What are the symptoms of stomach flu. How long does stomach flu typically last. What are effective home remedies for stomach flu. How can you differentiate stomach flu from food poisoning. Why is hydration crucial when dealing with stomach flu. What foods should you eat and avoid during stomach flu. How can you prevent the spread of stomach flu.

Understanding Stomach Flu: Causes and Symptoms

Gastroenteritis, commonly known as “stomach flu,” is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its name, it’s not related to influenza. Instead, it’s caused by various viruses, bacteria, or parasites that inflame the gastrointestinal tract.

The primary culprits behind stomach flu include:

• Norovirus (responsible for over 50% of cases)
• Rotavirus
• Salmonella
• E. coli

Recognizing the symptoms of stomach flu is crucial for prompt treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Low-grade fever
• Chills
• Muscle aches

These symptoms can appear as soon as 12 hours after exposure to the pathogen. The duration of stomach flu varies, ranging from one to 14 days, depending on the causative agent and individual factors.

The Contagious Nature of Stomach Flu: Understanding Transmission

Stomach flu is highly contagious, spreading through the fecal-oral route. This means that viruses from infected feces or vomit find their way into our bodies through contaminated surfaces, food, or water. Noroviruses, in particular, can survive on household surfaces for days, making them especially prone to spread.

To minimize the risk of transmission, consider these preventive measures:

1. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before handling food
2. Disinfect contaminated surfaces thoroughly
3. Avoid sharing personal items like towels or utensils with infected individuals
4. Stay home when sick to prevent spreading the virus to others

Differentiating Stomach Flu from Food Poisoning and COVID-19

Given the similarity in symptoms, it’s often challenging to distinguish stomach flu from food poisoning or even COVID-19. However, understanding the subtle differences can help in determining the appropriate course of action.

Stomach Flu vs. Food Poisoning

While both conditions share symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort, the onset of symptoms can provide a clue:

• Food poisoning symptoms typically appear within hours of consuming contaminated food
• Stomach flu symptoms may take longer to manifest

If others who shared the same meal are experiencing similar symptoms, food poisoning is more likely. If you’re the only one affected, a viral illness like stomach flu is the probable cause.

Stomach Flu vs. COVID-19

Approximately 20% of COVID-19 patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, these symptoms are usually accompanied by or followed by respiratory symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Headache
• Cough
• Fatigue

If you notice a progression from gastrointestinal to respiratory symptoms, consult your healthcare provider about COVID-19 testing.

Effective Home Remedies for Treating Stomach Flu

While there’s no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis, several self-care steps can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery:

1. Maintain Proper Hydration

Hydration is crucial when battling stomach flu. What fluids are best for stomach flu patients? Water is always a good choice, but other options include:

• Sports drinks (for older children and adults)
• Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte (for babies and young children)

For children experiencing vomiting, offer small amounts of fluid frequently. Breastfeeding babies can continue to nurse. Avoid sugary drinks like juices or sodas, as they can exacerbate diarrhea.

2. Choose the Right Foods

When appetite returns, gradually introduce easily digestible foods. What should you eat when recovering from stomach flu?

• Boiled starches (potatoes, noodles, rice, wheat, oats)
• Plain cereals with salt
• Crackers
• Bananas
• Soup
• Boiled vegetables

3. Avoid Certain Foods

Some foods can irritate your digestive system and slow recovery. What foods should you avoid during stomach flu?

• Dairy products
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Nicotine
• Fatty or highly-seasoned foods

4. Get Adequate Rest

The illness and potential dehydration can cause fatigue. Ensure you get plenty of rest to support your body’s recovery process.

Medications for Stomach Flu: When and What to Use

While medications aren’t always necessary for stomach flu, they can provide relief in certain situations. Can over-the-counter medications help with stomach flu symptoms?

