About this topic
Fever of unknown origin is a high temperature without a known cause. It is sometimes called FUO. You may have FUO if you have: ‚
- Temperature higher than 100.4 ‚ °F or 38 ‚ °C on many occasions. This can be all the time or on and off.
- Have had a fever for over 3 weeks
- No clear reason for your fever
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your temperature with a thermometer one or two times each day. Ask your doctor if you should keep a record of these numbers.
- Get lots of rest.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.
What follow-up care is needed?
Some tests may need to be done. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
You may be given drugs based on your condition. The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower fever
- Prevent infection
- Multivitamins and minerals
Talk to your doctor about what drugs you may need to take. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There are many causes of FUO. These measures may help prevent it: ‚
- Eat a healthy diet. Get some exercise every day. This can help make your immune system stronger.
- Take extra care if you are traveling abroad. Check with a public health doctor to learn more about how to stay healthy.
- Most fevers come from an infection. These can help prevent the spread of infection:
- Wash your hands often.
- Stay away from sick people.
- Have regular flu shots.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to take my temperature and how often my doctor wants me to check it.
- I can tell you what I can do to help avoid passing the infection to others.
Where can I learn more?
American Family Physician ‚
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/1201/p2223.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