Definition
Fever is an elevation of body temperature above the normal daily variation, typically greater than 38°C, caused by an increase in the hypothalamic set point due to infection, inflammation, malignancy, or other systemic processes.
Key Questions to Ask
- When did the fever start?
- How high has the temperature been? (If known)
- Is the fever continuous, intermittent, or remittent?
- Any chills or rigors?
- Associated symptoms (cough, sore throat, headache, rash, abdominal pain, dysuria)?
- Recent travel?
- Contact with sick individuals?
- Recent medications?
- History of immunosuppression?
Past Medical History
Drug History & Allergies
Family History
Social History
- Occupation?
- Travel history?
- Living conditions?
- Substance use? (alcohol, drugs)
- Exposure to animals, insects, unsafe water?