For adults under 65 with diarrhea but no fever or blood in stools, the following medications may be helpful:

• Loperamide (Imodium)
• Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

These medications should only be used for 1-2 days and only if you’re not allergic to them. Children and adults over 65 should consult a healthcare provider before taking any medications for stomach flu.

Preventing the Spread of Stomach Flu

Given the highly contagious nature of stomach flu, prevention is key. How can you protect yourself and others from stomach flu?

1. Practice good hand hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food
2. Clean and disinfect surfaces: Pay special attention to high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops
3. Handle and prepare food safely: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, cook foods to proper temperatures, and avoid cross-contamination
4. Stay home when sick: If you’re experiencing symptoms, avoid public places and close contact with others
5. Wash contaminated clothing and linens: Use hot water and detergent to clean items that may have come into contact with vomit or feces

When to Seek Medical Attention for Stomach Flu

While most cases of stomach flu resolve on their own, certain situations warrant medical attention. When should you see a doctor for stomach flu?

• Persistent vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down
• Signs of severe dehydration (dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness)
• Bloody stools or severe abdominal pain
• Fever above 102°F (39°C)
• Symptoms lasting more than a few days without improvement

For infants and young children, be especially vigilant. Seek immediate medical care if your child:

• Has a high fever
• Appears lethargic or very irritable
• Shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears when crying, no wet diapers for 3 hours or more)

Long-Term Health Impacts of Recurrent Stomach Flu

While most people recover fully from stomach flu without complications, frequent bouts can have long-term health implications. What are the potential long-term effects of recurrent stomach flu?

• Chronic digestive issues: Repeated inflammation of the gut can lead to persistent digestive problems
• Weakened immune system: Frequent infections may strain the immune system
• Nutritional deficiencies: Prolonged periods of vomiting and diarrhea can lead to malabsorption of nutrients
• Increased susceptibility to other infections: A compromised gut microbiome may make you more vulnerable to other pathogens

To mitigate these risks, focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management. If you experience recurrent stomach flu, consult with a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions.

The Role of Probiotics in Stomach Flu Recovery and Prevention

Probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support gut health, may play a role in both recovering from and preventing stomach flu. How can probiotics help with stomach flu?

• Restoring gut balance: Probiotics can help replenish beneficial bacteria lost during illness
• Enhancing immune function: Certain probiotic strains may boost the immune system’s ability to fight pathogens
• Reducing symptom duration: Some studies suggest probiotics may shorten the duration of diarrhea associated with stomach flu
• Preventing future infections: Regular probiotic consumption may reduce the risk of contracting stomach flu

Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi. Probiotic supplements are also available, but consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially when recovering from illness.

The Impact of Climate Change on Stomach Flu Prevalence

Emerging research suggests that climate change may influence the prevalence and spread of stomach flu. How does climate change affect stomach flu rates?

• Increased flooding: Climate-related flooding can contaminate water sources, leading to more waterborne infections
• Temperature changes: Some pathogens thrive in warmer temperatures, potentially extending their geographical range and survival
• Altered precipitation patterns: Changes in rainfall can affect water availability and quality, impacting sanitation and hygiene practices
• Population displacement: Climate-induced migration can lead to overcrowding and poor living conditions, facilitating disease spread

These factors underscore the importance of global efforts to address climate change, not only for environmental reasons but also for public health. On an individual level, staying informed about local water quality and maintaining good hygiene practices becomes increasingly crucial.

Innovative Technologies in Stomach Flu Prevention and Treatment

As medical science advances, new technologies are emerging to combat stomach flu. What innovative approaches are being developed for stomach flu prevention and treatment?

