in minerals and easy to digest
• Garlic: Contains compounds with antimicrobial properties
• Ginger: May help reduce inflammation and ease nausea
• Citrus fruits: High in vitamin C, which supports immune function
• Leafy greens: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants
• Yogurt: Contains probiotics that support gut health and immunity

Foods to Avoid

Conversely, some foods may exacerbate symptoms or hinder your recovery:

• Processed foods: Often lack essential nutrients and may increase inflammation
• Sugary foods and drinks: Can suppress immune function
• Alcohol: May interfere with sleep and hydration
• Caffeine: Can disrupt sleep and potentially lead to dehydration

Remember, even if your appetite is reduced, try to eat small, nutritious meals or snacks to provide your body with the energy it needs to fight infection and recover.

Why your whole body aches when you’re sick (and what you can do about it)

Coming down with a cold, virus or the flu is never fun. But sometimes you can push through if the symptoms aren’t too bad. Have a sore throat? Gargle. Feeling congested? Take a steam shower. Mild fever? Take fever-reducing medicine. It’s bearable, though not ideal.

But once full-body aches set in (often accompanied by a fever), you may quickly find yourself out of commission. Unlike the muscle aches that can come on after one too many squats, body aches from an illness tend to cause dull pain and discomfort everywhere.

The good news is you can find some relief from full-body aches right in the comfort of your home. Here’s what you need to know:

What causes body aches when you’re sick?

When you have the flu, a common cold, a virus or a bacterial infection, your immune system jumps into action. It reacts by releasing white blood cells to fight off the infection. The reaction causes inflammation, which can leave your muscles feeling achy.

The good news is that your achiness is a sign that your body is fighting off the illness. But the harder your body works, the more severely the body might ache.

Full-body aches are also often accompanied by other symptoms including:

• Fever
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Shivering or body temperature changes
• Cold and flu-like symptoms

What helps body aches

The best way to diminish full-body aches is to treat the underlying cause of the aching. But as you’re waiting for treatment to kick in — or just waiting for a virus to run its course — try to:

Stay hydrated

Some symptoms of cold and flu — such as sweating, vomiting and diarrhea — can leave you dehydrated. But water is essential to your body’s normal functioning and its ability to fight infection. Drink plenty of water, broth, tea or electrolyte drinks. Soup is also a great way to stay hydrated, especially if you are struggling to eat solid foods.

Use heat to relax your muscles

Heat can loosen muscles and provide relief from body aches. If you don’t have a severe fever, a warm bath or shower can be relaxing. But avoid making the temperature too hot — keep the water just above lukewarm to maintain your body temperature. Heating pads or blankets can also offer some comfort, but avoid excessive heat and don’t use them if there is a chance you may fall asleep.

Regulate your body temperature

Full-body aches often go hand-in-hand with a fever. As a higher body temperature causes you to shiver, your muscles tense up and may begin to ache. To regulate your body temperature, reach for fever-reducing pain medicine, take a cool bath and use only a thin blanket or sheet.

Rest

Research shows that the immune system and sleep are closely connected. Sleep strengthens the body’s defense system. And when the body is fighting infection, it craves more sleep. The problem is that when you are sick, other symptoms often make it hard to sleep soundly. Try to rest as much as possible — it will relax your muscles and speed up the healing process.

Take over-the-counter pain medication

Common pain relievers may help you feel better but be sure to choose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. NSAIDs have anti-inflammatory properties and block the body’s production of inflammation-causing chemicals. As a bonus, NSAIDs also help reduce fever to regulate body temperature.

When to see your doctor about full-body aches

Body aches from a viral illness typically clear up in a couple of days and improve with home remedies. But if your body aches haven’t gotten better after 3-5 days, check in with your primary care physician (PCP).

See a doctor sooner if your body aches:

• Appear after a tick bite
• Accompany severe redness or swelling
• Occur with a rash

If you don’t have a fever or other symptoms, and you experience body aches often or for prolonged periods of time, make an appointment with your PCP. It could be a sign of a drug reaction or a more severe and chronic underlying medical condition, such as an autoimmune disease.

