Fever, Headache & Body Pain

Fever, headache and body pain are symptoms of many medical conditions ranging from the flu to West Nile fever or meningitis. The headache and the body pains are often symptoms of the fever itself.

Significance

According to the Merck Manual Home Edition, fever is a sign that the body has been infected with a virus, a bacteria, an allergen or parasites. It is one of the body's ways of fighting back against the invaders.

Other Symptoms

Because there are so many causes for a fever that also produces headaches and body pains, a doctor will need to know about any other symptoms present in order to diagnose the cause.

Time Frame

According to the Mayo Clinic, if anyone over two years old has a fever for more than three days, he needs to contact a doctor. The time frame is one day for any child under two years old.

Misconception

According to the Mayo Clinic, a high fever does not always mean that the condition is life threatening. There are serious conditions such as lymphoma that can produce a low fever, headache and body pains.

Warning

If the fever is accompanied by a stiff neck, nausea and/or a skin rash, go to the hospital immediately. You could have meningitis, which is potentially fatal.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Fever
• Merck Manual Home Edition: Defenses Against Infection
• "Primary Renal Lymphoma"

Resources

• Mayo Clinic: Meningitis: Symptoms
• CDC: Symptoms of West Nile Virus
• Palo Alto Medical Foundation Pediatrics Department: Fever

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