What are the causes of persistent low grade fever? How can a persistent low grade fever be treated? Find the answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive article.

Understanding Persistent Low Grade Fever

The normal human body temperature is around 98.6°F, but it can fluctuate throughout the day. A low grade fever is when the body temperature rises slightly, usually between 100.5°F and 102.2°F. A persistent low grade fever is when the body temperature stays in this range for more than 2 weeks.

A fever is commonly a result of the body trying to fight off an infection or another illness. However, some cases are more difficult to diagnose and treat. Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms, causes, and treatment of a persistent low grade fever.

Symptoms of Persistent Low Grade Fever

Some people may hardly notice that they have a low grade fever. However, others may experience various symptoms, including:

• Feeling warm to the touch
• Sweating
• Chills
• Shivering
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Dehydration
• A general feeling of being unwell

A persistent low grade fever is typically a sign that the body is fighting off an infection or another health issue and has raised its temperature to help these efforts.

Causes of Persistent Low Grade Fever

Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections can cause a persistent low grade fever. Some of the most common respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu, may cause a low grade fever that lasts for as long as the body takes to fight off the infection. Other symptoms may include coughing, sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, a sore throat, chills, general fatigue, and a lack of appetite.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) may also be the underlying cause of a low grade fever. In addition to a low grade fever, the person may experience symptoms such as pain in the abdomen, a burning sensation while peeing, frequent urination, and dark urine. Most UTIs are simple to treat with antibiotics.

Other Infections

Almost any infection can cause a fever, as it is one of the body’s natural responses to foreign invaders. Other sources of infections that may cause a low grade fever include food poisoning, exposure to pathogens from livestock, tuberculosis, and meningitis.

Medications

Some medications can cause a low grade fever as a side effect. If the medication is the cause, the fever should go away very quickly, typically within 72 hours, once the person stops taking the drug.

Stress

Chronic stress may also cause a low grade fever, especially in young women. Reducing stress levels may resolve the fever in these cases.

Cancer

In rare cases, a persistent low grade fever with no known cause may be a sign of cancer, such as leukemia, Hodgkin disease, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The person may also experience other symptoms of cancer, including persistent fatigue, weakness, headaches, infections, lack of appetite, excessive bruising or bleeding, unexplained weight loss, and enlarged lymph nodes.

Treating Persistent Low Grade Fever

The treatment for a persistent low grade fever will depend on the underlying cause. If the fever is due to an infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection. For fevers caused by medications or stress, the treatment may involve adjusting the medication or finding ways to manage stress levels.

If the cause of the persistent low grade fever is not immediately clear, the doctor may order additional tests, such as blood tests, imaging scans, or a biopsy, to help diagnose the underlying condition.

In the meantime, the person can try to manage the symptoms of the fever by:

• Staying hydrated
• Getting plenty of rest
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce the fever and alleviate any discomfort

It’s important to see a doctor if the fever persists for more than 2 weeks or if the person experiences any other concerning symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help resolve the underlying issue and alleviate the persistent low grade fever.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Anyone experiencing a persistent low grade fever, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, should see a doctor. Prompt medical attention can help identify and treat the underlying cause, which is crucial for resolving the fever and preventing any potential complications.

Some specific situations where it’s important to seek medical care include:

• Fever that lasts more than 2 weeks
• Fever accompanied by severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, severe pain, or confusion
• Fever in infants and young children, as they are more susceptible to complications from infections
• Fever in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or with chronic health conditions

By understanding the potential causes and seeking prompt medical attention, individuals can effectively manage a persistent low grade fever and address the underlying health issue.

Persistent low grade fever: Causes and treatments

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Was this helpful?

The normal human body temperature is about 98.6°F, but it fluctuates throughout the day. A low grade fever is when the body temperature rises slightly, usually between about 100.5°F and 102.2°F.

The fever is persistent when the body temperature stays in this range for more than 2 weeks.

A fever is commonly a result of the body trying to fight off an infection or another illness. However, some cases are more difficult to diagnose and treat.

Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of a persistent low grade fever.

Share on PinterestIf the body is fighting off an infection, a person may experience a persistent low grade fever.

