fever that comes and goes

Overview

A fever that comes and goes means your body temperature goes above normal, then drops back, and later rises again. This can happen over a few days, weeks, or even months. A recurring fever is not a disease itself—it is a sign that your immune system is responding to something in your body, such as an infection or another medical condition.

Yes. Many people have fevers that come and go with common viral infections like colds or flu. A true recurring fever that keeps returning over several weeks is less common and should be checked by a doctor.

Anyone can have a fever that comes and goes. It is more common in children, whose immune systems are still learning. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems may also be more affected.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Temperature above 38°C (100.4°F) that returns after a fever-free period
• Chills, shivering, and sweating
• Body aches, headache, or fatigue
• General feeling of being unwell

Symptoms in children

• Fussiness or irritability
• Poor feeding or loss of appetite
• Sleepiness or low energy
• Fever spikes that come and go with viral illnesses

Symptoms in older adults

• May not have a very high temperature
• Confusion or dizziness
• Weakness or falls
• Loss of appetite or less thirst

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections, such as colds, flu, or other common viruses
• Bacterial infections, like urinary tract infections, pneumonia, or an infected wound
• Inflammatory conditions, such as some types of arthritis or bowel disease
• Medicines that can cause fevers as a side effect
• In rare cases, a recurring fever can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as certain cancers or blood disorders
• In some parts of the world, infections like malaria cause fevers that come and go in cycles

Risk factors

• Living in or traveling to areas with certain infections
• Having a weakened immune system from illness or treatment
• Being in daycare, school, or other crowded settings
• Being very young or very old
• Having chronic health conditions like diabetes or lung disease

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Fever that goes away and comes back for more than a week
• Fever with severe pain, confusion, or trouble breathing
• Fever that returns after you have finished a course of antibiotics
• Fever during pregnancy or if you have a serious medical condition

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment if you have fevers that return for no clear reason, even if you feel fine between episodes.
• If you are worried about a repeated fever in your child, speak to your doctor.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask you about your fever pattern, other symptoms, any recent travel, and medicines you take. They will also do a physical examination. Because a recurring fever has many possible causes, your doctor may need to gather more information through tests.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests, including a full blood count and inflammation markers
• Blood cultures to look for bacteria in the blood
• Urine test
• Chest X-ray if a chest infection is suspected
• Depending on your symptoms, other tests like imaging scans or samples of body fluids

What to expect at your appointment

Sometimes the cause is not found right away. Your doctor may ask you to record your temperature at home and return for follow-up visits. It may help to keep a fever log with dates, times, and symptoms. This information can be very useful to your healthcare team.

Treatment

Treatment for a recurring fever depends on the underlying cause. If it is a viral infection, rest and fluids usually help. If it is a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be needed. For other conditions, the doctor will treat the cause directly.

Self-care at home

• Rest as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Wear light clothing and keep your room at a comfortable temperature.
• You can use fever-reducing medicines recommended by your pharmacist—always follow the directions on the label.
• Do not give any medicine to a child without checking with a doctor or pharmacist first.

Medical treatments

Medical care depends on the cause. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections. For inflammatory conditions, they may use medicines that reduce inflammation. In some cases, no specific treatment is needed, and the fever resolves on its own. Always follow the treatment plan your healthcare provider recommends.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat a fever itself. However, if a fever is caused by an infected organ such as the appendix or gallbladder, surgery may be needed to correct the underlying problem. This is a decision made by your medical team.

Living with this condition

Keep a simple record of your temperature and any other symptoms. This can help both you and your doctor see the pattern. Take it easy when you have a fever, and slowly return to normal activities as you feel better.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands regularly to avoid spreading infections.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid sharing cups, utensils, or personal items.
• Get enough sleep to keep your immune system strong.

Diet and exercise

Eat balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, and plenty of fluids. During a fever, water, soup, or oral rehydration drinks can help. Light walking is fine if you feel up to it, but avoid hard exercise until the fever has fully gone.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Frequent fevers can be worrying and frustrating. It is normal to feel anxious when you don't know the cause. Talk to your doctor about your worries and ask for reassurance. If the uncertainty affects your mood or daily life, consider speaking to a counselor or mental health professional.

Prevention

You cannot prevent all causes of fever, but you can reduce your risk of infections by practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing, and staying up to date with recommended vaccines.

Vaccines

Vaccines are available to protect against several infections that can cause fever, such as flu and pneumonia. Ask your doctor or local health service about which vaccines are recommended for you and your family.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for most causes of recurring fever. Your doctor may suggest specific tests based on your age, symptoms, and risk factors.

Complications

If left untreated

• The underlying infection or condition may get worse and become more serious.
• Dehydration can develop from fever and poor fluid intake.
• Some children may have a fever-related seizure, which is usually not harmful but is frightening.
• In rare cases, a severe untreated infection can affect organs, such as the heart or brain.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is generally very good. Most recurring fevers are caused by common, treatable infections and clear up with proper care. For more complex causes, treatment can help manage the condition and improve how you feel. Most people recover fully with time and the right medical support.

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