• Improved vaccines: Researchers are working on more effective vaccines against common stomach flu pathogens, including norovirus
• Rapid diagnostic tools: New point-of-care tests can quickly identify the specific pathogen causing stomach flu, enabling more targeted treatment
• Antimicrobial surfaces: Development of materials with built-in antimicrobial properties could reduce surface contamination in public spaces
• AI-powered outbreak prediction: Artificial intelligence algorithms are being used to predict and track stomach flu outbreaks, allowing for proactive public health measures
• Personalized probiotics: Tailored probiotic formulations based on individual gut microbiome profiles may offer more effective prevention and treatment

While many of these technologies are still in development, they offer promising avenues for improving stomach flu management in the future. As always, consult with healthcare professionals for the most up-to-date and personalized advice on preventing and treating stomach flu.

Have the Stomach Flu? 4 Ways to Treat Symptoms at Home

There’s almost nothing worse than being bent over a toilet throwing up. And, sadly, it can be hard to know what caused you to be there in the first place. Kelli Miller, ANP, UnityPoint Health, lists the symptoms of the stomach flu and how long it lasts, plus ways to feel better, so you can get out of the bathroom and get back to normal.

Stomach Flu Symptoms

Miller says it’s easy to get confused about the difference between influenza, or “the flu,” and gastroenteritis, better known as “the stomach flu.” The stomach flu is caused by a number of viruses, mainly norovirus, which accounts for more than 50 percent of all cases, and others, like rotavirus. Bacteria, such salmonella and E. coli, can also be to blame. Getting the flu shot does not prevent you from getting the stomach flu, but it does prevent you from getting influenza.

“Stomach flu symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea,” Miller says. “A low-grade fever, chills and muscle aches aren’t uncommon to experience as well. Symptoms can start as little as 12 hours after exposure.”

These symptoms can last anywhere from one to 14 days, and unfortunately, the stomach flu is extremely contagious.

“The stomach flu is spread by the fecal-oral route, which means the viruses from infected feces or vomit find their way into our mouths from either touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face or eating/drinking contaminated foods and/or water. Compared to other viruses, noroviruses can live for days on household surfaces, which is why they spread easily,” Miller says.

Stomach Flu vs. Food Poisoning

Miller says the clinical symptoms of the stomach flu and food poisoning overlap quite a bit, as you can have vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and fever with either one. She says the easiest way to determine the cause of your discomfort is to look back at your recent history.

“If your symptoms are caused by food poisoning, they tend to occur within hours after eating something. If you can recall eating something questionable, or if others who ate the same thing as you and have similar symptoms, you probably have food poisoning. If you are the only one who got sick, you more than likely picked up a viral illness,” Miller says. 

Stomach Flu vs. COVID-19

To make matters even more confusing, some people with COVID-19 (about 20% according to studies) experience stomach issues including nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Most people with those symptoms usually report developing them in the first couple of days and then go on to experience other respiratory or cold-like symptoms like fever, headache, cough and fatigue.

If you experience nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, keep an eye out for other symptoms that may follow. If you notice a progression in the illness, talk with your doctor about getting tested for COVID-19. Remember, if you’re feeling sick, stay home and continue to wash your hands frequently.

How to Treat the Stomach Flu at Home

Miller says there’s often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics aren’t effective against viruses and overusing them can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. She recommends treating the stomach flu with the following self-care steps:

• Keep drinking the right fluids. You’ll need to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. In addition to water, older children and adults can drink sports drinks, like Gatorade, Power Aid, while babies and young children can have an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte. If your child is vomiting, you can try to give your child a few teaspoons of fluid every few minutes. Babies who breastfeed can continue to breastfeed. But, you should avoid drinks with increased sugar content, such as juices or sodas, which can make diarrhea worse.
• Eat the right foods. If you don’t have an appetite, you should resort to drinking only liquids for a short period of time. Boiled starches (potatoes, noodles, rice, wheat and oats) and plain cereals with salt are recommended, if you have watery diarrhea. You may also try crackers, bananas, soup and boiled vegetables.
• Avoid heavy foods. On the other hand, you should avoid certain foods until you are feeling better. These include dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and fatty or highly-seasoned foods.
• Get plenty of rest. The illness or dehydration can make you feel tired.

