When Should I Be Worried About a Fever & Headache?

There are many causes of fever and headache.

A fever is an elevated body temperature due to any cause. Fevers occur as a result of the body's defenses against disease. Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 F (37 C), medical professionals usually do not consider a person to have a significant fever until the temperature is above 100.4 F (38 C). Fever can often accompany other symptoms, including head pain, as the body reacts to infections or illnesses.

A headache is any type of pain felt in the head. Many causes of headaches can be associated with fever. When symptoms such as fever, head pain, and body aches occur together, they can indicate an underlying issue.

This article is not all-inclusive and is an introduction to fever and headache problems. If you are experiencing symptoms like body aches, headache, or fever and are uncertain about the severity of your condition, contact your medical caregiver. If you think you or a loved one has serious symptoms, go to an emergency department.

Several conditions can cause both fever and headache.

Examples of conditions that can cause fever along with a headache include the following:

• Influenza (flu)
• Colds, although the fever is generally mild and may not be present
• Meningitis
• Encephalitis
• Ear infection
• Bacterial infection, including sepsis, pneumonia, and others
• Fungal infections
• Heatstroke
• Chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Certain cancers
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Understanding the causes and risk factors for fever and headache is essential for appropriate management and treatment. If you experience a persistent fever and headache, it’s important to seek medical advice.

What causes fever and headache no other symptoms?

Fever and headache without additional symptoms can arise from various underlying causes. One of the most common causes is viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, or mild respiratory viruses. These infections often begin with a fever and headache, which may later develop into more recognizable symptoms, such as a cough or sore throat. The body’s immune response to these infections can result in a low-grade fever and headache as primary indicators.

Another potential cause is dehydration. Insufficient fluid intake can lead to dehydration, which often manifests as both fever and headache. When the body is dehydrated, it may struggle to regulate its temperature effectively, leading to elevated body temperature and headaches.

Additionally, conditions such as tension headaches or migraines may present with a mild fever due to the body’s stress response or inflammatory processes.

Other factors, including environmental stressors, heat exposure, fatigue, and hormonal changes, can also lead to the development of fever and headache. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it is essential to consult a health care professional. This step is crucial for ruling out more serious conditions, such as bacterial infections or inflammatory disorders, which may require prompt treatment.

Will migraine cause fever?

Migraines typically do not cause fever, but they can lead to symptoms that may be mistaken for fever, such as a sensation of warmth or flushing. Migraine is primarily a neurological condition characterized by intense headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Do migraines raise body temperature? While migraines usually do not cause a significant increase in body temperature, some individuals may experience a slight rise in temperature due to related factors, such as dehydration or stress during an attack.

Although migraines can be accompanied by symptoms that mimic fever, such as flushing or sweating, these do not indicate an actual fever. If a person experiences a significant fever along with migraine symptoms, it may suggest an underlying condition, such as an infection or other medical issues, and it is advisable to seek medical attention for proper evaluation.

Why does migraine make you feel sick? Migraines can lead to nausea and vomiting, which are common symptoms during an attack. This is often due to changes in the brain and neurotransmitter levels, particularly serotonin, which can affect the gastrointestinal system. Additionally, the intense pain and discomfort associated with migraines can trigger a stress response in the body, contributing to feelings of sickness. If a migraine is accompanied by a significant fever or unusual symptoms, it’s important to consult a health care professional to rule out other underlying conditions.

Fever with headache in a child can result from various underlying causes. The most common culprits are viral infections, such as influenza, the common cold, and COVID-19, which often present with these symptoms as the body responds to the infection.

Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, or meningitis, can also lead to fever and headache, sometimes accompanied by additional symptoms like a sore throat or stiff neck.

Other potential causes include dehydration, which can lead to both fever and headache, as well as conditions such as sinusitis or ear infections, where inflammation of the sinuses causes discomfort and fever.