Some people may hardly notice that they have a low grade fever. However, others may experience various symptoms, including:

• feeling warm to the touch
• sweating
• chills
• shivering
• headaches
• muscle aches
• dehydration
• a general feeling of being unwell

A persistent low grade fever is typically a sign that the body is fighting off an infection or another health issue and has raised its temperature to help these efforts.

These underlying issues can include:

Respiratory infections

Respiratory infections can cause a persistent low grade fever. Some of the most common respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu, may cause a low grade fever that lasts for as long as the body takes to fight off the infection.

Other symptoms that may indicate a respiratory infection include:

• coughing
• sneezing
• a stuffy or runny nose
• a sore throat
• chills
• general fatigue
• lack of appetite

Many simple respiratory infections do not require treatment, and the symptoms will go away in time.

Urinary tract infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) may also be the underlying cause of a low grade fever. A UTI is a bacterial infection that occurs when bacteria multiply anywhere in the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, urethra, kidneys, and ureters.

In addition to a low grade fever, the person may experience symptoms such as:

• pain in the abdomen
• a burning sensation while peeing
• frequent urination
• a constant urge to urinate
• dark urine

Most UTIs are simple to treat with antibiotics. The doctor may analyze a urine sample to determine the precise type of bacteria causing the infection to ensure that they prescribe the right treatment.

Other infections

Share on PinterestA person should talk to their doctor if they experience any symptoms of infection alongside a fever.

Almost any infection can cause a fever. A fever is one of the body’s natural responses to foreign invaders. The body may keep its core temperature elevated while it is fighting off the infection.

Other sources of infections that may cause a low grade fever include:

• food poisoning
• exposure to pathogens from livestock
• tuberculosis
• meningitis

Anyone experiencing symptoms of infection alongside a fever should see a doctor if the symptoms do not improve with rest and time.

Medications

Some medications can cause many different side effects, which may include a low grade fever. People can check the information on side effects and interactions that comes in the packaging or seek advice from a pharmacist.

As the author of a 2018 review notes, if the medication is the cause, the fever should go away very quickly — typically within 72 hours — once the person stops taking the drug.

Stress

Chronic stress may cause a low grade fever. A research paper from 2015 notes that a fever due to stress is most common in young women.

Reducing stress levels may resolve the fever in these cases.

Cancer

In rare cases, a persistent low grade fever with no known cause may be a sign of cancer.

A persistent fever can be a symptom of leukemia, Hodgkin disease, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The person may also experience other symptoms of cancer, including:

• persistent fatigue
• weakness
• headaches
• infections
• lack of appetite
• excessive bruising or bleeding
• unexplained weight loss
• enlarged lymph nodes
• excessive sweating at night

Many of these symptoms are not unique to cancer, however.

Anyone who experiences these symptoms along with a low grade fever should see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Chronic disorders

Many other chronic disorders may cause symptoms such as a low grade fever, including:

• thromboembolic disease
• arthritis
• lupus
• gout
• thyroiditis
• serum sickness-like reactions
• serotonin syndrome
• neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Diagnosing a persistent low grade fever may involve several different tests to eliminate potential causes.

The doctor will generally carry out a physical examination and question the person regarding additional symptoms and whether they have any chronic conditions.

The doctor may also ask about any medications that the person takes so that they can eliminate them as a cause of the fever.

They may order blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), to get an overview of the person’s health. The results may help them decide which other tests, if any, they need to order.

If the doctor suspects that the person has a UTI, they may ask them for a sample of their urine to test.

Share on PinterestOTC drugs may help treat a low grade fever at home.

Treatment for a persistent low grade fever will depend on the cause. For instance, minor infections may not need treatment at all, whereas issues such as cancer require extensive treatment.

To alleviate the symptoms of a low grade fever at home, a person can try over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

A fever can cause dehydration, so it is vital to drink plenty of water.

It is important to treat a low grade fever in children, who may be more sensitive to temperature changes. Using children’s versions of OTC drugs may help control the fever while waiting to see a doctor.

