Can Exhaustion Cause Fever?

Feverish Women Holding Thermometer

Exhaustion itself typically does not cause a fever. Fever, defined as an elevation in body temperature above the normal range (usually around 98.6°F or 37°C), is often a response to an underlying infection, illness, or other triggers that activate the body’s immune system.

However, prolonged physical or mental exhaustion can weaken the immune system and make the body more susceptible to infections. In cases where exhaustion is a result of an illness or infection, the body’s immune response to fighting off the infection can lead to a fever.

Additionally, extreme exhaustion or fatigue can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that might also cause fever. For instance, certain infections, such as influenza, mononucleosis (mono), or other viral or bacterial illnesses, can cause both fatigue and fever as primary symptoms.

In some cases, severe physical or emotional stress, chronic fatigue syndrome, or conditions that cause extreme exhaustion might impact the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to a condition known as psychogenic fever. Psychogenic fever is a rare condition where psychological stress or emotional factors can lead to an increase in body temperature without an apparent infectious cause.

However, in most instances, fever is not directly caused by exhaustion alone. It’s essential to consider other symptoms, the presence of an underlying illness or infection, and individual health conditions when evaluating the relationship between exhaustion and fever. If someone is experiencing persistent fatigue, fever, or other concerning symptoms, seeking advice from a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis is recommended.

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