Is it normal to have 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. 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.

Almost any infection can cause a fever. The body may keep its core temperature elevated while it is fighting off the infection. Anyone experiencing symptoms of infection alongside a fever should see a doctor if the symptoms do not improve with rest and time. 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 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. Chronic stress may cause a low grade fever. A research paper from notes that a fever due to stress is most common in young women. 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.

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

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. 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. 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. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options.

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It indicates a way to see more nav menu items inside the site menu by triggering the side menu to open and close. Madeline Kennedy. This article was medically reviewed by Jason R.

Our stories are reviewed by medical professionals to ensure you get the most accurate and useful information about your health and wellness. For more information, visit our medical review board. A low-grade fever happens when your body temperature is elevated, but still under Some causes of a low-grade fever include the common cold, the flu, a stomach virus, or a UTI. But a low-grade fever in itself isn't necessarily a reason to worry, since a slightly elevated temperature won't hurt your body.

Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice. Madeline Kennedy is a health writer for Insider covering a wide range of topics including reproductive and sexual health, mental health, nutrition, and infectious disease.

Before joining Insider, Madeline worked as a health news writer for Reuters, and a domestic violence therapist. How to take your child's temperature. Updated September Thermometry in children.

J Emerg Trauma Shock. Fever Months. Fever: When to call the doctor. Updated December 31, Del Bene VE. Clinical Methods: The history, physical, and laboratory examinations. Chapter Temperature. Boston: Butterworths. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. When to Call the Practitioner. What Is Normal Body Temperature? The Right Way to Use a Thermometer. How to Treat a Fever. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.

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