What does bone fever mean?

People sometimes use bone fever to describe fever with deep aches, chills or a feeling of pain in the bones. The sensation may actually come from muscles, joints or the body's inflammatory response. A fever can occur with a Common Cold, Acute Bronchitis, COVID-19, Chickenpox or other infections. Brucellosis is another possibility in particular exposure settings, but a fever alone cannot identify its cause.

Rest, drink fluids regularly and use a thermometer if possible so you can describe the pattern clearly. Wear light clothing and avoid strenuous activity while unwell. Follow label directions for any fever medicine and check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines, are pregnant, or are caring for a child. Arrange clinical advice if fever persists, returns repeatedly, or comes with a new rash, worsening cough, painful urination or localised bone or joint pain.

Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, confusion, a stiff neck, a seizure, severe dehydration, a rapidly spreading skin redness, or severe pain with swelling. Fever in a very young infant needs prompt medical advice. Cellulitis, Bronchiolitis and Croup can require assessment when breathing or skin symptoms are present. Do not rely on the phrase bone fever to judge urgency.

Tell the clinician when the fever began, the highest reading you recorded, associated aches, recent travel, sick contacts, animal or food exposures, medicines and any rash. Ask whether you need an examination, testing, or treatment and which symptoms should trigger a return visit.