Shock fever: what to know

People may use this phrase for a sudden fever after fright, emotional shock, or a physically stressful event. Fear can cause trembling, a racing heartbeat, sweating, and a flushed feeling, but it does not establish that a person has fever. Measure temperature rather than relying on touch.

A genuine fever can accompany respiratory illness, skin infection, or other infections. When infection affects circulation, a person may become confused, unusually sleepy, breathless, faint, clammy, or very weak. These features are more concerning than the phrase itself.

Have the person rest, measure their temperature, and offer small sips of fluid if they are awake and able to swallow. Note the onset, medicines taken, recent travel, wounds, cough, urinary symptoms, and exposure to illness. Avoid alcohol rubs, ice baths, and forcing drinks if the person is drowsy.

Call emergency services for confusion, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey skin, cold clammy skin, a seizure, or inability to wake the person. Seek same-day medical advice for persistent fever, repeated shaking, a rapidly spreading skin redness, severe pain, or dehydration. Do not wait for the temperature to become higher if the person looks seriously unwell.

Ask what may be causing the measured fever, whether examination or tests are needed, and which fever medicines are suitable. Tell the clinician about immune problems, pregnancy, recent procedures, and all medicines being used.