Fever and sweating: what to know

When the body’s temperature set point changes during an infection, chills may be followed by sweating as heat is released. A Common Cold or COVID-19 may cause fever with other respiratory symptoms, while conditions such as Cellulitis can cause fever with a hot, painful, reddened area of skin. Less commonly, travel or animal exposure can matter when Brucellosis is being considered. Sweating during sleep, repeated episodes without a clear fever, or symptoms such as weight change, palpitations, or persistent cough deserve a clinician’s assessment.

Sip water or an oral rehydration drink, especially after soaking sweats, and change damp clothing. Rest in a comfortable, ventilated room; avoid piling on heavy blankets once chills have passed. Check your temperature with the same method each time and record associated symptoms, medicines, travel, and exposure to illness. Use fever medicine only as directed and check with a pharmacist if you take regular medicines or have a chronic condition.

Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, difficulty breathing, chest pain, a seizure, severe headache with a stiff neck, or inability to keep fluids down. Seek prompt advice if urine becomes very dark or scarce, dizziness continues when standing, or fever and sweating keep returning. A baby, older adult, pregnant person, or someone with reduced immunity may need earlier assessment because dehydration and infection can progress quickly.

Ask what may be driving the fever, whether your hydration is adequate, and whether an examination or testing is needed. Mention night sweats, recent travel, new medicines, skin changes, cough, urinary symptoms, and anyone else at home who is unwell.