“Adults under 65 years old with a new bout of diarrhea, with no fever or blood in bowel movements, can take medicine to stop diarrhea, such as loparmide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicyclate (Pepto Bismal) for one to two days, if they’re not allergic to these medications. Children and adults over the age of 65 should check with their health care provider before taking any over-the-counter medicines,” Miller says.

As contagious as it is, keeping your family from catching the stomach flu can be tricky. Miller offers these tips to protect against the viral infections that cause gastroenteritis:

• Immunize little ones. Infants can be immunized with the rotavirus vaccine. This is offered at 2, 4 and 6 months old during well-child visits.
• Simply wash your hands. Wash your hands often to stop the spread of germs. Hand sanitizer works after being in public as well.
• Give your home the once-over. Use household cleaning products to disinfect surfaces and objects, like countertops, doorknobs, handles, sinks, toilets, computer keyboards and phones.
• Separate your laundry loads. Wash laundry of those recovering from the stomach flu in different loads than the rest of your family.
• Keep your distance. Try to keep your children, especially newborns, away from anyone who is sick. If someone in your family is sick, stay home and do not go to work, school or day care. You should be symptom-free for 48 hours before returning.

When the Stomach Flu Requires a Doctor

While most stomach illnesses pass on their own, there are cases when medical attention is necessary. Miller recommends watching for signs of severe dehydration:

• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Confusion
• Increased heart rate over 100 beats per minute
• Increased breathing rate
• Dizziness, including when standing from a sitting or laying position
• Passing out
• Fatigue
• Dark yellow or amber colored urine
• No urination within the past six to eight hours (during the day)

In addition to severe dehydration, Miller also says the following are causes for concern, and if you experience these, contact your provider:

• Bloody stool/rectal bleeding or blood in vomit
• Vomiting for more than 24 hours
• Fever greater than 104 degrees
• Weight loss
• Severe abdominal pain
• Prolonged symptoms lasting more than a week
• Are currently pregnant

Lastly, call your baby’s doctor right away if your baby:

• Has vomiting lasting several hours
• Hasn’t had a wet diaper in six hours
• Has bloody stools or severe diarrhea
• Has a sunken soft spot (fontanel) on the top of his or her head
• Has a dry mouth or cries without tears
• Is unusually sleepy, drowsy or unresponsive

If any of these symptoms are present, evaluation by a health care professional is needed right away, and IV hydration may need to be administered or possible admission to the hospital.

Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection that includes signs and symptoms such as watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever.

The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis — often called stomach flu — is through contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or water. If you’re otherwise healthy, you’ll likely recover without complications. But for infants, older adults and people with compromised immune systems, viral gastroenteritis can be deadly.

There’s no effective treatment for viral gastroenteritis, so prevention is key. Avoid food and water that may be contaminated and wash your hands thoroughly and often.

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Symptoms

Although it’s commonly called stomach flu, gastroenteritis isn’t the same as influenza. The flu (influenza) affects only your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms such as:

• Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection
• Nausea, vomiting or both
• Stomach cramps and pain
• Occasional muscle aches or headache
• Low-grade fever

Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis symptoms may appear within 1-3 days after you’re infected and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may last up to 14 days.

Because the symptoms are similar, it’s easy to confuse viral diarrhea with diarrhea caused by bacteria, such as Clostridioides difficile, salmonella and Escherichia coli, or parasites, such as giardia.

Viral gastroenteritis

The stomach, small intestine and large intestine (colon) are part of your digestive tract, which processes the foods you eat. Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation of these organs caused by a virus.