A persistent low grade fever is a sign of an underlying issue, such as a mild infection or chronic condition. The fever may persist while the person is fighting off the infection.

For the most part, persistent low grade fevers are not a cause for concern. However, it is important to monitor the fever to see whether it gets worse.

Anyone who is concerned about their symptoms or experiences a persistent low grade fever for more than 10 days should see a doctor.

SHOP FOR OTC DRUGS

The drugs listed in this article are available online:

• Ibuprofen
• Acetaminophen

Persistent low grade fever: Causes and treatments

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

The normal human body temperature is about 98.6°F, but it fluctuates throughout the day. A low grade fever is when the body temperature rises slightly, usually between about 100.5°F and 102.2°F.

The fever is persistent when the body temperature stays in this range for more than 2 weeks.

A fever is commonly a result of the body trying to fight off an infection or another illness. However, some cases are more difficult to diagnose and treat.

Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of a persistent low grade fever.

Share on PinterestIf the body is fighting off an infection, a person may experience a persistent low grade fever.

Some people may hardly notice that they have a low grade fever. However, others may experience various symptoms, including:

• feeling warm to the touch
• sweating
• chills
• shivering
• headaches
• muscle aches
• dehydration
• a general feeling of being unwell

A persistent low grade fever is typically a sign that the body is fighting off an infection or another health issue and has raised its temperature to help these efforts.

These underlying issues can include:

Respiratory infections

Respiratory infections can cause a persistent low grade fever. Some of the most common respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu, may cause a low grade fever that lasts for as long as the body takes to fight off the infection.

Other symptoms that may indicate a respiratory infection include:

• coughing
• sneezing
• a stuffy or runny nose
• a sore throat
• chills
• general fatigue
• lack of appetite

Many simple respiratory infections do not require treatment, and the symptoms will go away in time.

Urinary tract infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) may also be the underlying cause of a low grade fever. A UTI is a bacterial infection that occurs when bacteria multiply anywhere in the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, urethra, kidneys, and ureters.

In addition to a low grade fever, the person may experience symptoms such as:

• pain in the abdomen
• a burning sensation while peeing
• frequent urination
• a constant urge to urinate
• dark urine

Most UTIs are simple to treat with antibiotics. The doctor may analyze a urine sample to determine the precise type of bacteria causing the infection to ensure that they prescribe the right treatment.

Other infections

Share on PinterestA person should talk to their doctor if they experience any symptoms of infection alongside a fever.

Almost any infection can cause a fever. A fever is one of the body’s natural responses to foreign invaders. The body may keep its core temperature elevated while it is fighting off the infection.

Other sources of infections that may cause a low grade fever include:

• food poisoning
• exposure to pathogens from livestock
• tuberculosis
• meningitis

Anyone experiencing symptoms of infection alongside a fever should see a doctor if the symptoms do not improve with rest and time.

Medications

Some medications can cause many different side effects, which may include a low grade fever. People can check the information on side effects and interactions that comes in the packaging or seek advice from a pharmacist.

As the author of a 2018 review notes, if the medication is the cause, the fever should go away very quickly — typically within 72 hours — once the person stops taking the drug.

Stress

Chronic stress may cause a low grade fever. A research paper from 2015 notes that a fever due to stress is most common in young women.

Reducing stress levels may resolve the fever in these cases.

Cancer

In rare cases, a persistent low grade fever with no known cause may be a sign of cancer.

A persistent fever can be a symptom of leukemia, Hodgkin disease, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The person may also experience other symptoms of cancer, including:

• persistent fatigue
• weakness
• headaches
• infections
• lack of appetite
• excessive bruising or bleeding
• unexplained weight loss
• enlarged lymph nodes
• excessive sweating at night

Many of these symptoms are not unique to cancer, however.

Anyone who experiences these symptoms along with a low grade fever should see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Chronic disorders

Many other chronic disorders may cause symptoms such as a low grade fever, including:

• thromboembolic disease
• arthritis
• lupus
• gout
• thyroiditis
• serum sickness-like reactions
• serotonin syndrome
• neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Diagnosing a persistent low grade fever may involve several different tests to eliminate potential causes.

