What are the Risk Factors for Fever?

Fever Causes and Risk Factors: What You Need to Know

Fever is a common symptom that occurs when susceptible to any kind of secondary infection. Many factors play a role as risk factors for the development of fever, including underlying medications and demographic conditions.

Common Risk Factors for Fever

Here are some common risk factors that can worsen fevers in both adults and children:

Infections

Any kind of infection, be it bacterial, viral or fungal, can trigger fever as it is a common primary immune response of our body. Viruses, such as the Flu or COVID-19, can trigger a fever to fight against them. In addition to this, strep throat or urinary tract infection bacterias sometimes causes fevers to fight off the pathogen.   

Medications

Many antibiotics, or anti-seizure drugs, can cause fever as a side effect after prolonged use.  This can lead to fever after the onset of any bacterial or viral infection. Overuse of medicines can also cause other complications, which will make you susceptible to various secondary infections.  

Environmental Factors

Continuous exposure to high or extreme temperatures, including heatstroke, can cause hyperthermia, resulting in fever and severe headache. High body temperature due to staying under the sun for a long time can cause dehydration, especially in infants and children. Excessive dehydration can lead to serious health complications as it disrupts all the essential bodily functions.    

● Travelling to Areas When Fever is Common

If you are prone to infections and fevers, it will be beneficial not to travel to those areas. It can lead to a high chance of developing fever or other complications. Travelling in these areas can increase the risk of spreading the infection and worsen the fever. Apart from this, fever makes your body weak, and frequent travelling to infection-prone areas can strain your body, leading to a longer recovery time.     

Exposure to Animals or Insects that Transmit Fever

Diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, dengue, or malaria are transmitted through insect bites, scratches, or contact with bodily fluids. Getting in contact with these vectors can increase the risk of infection, leading to the possibility of other complications.    

Weakened Immune System 

Immunocompromised individuals are prone to serious infections, leading to the risk of further damage to the vital organs. Individuals with a weakened immune system must avoid contact with an infected person. It can increase the risk of spreading infections to them, causing complications.

What are the Complications of Fever?

Though fever is a primary immune response for a normal healthy individual, it can cause complications in patients with a weakened immune system. Here are some of the complications of fever if it is left untreated:

• Dehydration: Diarrhoea and severe vomiting, along with a high fever, can cause dehydration, which is dangerous for adults and children.  

• Secondary Infection: Prolonged onset of fever can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to secondary infections, like pneumonia.

• Febrile Seizures: High fever can sometimes cause convulsions or seizures in children between 6 months and 6 years.  

• Neurological Damage: Elevated fever for a prolonged period can cause serious neurological damage.

• Organ Dysfunction: High temperature can cause malfunctioning of all the vital organs.

If you are immunocompromised and suffering from a high fever, immediately seek medical attention to get preventive care. Additionally, maintain proper hygiene to reduce the risk of complications.