In some cases, more serious illnesses, such as Kawasaki disease or other inflammatory conditions, may cause similar symptoms. If a child exhibits a high fever, severe headache, or any concerning symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

The signs and symptoms that accompany a fever with headache depend on the exact cause and are thus very variable. These can include the following:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Joint pain and swelling
• Ear, eye, or facial pain
• Rash
• Low blood pressure
• Weakness
• Cough, nasal congestion, sneezing, or sore throat
• Cold, clammy skin
• Sweating
• Stiffness of the neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Vision changes
• Decreased appetite
• Mental status changes like confusion
• Seizure
• Coma

Recognizing these signs and symptoms is important, as they can help determine the underlying cause of the fever and headache. If you experience a combination of these symptoms, especially if they worsen or persist, it is crucial to seek medical attention.

You should seek medical attention if any of these conditions exist:

• The temperature is 103 F (39.4 C) or greater
• Fever lasts more than seven days
• Fever symptoms get worse
• Confusion or excessive sleepiness
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting or dehydration
• Rapid heart rate
• Fainting or syncope
• Stiff neck
• Severe headache
• Rash with fever and headache
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Red, hot, or swollen area of skin
• Any unusual symptom that causes concern

If you experience any of these alarming signs, it is essential to seek medical care promptly to address the underlying cause of your fever and headache.

Treatments for fever with headache depend on the cause but may include:

• Bacterial or fungal infections require treatment with antibiotics or antifungal drugs. Antiviral drugs may treat influenza and other viral infections.
• Medical professionals may administer supportive medications, such as pain control drugs, decongestants, cough suppressants, and medications to control nausea and vomiting.
• In severe cases, hospitalization and treatments to support breathing and circulation may be required for those experiencing persistent fever and headache.

Addressing the underlying cause of the fever and headache is crucial for effective treatment.

The prognosis for fever with headache is highly variable. Some conditions that cause these symptoms have an excellent prognosis. For example, most people recover fully from colds and the flu, both of which may cause fever and headache, without significant long-term complications. On the other hand, serious causes of fever and headache (such as encephalitis or meningitis) may be fatal, especially if not properly treated.

Overall, the outcome largely depends on the underlying cause of the fever and headache, timeliness of diagnosis, and effectiveness of treatment. Early intervention is crucial for improving the prognosis in cases associated with more severe conditions.

It is not possible to prevent all causes of fever and headache, although you can take measures to help avoid infectious diseases and some other causes of headache and fever.

• Always use good hand-washing hygiene to reduce the risk of infections.
• Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, toothbrushes, or towels with others as this can spread germs.
• Avoid contact with ill people to minimize exposure to infectious agents that could lead to fever and headache.
• Take appropriate precautions against mosquito and tick bites when outdoors, as these insects can transmit diseases that may result in fever and headache.
• Stay hydrated in the sun or heat to prevent dehydration, which can contribute to headaches and sometimes be associated with fever.

• What virus causes headaches and fever? Several viruses can cause fever and headaches, including the influenza virus and the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which are commonly associated with respiratory symptoms. Other viruses, such as the dengue virus, West Nile virus, Zika virus, and Epstein-Barr virus, can also lead to fever and headaches, often accompanied by additional clinical signs depending on the specific infection.
• Why do I have a fever and headache but no other symptoms? Experiencing a fever and headache without any accompanying symptoms may stem from a variety of causes. Early stages of viral infections, such as those caused by influenza or COVID-19, can be one factor, as additional symptoms may not yet be evident. Other contributing factors may include dehydration, stress, and underlying conditions such as sinusitis or migraines. Inflammation in the body can also lead to these symptoms. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical advice.
• When should I be worried about a fever and headache? You should seek medical attention for a fever and headache immediately if the fever exceeds 102 F (39 C), persists for more than three days, or is accompanied by severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, confusion, severe nausea, persistent vomiting, a rash, or a stiff neck. Additionally, if the headache is sudden and severe, or if you have existing health issues, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
• What virus has a low-grade fever and headache? Viruses such as the common cold, often caused by rhinoviruses and certain strains of the influenza virus, can lead to low-grade fever and headache. Additionally, infections such as the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mononucleosis) and some enteroviruses can cause these symptoms.