If you have body aches that aren’t improving, reach out to your primary care physician.

Low Grade Fever and Body Aches

April 8, 2016

A low grade fever and body aches are common signs of influenza, or the flu. Headache and fatigue often accompany a fever and body aches, especially if one is suffering from the flu.

The best way to avoid fever, body aches and other flu symptoms is to get the flu shot. This is especially true for children, the elderly, and anyone with a compromised immune system.

The Flu Can Cause Body Aches and Fever

A fever is typically a sign that the body is fighting infection. A fever is typically considered “low grade” if it is between 99.9 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit. However, fever in children and particularly infants should be watched carefully. A newborn with a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit needs emergency medical attention.

When you have a viral infection like the flu, your body diverts white blood cells to fight the infection. Those white blood cells are normally assigned to keep your joints and muscles in optimal working order. When they get called away, you develop body aches.

Unfortunately, if you have the flu, you are probably contagious. Most adults become contagious a day before symptoms start and remain contagious for up to seven days. Children sometimes are contagious for longer periods.

Treatment for Flu-Like Symptoms

Common at-home treatments for a low grade fever and body aches include:

• Rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Take over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen or aspirin.

Get Fast Relief for Low Grade Fever and Body Aches

FastMed Urgent Care is available when you need us, and you don’t need to wait for an appointment. We have locations open 365 days a year, and our medical professionals can help diagnose and treat your low grade fever and body aches.

Check out our Health Resources Center for more answers to your health questions. When you are ready to get relief for your flu-like symptoms, contact us or simply walk into your local FastMed Urgent Care.

See what satisfied patients like Kim R. have to say about their experience with FastMed Urgent Care:

“Being sick stinks, but my experience at the urgent care clinic was top notch. ALL of the staff were kind, helpful, and good listeners. The medical center was much more attractive than the typical walk-in clinic and the service was amazing. If I had to feel bad enough to see a family doctor, at least I was fortunate to have a clinic like this one nearby. Thank you!!!”

———-
Sources:
EMedicine Health: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/fever_in_adults/article_em.htm
Everyday Health: https://www.everydayhealth.com/symptom-checker/fever
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/basics/symptoms

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Breaks the body at a temperature, what to do?

The cause of pain in muscles, joints and bones during fever often lies in intoxication, that is, poisoning of the body ¹ . As “poisons” are bacterial toxins, products of inflammation and decay of tissues in the affected areas, substances that appear in the body due to metabolic disorders against the background of the disease ¹ . At the same time, the severity of symptoms of intoxication primarily depends on the type of infectious agent and the body’s ability to resist it ¹ .

Infectious diseases are more commonly caused by:

• viruses, such as influenza, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, hepatitis viruses, infectious mononucleosis, measles, varicella, and others;
• bacteria: staphylococcus, streptococcus, salmonella, tubercle bacillus, etc.;
• protozoa: amoeba and giardia;
• mushrooms ² .

The vast majority of all infections are acute respiratory viral diseases ^2.3 . Their pathogens can be:

• influenza viruses – about 15% of cases;
• parainfluenza – up to 50%;
• adenoviruses – up to 5%,
• respiratory syncytial virus – about 4%;
• enteroviruses – 1%;
• viral associations – about 23%;
• other viruses ⁴ .

All of these viruses can infect the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. They penetrate the epithelial cells of the nasal cavity and pharynx, causing local inflammation and death of these cells ^3.4 . Absorption into the bloodstream of inflammation and decay products leads to the development of an intoxication syndrome, accompanied by body aches and fever, weakness, headache and other symptoms ^3.4 .

Intoxication is most pronounced in influenza ^4.5 . Its appearance precedes the symptoms of respiratory tract damage.

