Check Your Symptoms
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
| Note: |
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- Yes
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Do you have a fever and any signs of a serious infection?
- Yes
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Do you have a fever and any breathing problems?
- Yes
-
Do you have a fever and a new skin problem?
- Yes
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Do you have a fever and signs of a joint infection?
- Yes
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Do you have a high fever?
- Yes
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Do you have a mild to moderate fever?
- Yes
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Have you had an ongoing or recurring fever?
- Yes
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Do you have a fever and symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration?
- Yes
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Do you think that your fever may be caused by a medicine or an immunization?
Other Symptoms to Watch For
Because fever is only a symptom of another problem, a careful evaluation of your health may help you identify the cause of your fever. Often the importance of a fever can be determined only when other symptoms are evaluated. Do you have any of the following symptoms or problems?
- Exposure to a contagious respiratory illness, such as influenza ( flu), or respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose, shortness of breath and cough, or nasal drainage: Go to the topic Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger, Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older, or Influenza.
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea: Go to the topic Abdominal Pain, Age 11 and Younger or Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older.
- Pelvic or abnormal vaginal discharge: Go to the topic Vaginal Problems.
- Pain or burning when you urinate: Go to the topic Urinary Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older or Urinary Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger.
- Pain over your eyes or cheekbone: Go to the topic Facial Problems, Noninjury.
- An injury to the skin: Go to the topic Cuts.
- One or more red, swollen, warm, and painful joints: Go to the topic Arm Problems, Noninjury or Leg Problems, Noninjury.
- A skin rash: Go to the topic Rash, Age 11 and Younger or Rash, Age 12 and Older.
- Swollen glands: Go to the topic Swollen Glands.
- Ear problems: Go to the topic Ear Problems, Age 4 and Older.
- A sore throat: Go to the topic Sore Throat.
- A recent insect or tick bite: Go to the topic Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites or Tick Bites.
- Recent heat exposure: Go to the topic Heat-Related Illnesses.
- A sunburn: Go to the topic Sunburn.
- Exposure to a sexually transmitted disease (STD): Go to the topic Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.
| Last updated: | April 24, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Andrew Swan, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer |
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