When to see a doctor

If you’re an adult, call your health care provider if:

• You’re not able to keep liquids down for 24 hours
• You’ve been vomiting or having diarrhea for more than two days
• You’re vomiting blood
• You’re dehydrated — signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine or little or no urine, and severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness
• You notice blood in your bowel movements
• You have severe stomach pain
• You have a fever above 104 F (40 C)

For infants and children

See your child’s health care provider right away if your child:

• Has a fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher
• Seems tired or very irritable
• Is in a lot of discomfort or pain
• Has bloody diarrhea
• Seems dehydrated — watch for signs of dehydration in sick infants and children by comparing how much they drink and urinate with how much is normal for them, and watching for signs such as a dry mouth, thirst and crying without tears

If you have an infant, remember that while spitting up may be an everyday occurrence for your baby, vomiting is not. Babies vomit for a variety of reasons, many of which may require medical attention.

Call your baby’s doctor right away if your baby:

• Has vomiting that is frequent
• Hasn’t had a wet diaper in six hours
• Has bloody stools or severe diarrhea
• Has a sunken soft spot (fontanel) on the top of his or her head
• Has a dry mouth or cries without tears
• Is unusually sleepy, drowsy or unresponsive

Causes

You’re most likely to get viral gastroenteritis when you eat or drink contaminated food or water. You may also be likely to get gastroenteritis if you share utensils, towels or food with someone who has one of the viruses that cause the condition.

Many viruses can cause gastroenteritis, including:

• Noroviruses. Both children and adults are affected by noroviruses, the most common cause of foodborne illness worldwide. Norovirus infection can sweep through families and communities. It’s especially likely to spread among people in confined spaces.

  In most cases, you pick up the virus from contaminated food or water. But it can also spread between people who are in close contact or who share food. You can also get the virus by touching a surface that’s been contaminated with norovirus and then touching your mouth.

• Rotavirus. Worldwide, this is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in children, who are usually infected when they put their fingers or other objects contaminated with the virus into their mouths. It can also spread through contaminated food. The infection is most severe in infants and young children.

  Adults infected with rotavirus may not have symptoms, but can still spread the illness. This is of particular concern in institutional settings such as nursing homes because adults with the virus unknowingly can pass the virus to others. A vaccine against viral gastroenteritis is available in some countries, including the United States, and appears to be effective in preventing the infection.

Some shellfish, especially raw or undercooked oysters, also can make you sick. Contaminated drinking water is a cause of viral diarrhea. But in many cases the virus is passed when someone with a virus handles food you eat without washing his or her hands after using the toilet.

Risk factors

Gastroenteritis occurs all over the world and can affect people of all ages.

People who may be more susceptible to gastroenteritis include:

• Young children. Children in child care centers or elementary schools may be especially vulnerable because it takes time for a child’s immune system to mature.
• Older adults. Adult immune systems tend to become less efficient later in life. Older adults in nursing homes are vulnerable because their immune systems weaken. They also live in close contact with others who may pass along germs.
• Schoolchildren or dormitory residents. Anywhere that groups of people come together in close quarters can be an environment for an intestinal infection to get passed.
• Anyone with a weakened immune system. If your resistance to infection is low — for instance, if your immune system is compromised by HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy or another medical condition — you may be especially at risk.

Each gastrointestinal virus has a season when it’s most active. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, for instance, you’re more likely to have rotavirus or norovirus infections in the winter and spring.

Complications

The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration — a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals. If you’re healthy and drink enough to replace fluids you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration shouldn’t be a problem.

Infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems may become severely dehydrated when they lose more fluids than they can replace. Hospitalization might be needed so that lost fluids can be replaced through an IV in their arms. Dehydration can rarely lead to death.

Prevention

The best way to prevent the spread of intestinal infections is to follow these precautions:

• Get your child vaccinated. A vaccine against gastroenteritis caused by the rotavirus is available in some countries, including the United States. Given to children in the first year of life, the vaccine appears to be effective in preventing severe symptoms of this illness.

• Wash your hands thoroughly. And make sure your children do, too. If your children are older, teach them to wash their hands, especially after using the toilet.

  Wash your hands after changing diapers and before preparing or eating food, too. It’s best to use warm water and soap and to rub hands well for at least 20 seconds. Wash around cuticles, beneath fingernails and in the creases of the hands. Then rinse thoroughly. Carry sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer for times when soap and water aren’t available.