• Body temperature rises to 39-40 °C ⁴ chills occur.
• Starts to have a headache in the forehead and temples.
• Sudden sounds and movements aggravate headache.
• There is pain and pain in the eyes, aggravated by the movement of the eyeballs and pressure on them.
• Eyes become red and watery.
• Aches and pains in muscles and joints.
• Acute weakness and lethargy seizes the whole body ⁵ .

According to statistics, muscle pains accompany influenza in 40% of cases. Muscle weakness occurs in 87% of patients ⁴ .

Additional manifestations of intoxication may be vomiting, sometimes occurring in children, dizziness and fainting, which are more common in adolescents and elderly patients. Possible sleep disturbance in the form of insomnia ⁵ .

The manifestations of SARS caused by other respiratory viruses (not the influenza virus) are similar to each other ⁴ . According to the severity of the intoxication syndrome, these diseases are an order of magnitude inferior to influenza ⁴ .

So, rhinovirus infection , although it begins acutely, with sneezing and the appearance of copious watery discharge from the nose, is almost never accompanied by body aches and fever – the temperature rarely rises to 38 ° C, and sometimes even remains normal ⁴ .

With parainfluenza from the first day, sore throat, dry hacking cough, hoarseness are disturbed, and manifestations of intoxication are limited to a rise in temperature to 37.5 ° C, mild weakness and headache ⁴ .

Adenovirus infection is characterized by high and prolonged fever, runny nose, conjunctivitis, sore throat associated with damage to the pharyngeal tonsils, swollen lymph nodes. However, despite the impressive set of symptoms and high temperature, the muscles and joints do not hurt – some weakness and heaviness in the head are possible ⁴ .

Respiratory syncytial infection also occurs with moderate intoxication: weakness, lethargy, headache, discomfort in the muscles of the body – but the resulting discomfort is not comparable to what happens with the flu. Along with the intoxication syndrome, there is a cough with shortness of breath, wheezing and viscous sputum ⁴ .

Fever and chills – features of the course

High fever accompanied by chills is often a symptom of influenza or SARS

High body temperature accompanied by chills is a symptom of influenza or SARS ^1.2 and helps to identify this disease.

Features of the course

Bacterial and viral infections, such as influenza or SARS, may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever and chills. ^1.2

An increase in body temperature is part of the body’s defense response to an active infection. ³ The anterior hypothalamus in the brain increases body temperature ⁴ up to 38°C or more, which gives the effect that we perceive as a fever. ⁵

Fever should not be confused with hyperthermia, which occurs when the body generates more heat than it can dissipate. ³ Hyperthermia is most often the result of wearing excess clothing that is inappropriate in hot weather or high humidity, or after strenuous physical activity. ⁴

Chill manifests itself in the form of rapid muscle contraction and relaxation, visually perceived as a shiver. Chills are often observed before the onset of fever. ²

• Questions you can ask your patient

  Ask the patient the following questions: ⁶

  • What are the main and accompanying symptoms?
  • What are the characteristics of these symptoms?
  • What was the treatment for fever and chills?
  • Have you ever had a fever and chills?
  • When did the problem occur?
  • What makes fever/chills worse and what makes them better?
  • Do you have other diseases? Are you taking other medications?

• The patient should be referred to a doctor for medical attention in the following cases

  The patient should be referred to a physician immediately if the pharmacy staff or caregiver observes the following:

  • Paleness; patchy skin lesions; skin, lips or tongue turned blue or ashy
  • No response to social cues
  • Patient has difficulty walking or staying awake
  • Decreased activity
  • Signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome such as nasal flaring, increased respiratory rate, wheezing in the chest, groaning and moderate or severe chest retraction
  • Palpitations
  • Reduced skin turgor
  • Body temperature above 39°C in children aged 3-6 months or body temperature above 38°C in children <3 months of age ⁷
  • Fever with rash
  • Flu-like symptoms that improve but then recur with fever and worse cough ⁸

Etiology

Learn about the causes of fever and chills.