Viral diseases as a cause of fever
Fever is a frequent accompanying symptom of viral diseases, whereby the body temperature rises only slightly to a maximum of 38.5° Celsius. Viral infections typically cause diseases such as sore throat, rhinitis or gastrointestinal infections (gastroenteritis). The majority of colds and most childhood illnesses are caused by viral infections.
Very high fever rarely occurs with viral diseases. An exception is the three-day fever (exanthema subitum). This is a childhood disease caused by herpes viruses.
Apart from the increased body temperature, no other symptoms occur and the fever usually subsides after three days. Acute bronchitis is an infection of the bronchial tubes, which is mostly caused by viruses. Those affected suffer from severe coughing and breathing difficulties. In addition, there can also be an increase in body temperature and fever, although the temperature usually does not rise above 38.5° Celsius. In rare cases, bronchitis is caused by bacteria, in which case a very high fever above 39° Celsius can occur.
Blood poisoning as a cause of fever
High fever above 38° Celsius is a characteristic feature of blood poisoning (sepsis). Bacteria that enter the bloodstream lead to a systemic inflammatory reaction in the body. As a result, the immune cells release pyrogens, i.e. fever-inducing substances, and the body temperature rises.
Typically, the fever occurs very suddenly, drops and rises again. This process is called remittent fever. The fever attacks in blood poisoning are accompanied by severe chills, confusion and accelerated breathing.
In the case of high fever and suspected blood poisoning, the patient must be taken to hospital as soon as possible, otherwise organ failure and death can occur within a very short time. An infected wound that has not been adequately treated can lead to fever. High fever and chills are a clear alarm signal.
There is a risk that the bacteria have spread from the wound and entered the bloodstream. In the case of a so-called blood poisoning (sepsis), the bacteria can then enter all organs via the blood and cause serious complications. Even small wounds, e.g. a scratch on the arm or an inflammation of the nail bed, can become severely infected, causing fever and sepsis.
However, this happens only in rare cases. Nevertheless, even small wounds should be properly treated! Do you have a wound and fever?
Then you should definitely have a check-up to see whether dangerous blood poisoning could be behind your fever! We recommend our page on: Symptoms of Blood PoisoningAn abscess is an encapsulated inflammatory focus with accumulation of pus, which is caused by a bacterial infection. The abscess cavity is separated from the remaining tissue by a cover of connective tissue, which prevents pus and bacteria from spreading in the body. If the abscess bursts open or is improperly expressed, the bacteria from the cavity can spread throughout the body. Those affected suddenly develop a high fever, chills and a distinct feeling of illness.