• Use separate personal items around your home. Avoid sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses and plates. Use separate towels in the bathroom.
• Prepare food safely. Wash all your fruits and vegetables before eating them. Clean kitchen surfaces before preparing food on them. Avoid preparing food if you’re sick.
• Keep your distance. Avoid close contact with anyone who has the virus, if possible.
• Disinfect hard surfaces. If someone in your home has viral gastroenteritis, disinfect hard surfaces, such as counters, faucets and doorknobs, with a mixture of 5-25 tablespoons (73 to 369 milliliters) of household bleach to 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water.
• Avoid touching laundry that may have been exposed to a virus. If someone in your home has viral gastroenteritis, wear gloves while touching laundry. Wash clothing and bedding in hot water and dry them on the hottest setting. Wash your hands well after touching laundry.
• Check out your child care center. Make sure the center has separate rooms for changing diapers and preparing or serving food. The room with the diaper-changing table should have a sink as well as a sanitary way to dispose of diapers.

Take precautions when traveling

When you’re traveling in other countries, you can become sick from contaminated food or water. You may be able to reduce your risk by following these tips:

• Drink only well-sealed bottled or carbonated water.
• Avoid ice cubes because they may be made from contaminated water.
• Use bottled water to brush your teeth.
• Avoid raw food — including peeled fruits, raw vegetables and salads — that has been touched by human hands.
• Avoid undercooked meat and fish.

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Prolonged subfebrile condition – causes of the disease, which doctor treats, diagnosis, prevention and treatment

Description

Prolonged subfebrile condition describes a condition when a person’s body temperature is kept below 38 ° C, but at the same time above the norm (about 36. 6 ° C) over a long period of time, usually several weeks or months. Usually, subfebrile temperature can be noted during the day, especially in the evening, when it can rise to 37.2-37.5°C.

This condition may be accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, weight loss, sweating and weakness. Although prolonged subfebrile condition is not necessarily a sign of any serious illness, it may indicate the presence of an underlying inflammatory process or other disease.

Possible causes of prolonged low-grade fever include: infections (eg, tuberculosis), diseases of the immune system (eg, rheumatoid arthritis), cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases (eg, Crohn’s disease), and stress and depression.

If you have a prolonged low-grade fever, it is recommended to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The doctor may recommend various tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, and others, to identify the cause of the condition and determine the necessary treatment.

Why is prolonged low-grade fever dangerous? The cause of this condition can be serious, and if it is not detected and treated in time, various complications can occur, depending on the cause.

For example, if prolonged low-grade fever is caused by an infection, it can progress to more serious consequences such as sepsis or complications of the lungs, liver, or kidneys.

If the cause is a disease of the immune system, destruction of tissues and organs can occur, leading to complications of the corresponding disease.

Also, prolonged low-grade fever can be associated with stress and depression, which in turn can lead to other health problems, including cardiovascular disease and diseases of the digestive system.

Therefore, if you have prolonged low-grade fever, it is recommended that you see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment in order to rule out serious causes and prevent possible complications.

Physiological causes of prolonged subfebrile condition

Physiological causes of prolonged subfebrile condition may include:

1. Periods of increased activity of the immune system, such as inflammation or tumor growth. In this case, subfebrile temperature can be caused by an increase in the production of cytokines, proteins that are involved in the regulation of the immune system and inflammatory processes.

2. Menstrual cycle. In women, low-grade fever may occur before and during menstruation due to changes in hormone levels.

3. Physical activity. With active training or heavy physical exertion, subfebrile temperature may be observed.

4. Elevated ambient temperature. In hot weather or high humidity, body temperature may be slightly elevated.

5. Early morning. For most people, body temperature can be slightly below normal in the early morning.

Although the physiological causes of prolonged low-grade fever may be harmless, if you notice such changes in body temperature, you should consult a doctor to rule out serious causes and complications.

