anxiety with fever

Overview

Anxiety and fever can sometimes happen together. Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear, or unease. A fever is a body temperature higher than normal. Anxiety can make you feel hot and sweaty, and in rare cases it may raise your body temperature slightly. On the other hand, having a fever can make you feel anxious or worried. This article explains how anxiety and fever are connected and what you can do to feel better.

It is quite common to feel anxious when you have a fever, especially if you are worried about being sick. It is less common, but possible, for anxiety itself to cause a small rise in body temperature.

Anyone can experience anxiety with a fever. It may be more noticeable in children, older adults, and people who already live with anxiety or health worries.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling hot or flushed
• Sweating
• Racing heart
• Shaking or trembling
• Feeling worried or on edge
• Trouble concentrating

Symptoms in children

• Clinginess or crying
• Poor sleep
• Refusing to eat or drink
• Acting restless or irritable

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or increased confusion
• Dizziness or falls
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling unusually tired or withdrawn

Causes

Main causes

• Infection from a virus or bacteria
• Anxiety and stress, which may affect body temperature and cause hot flushes
• Health anxiety, where worrying about illness makes symptoms feel worse
• A combination of both – for example, an infection that triggers anxiety

Risk factors

• Living with an anxiety disorder
• Having a long-term health condition
• Being very young or very old
• Going through a stressful time

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any of the emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number now.
• If you have a fever that is very high or lasts more than three days, talk to a doctor within 24 hours.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you often feel anxious or worried, even without a fever, make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
• If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, a routine check-up can help.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, check your temperature, and do a physical exam. They will want to know if your fever is from an infection or if anxiety is causing your symptoms.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for infection
• Urine test
• Chest X-ray if the provider thinks you have a chest infection
• Sometimes tests to check for other causes of fever

What to expect at your appointment

Your provider will explain what may be causing your symptoms and help you decide on the next steps. You may be asked about your stress levels and worries to understand the anxiety part.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on the cause. If you have an infection, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help treat it. If anxiety is a major part, talking with a therapist can help you manage worry. For a fever, the main steps are rest, fluids, and monitoring your temperature.

Self-care at home

• Rest and sleep
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Dress in light layers to avoid overheating
• Use a cool (not cold) cloth on your forehead
• Practice calm breathing: breathe in slowly for four counts, out for four counts

Medical treatments

Your healthcare provider may recommend treatment for the underlying infection, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections. For anxiety, talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are often helpful. In some cases, medication may be suggested for anxiety, but only after a full discussion with your provider.

Living with this condition

Listen to your body. If you have a fever, take time to rest and drink fluids. If anxiety is rising, use grounding techniques like naming what you can see, hear, and feel around you.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a regular sleep schedule
• Limit caffeine, which can increase anxiety
• Try gentle activities like walking or stretching when you feel up to it
• Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling

Diet and exercise

Eat light, easy-to-digest foods when you have a fever. Stay hydrated with water or clear soups. When you are recovering, regular gentle exercise can help lower anxiety, but avoid vigorous activity while you still have a fever.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Fever and anxiety can feed each other. Worrying about being sick can make you feel worse. It is important to remind yourself that most fevers are short-lived and that medical help is available. If anxious thoughts become overwhelming, a mental health professional can offer support.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent a fever or anxiety, but you can lower your chances. Managing stress, washing your hands regularly, and getting enough rest can help keep you healthy.

Vaccines

Staying up to date with recommended vaccinations can prevent some infections that cause fever.

Complications

If left untreated

• Dehydration from a high fever and not drinking enough fluids
• A bacterial infection that does not get treated and becomes worse
• Worsening anxiety or panic attacks
• Disruption to sleep and daily life

Long-term outlook

Most people recover fully from an infection-related fever within a week. Anxiety also responds well to support and treatment. With the right care, you can feel better and learn to manage both your body and your mind.

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