What does unexplained fever feel like with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?

Most people with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia notice unexplained fever as a change that can come and go, with shivering followed by warmth or perspiration. You may feel weak, headachy or generally unwell. Fever can occur with infections, and leukaemia can affect the blood cells involved in fighting infection, so a new temperature change needs medical attention rather than home interpretation.

Feeling cold does not rule out fever, and a flushed face does not confirm it. Use the thermometer and recording method recommended by your treatment team. Other symptoms such as cough, sore throat, burning urine, diarrhoea, mouth sores or a new rash can help clinicians find the cause.

Check your temperature when you feel hot, chilled or suddenly unwell, record the reading and time, and follow your oncology team's emergency instructions. Drink fluids if you can and avoid taking fever medicine unless your team has told you which medicine and dose are appropriate, because it may hide a change clinicians need to assess. Keep your treatment contact details accessible.

Contact your oncology team urgently for any fever threshold they have given you, or for chills and feeling acutely unwell even when a reading is not high. Seek emergency help for confusion, severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, blue lips or inability to keep fluids down. Do not wait for fever to settle on its own during active cancer treatment.

What temperature or symptom should trigger an immediate call? Which number should I use day and night? Should I take any fever medicine before assessment? What infection signs should I watch for?