Pathological causes of prolonged subfebrile condition

Pathological causes of prolonged subfebrile condition may be associated with various diseases and conditions, including:

1. Chronic infections such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, cytomegalovirus infection, etc.

2. Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.

3. Various types of tumors, including lymphoma, leukemia, lung cancer, etc.

4. Chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis.

5. Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism.

6. Autoimmune diseases such as adult Still’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis, etc.

7. Chronic bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, etc.

8. Hematopoietic disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome, etc.

9. Metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism.

10. Other diseases and conditions such as diseases of the nervous system, systemic diseases of the connective tissue, etc.

In any case, if you have a prolonged subfebrile condition, you need to see a doctor who can conduct an examination and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Accompanying symptoms

Accompanying symptoms of prolonged subfebrile condition depend on the cause of this condition. In general, in addition to elevated body temperature (usually up to 37.2-38 °C), the following symptoms may be observed:

1. Fatigue and weakness

2. Headache

3. Pain in muscles and joints

4. Loss of appetite

5. Weight Loss

6. Insomnia or excessive sleepiness

7. Sore throat

8. Cough

9. Nasal congestion

10. Digestive disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.

If prolonged low-grade fever is associated with a chronic disease, specific symptoms characteristic of this disease may also be present. For example, with hepatitis, there may be jaundice and pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, and with systemic lupus erythematosus, skin rashes and lesions of internal organs.

If you have prolonged low-grade fever with any additional symptoms, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

What are the scenarios

Prolonged subfebrile condition can have different scenarios depending on its causes.

1. Improved condition. If prolonged subfebrile condition is due to physiological causes, for example, fatigue or stress, then after the elimination of their effects, an improvement in the condition may occur. Also, if the infection has been treated adequately, the patient may also experience improvement.

2. Status continuation. If prolonged low-grade fever is associated with a chronic disease, then this condition can continue for a long time. In this case, the patient may be offered treatment for the underlying disease and measures to reduce the temperature.

3. Development of complications. If prolonged subfebrile condition is caused by an infection, then complications may develop, such as sepsis or meningitis. Therefore, with prolonged subfebrile condition, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor to identify the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

4. Development of new symptoms. Some diseases that can cause prolonged low-grade fever may lead to the development of new symptoms or complications over time. Therefore, it is important to monitor your condition and seek medical attention in a timely manner if new symptoms occur or existing ones worsen.

What diseases can cause prolonged subfebrile condition

Prolonged subfebrile condition can be associated with various diseases, including:

1. Chronic infections such as tuberculosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, malaria, hepatitis and others.

2. Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory myopathy, and others.

3. Oncological diseases, including lymphoma, leukemia, sarcoma and others.

4. Chronic bowel diseases such as gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, ulcerative colitis.

5. Hormonal disorders, eg hypothyroidism.

6. Chronic liver disease, eg cirrhosis of the liver.

7. Rheumatic diseases, eg rheumatic fever.

8. Other chronic diseases such as chronic heart failure, kidney disease, diabetes and others.

It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and prolonged low-grade fever may be associated with other diseases or factors, such as drug side effects or subclinical infection. In the presence of prolonged subfebrile condition, it is necessary to consult a doctor to identify the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

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What examinations to undergo

With prolonged subfebrile condition, the doctor may prescribe a number of examinations to identify the cause of the symptom. Depending on the preliminary diagnosis and clinical manifestations, the following tests may be prescribed:

1. Complete blood count, which may show inflammation or infection.

2. Blood chemistry, including liver function, kidney function, glucose and hormone levels.

3. Urinalysis for infection or other abnormalities.

4. Bacteriological examination such as sputum or feces for the presence of infectious agents.

5. Immunological tests, for example, for autoantibodies in suspected autoimmune disease.

6. X-ray examinations, such as a chest x-ray for suspected infection in the lungs.

7. Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis.

8. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for suspected cancer.

All these studies will help to identify the cause of prolonged subfebrile condition and determine the necessary treatment. It is important to consult a doctor with prolonged low-grade fever so as not to miss a possible symptom of a serious illness.

How to remove

Prolonged subfebrile condition is a symptom, not an independent disease, therefore it must be treated by eliminating the underlying cause. Treatment will depend on the specific diagnosis.

For example, if prolonged low-grade fever is caused by a bacterial infection, a course of antibiotics may be required. If the cause is inflammation or an autoimmune disease, then anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticosteroids, or immunomodulators may be prescribed.

In some cases, prolonged subfebrile condition can be caused by a deficiency of vitamins or minerals. In such cases, the additional use of appropriate drugs can help eliminate the symptom.

In any case, self-medication is not recommended. If you have prolonged low-grade fever, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Where to see a doctor

If you have a prolonged subfebrile condition, you should see a general practitioner. The therapist will conduct an examination, collect an anamnesis and determine further directions for examination and treatment. If necessary, the therapist may refer you to another specialist, such as an infectious disease specialist, gastroenterologist, rheumatologist, oncologist, etc., depending on the suspected cause of prolonged low-grade fever.

There are contraindications. Specialist consultation is required.

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Diseases

What to do with a temperature without symptoms of the disease > Rubric in Samara

A temperature that does not differ much from the norm, but is already a sign of ill health, is usually called subfebrile in medicine.

In this situation, the thermometer may show 37.0 – 37.5°C for a long time. Sometimes the indicators can reach 37.9 ° C. If no other symptoms bother a person, doctors will have to conduct a series of additional tests to understand the cause. Prolonged subfebrile temperature is a special subject of study in therapeutic practice. Patients with such complaints come to the appointment quite often. According to statistics, in 70 – 80% of cases, protracted subfebrile condition occurs in young women with signs of asthenia, in those who suffer from increased fatigue, weakness, irritability, nervousness, have sleep disturbances and other psychopathological disorders. If the fever persists for more than a month or two, then a comprehensive examination is necessary.

Causes

Increased body temperature is caused by certain proteins – pyrogens. They can enter the body from the external environment or be produced spontaneously inside it. These proteins have a connection with the hypothalamus, activate the immune system and affect the general well-being of a person.

In some cases, subfebrile temperature may indicate that an infection with a disease has occurred. In others – about a malfunction in the body. Also, sometimes there are congenital pathologies that cause an increase in temperature.

Disorder of thermoregulation can serve as one of the signs of vegetovascular dystonia. With such a disease, a temperature often appears without symptoms of a cold. A person complains of heaviness in the head, weakness, pain. The heat in the body is abruptly replaced by chills. Cold palms and feet may indicate the local nature of thermoregulation failures. In most patients with dystonia, fever can persist for up to several months.

There are cases when low-grade fever causes an increase in the number of simple microbes, which in normal times are not dangerous. This is due to a weakened immune system. The reason for the increase in temperature can also be autoimmune processes, when the body’s defenses mistakenly begin to attack healthy tissue.

— In case of any increase in temperature, you should contact your local doctor. The specialist will first prescribe a general blood and urine test. Based on their results, he will decide on further examination and treatment. In general, absolutely any stress, including emotional stress, can affect the increase in body temperature. Oleg Fatenkov, chief therapist of the Samara region

In addition, doctors say that often a temperature of 37.0 – 37.5 ° C is a sign of an allergy of a latent or overt course. If the indicator reaches 38 ° C and lasts for a long time, then this can be a sign of serious diseases: bronchitis, sinusitis, tuberculosis, latent infections, tumor processes.

Subfebrile condition can also be caused by changes in temperature, stress, hormonal imbalance, and taking certain medications.

What to do?

In any case, a visit to a specialist is necessary. Do not try to bring down the temperature at home with drugs without the advice of a doctor.