Coronavirus or something else? What could your low grade fever mean

The SARs-CoV-2 virus affects the body in different ways. It can either lead to respiratory symptoms or cause gastrointestinal problems and in some it may also result in heart-related long term issues. One of the most common and initial symptoms of COVID other than a persistent cough and sore throat is a low grade fever, which can intensify if not tended to immediately. However, a fever may not always mean COVID-19? It could be indicative of other possible infections and diseases, which you may overlook. That said, it is important that we look at other possible causes of a low-grade fever.

Also read: Coronavirus symptom explained: How to identify a COVID-19 sore throat

A low grade fever is when your body temperature is between 100.4 and 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit. A normal body temperature is said to be at roughly 98.6° Fahrenheit. Feeling slightly feverish may not be a cause for concern. They may feel warm to touch or may sweat due to the heat. Other symptoms that may accompany a fever are chills, headaches, shivering, muscle aches, dehydration or a general feeling of being under the weather.

Apart from COVID-19, which causes inflammatory responses in the body, there are other respiratory viruses that could lead to a low grade fever. Some of the viral and bacterial infections are as follows:

- Flu

- Measles

- Rhinoviruses also known as common cold

- Mumps

- Chickenpox

- Ear infection

- Sinusitis

- Pneumonia

- Skin infection

- Urinary tract infection

Certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can cause a low grade fever. Reports suggest upto 86 percent of people with lupus suffer from a fever. According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), fever is a common symptom of Lupus along with muscle, joint pain, rashes, chest pain and more.

Also read: Why is your blood pressure always high? Sneaky reasons to consider

Some types of cancer such as lymphomas and leukemias can cause low grade fever that are persistent. Malignant tumors can alter the cells in the body that lead to a fever. Additionally, cancer patients on chemotherapy may also be more prone to high body temperature since the treatment destroys the white blood cells in the body that usually helps fight off infections.

According to a report titled "The truth about drug fever" published in the drugs and therapy bulletin, up to 7% of fevers are caused by adverse reactions to certain drugs, including antibiotics and drugs that treat seizures. Also known as drug fever, it can last for about 7-10 days after starting a new medication.

Furthermore, a low grade fever can also be a side effect of vaccination. Whether you get a flu shot or a COVID-19 vaccine, you can develop symptoms that may resemble a real infection.

An increased body temperature could also be an outcome of heat. It could be accompanied by symptoms such as rashes, redness on the skin, headache, muscle spasm, dizziness, dehydration, nausea and other symptoms. Some of the common heat-related illnesses are heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Experts have also said that fever is a common symptom of sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), STIs spread predominantly by sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Some STIs can also be transmitted from mother-to-child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

If your cause is not severe, your fever will resolve on its own usually. However, if it is persistent you must consult a doctor for proper diagnosis. Depending on the cause of your fever, you can then get yourself treated.

Most often, over-the-counter medications are used to treat a fever and associated symptoms. You can ask your doctors about which medicines to take.

Other than that, you must resort to rest and drink plenty of water. Eat nutrient-dense foods and continue monitoring your symptoms.