The doctor will generally carry out a physical examination and question the person regarding additional symptoms and whether they have any chronic conditions.

The doctor may also ask about any medications that the person takes so that they can eliminate them as a cause of the fever.

They may order blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), to get an overview of the person’s health. The results may help them decide which other tests, if any, they need to order.

If the doctor suspects that the person has a UTI, they may ask them for a sample of their urine to test.

Share on PinterestOTC drugs may help treat a low grade fever at home.

Treatment for a persistent low grade fever will depend on the cause. For instance, minor infections may not need treatment at all, whereas issues such as cancer require extensive treatment.

To alleviate the symptoms of a low grade fever at home, a person can try over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

A fever can cause dehydration, so it is vital to drink plenty of water.

It is important to treat a low grade fever in children, who may be more sensitive to temperature changes. Using children’s versions of OTC drugs may help control the fever while waiting to see a doctor.

A persistent low grade fever is a sign of an underlying issue, such as a mild infection or chronic condition. The fever may persist while the person is fighting off the infection.

For the most part, persistent low grade fevers are not a cause for concern. However, it is important to monitor the fever to see whether it gets worse.

Anyone who is concerned about their symptoms or experiences a persistent low grade fever for more than 10 days should see a doctor.

SHOP FOR OTC DRUGS

The drugs listed in this article are available online:

• Ibuprofen
• Acetaminophen

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

The temperature, which is not much different from the norm, but is already a sign of ill health, is usually called low-grade 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 a disease has been infected. 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.

Usually low-grade fever does not require taking antipyretics. However, there are exceptions. For example, it is necessary for pregnant women, people with diseases of the nervous system, and patients who are prone to convulsions to bring down a temperature that exceeds 37. 50 C.

Instead of medicines, you can try to stabilize the emotional state and relieve tension, do aromatherapy, put a cloth soaked in water on the forehead and temples, drink fortified tea. But if this does not help, it is necessary to undergo an examination, since serious problems can be behind a minor failure. Most often, doctors prescribe a general and biochemical blood test, a general urinalysis, an ultrasound examination of internal organs, a study for genital infections, and recommend that you undergo an examination with a dentist.

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What tests to take with a long subfebrile temperature in the Optimum medical laboratory in Sochi (Adler)

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3. Subfebrile temperature

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Subfebrile temperature is the thermal state of the human body at the level of 37-37. 5°C for a long time. In this case, the symptoms of any disease may be completely absent and malaise may appear. We are talking about subfebrile temperature in this condition for many days in a row.

Causes of subfebrile temperature

The thermoregulation system of the human body is controlled by an important part of the brain – the hypothalamus. The influence of endogenous or exogenous substances (pyrogens) provokes a dynamic restructuring of the level of heat transfer.

Factors causing subfebrile temperature are numerous:

• infectious processes – SARS, mononucleosis, influenza, tuberculosis, enterocolitis, herpes – and cytomegaloviruses, AIDS, etc.;
• parasitic infestations – ascariasis, giardiasis, toxoplasmosis, salmonellosis;
• autoimmune pathologies – systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease;
• inflammatory diseases – cystitis, pancreatitis, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, tonsillitis, otitis;
• disorders of the functional activity of the thyroid gland;
• severe allergic reaction;
• pathological hemolysis , which causes tissue necrosis during a heart attack, stroke, traumatic toxicosis.

What tests to take?

Subfebrile temperature is a sign of a number of pathological processes that can occur without severe clinical symptoms. With the problem of prolonged subfebrile condition, you can contact your family doctor, phthisiatrician, otolaryngologist, infectious disease specialist, endocrinologist. However, in order to make a competent diagnosis, a comprehensive examination and a number of laboratory tests will be required:

• General clinical blood and urine tests.
• Rheumatological profile, which allows to detect pathological processes in the articular and connective tissues.
• Fecal analysis.
• General clinical examination of sputum – to detect mycobacterium that causes tuberculosis.
• Blood cultures for sterility – to confirm or refute the presence of pathogenic bacteria.
• Blood tests for HIV and TORCH infections, syphilis, viral hepatitis.
• Bacteriological culture from the nasopharynx.