Fever and signs of a serious infection
A fever and symptoms that affect the brain and nervous system may mean a serious infection is present. Symptoms include:
- Severe headache with a stiff neck.
- Mental changes, such as confusion, increased fussiness, or decreased alertness (lethargy).
- Shaking chills.
- Severe eye sensitivity to light (photophobia).
The flu, which usually is not serious, can cause a high fever. You usually will also have body aches, rather than other, more serious, symptoms.
If a serious infection is present, other symptoms in addition to fever usually are present or will develop quickly. Any fever with signs of a serious infection needs to be evaluated immediately by a health professional.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: April 24, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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