From the Guidelines
The top 10 most common diseases causing pyrexia (fever) are viral respiratory infections, COVID-19, urinary tract infections, gastroenteritis, pneumonia, sinusitis, strep throat, malaria, dengue fever, and typhoid fever, with the most recent study 1 highlighting the importance of considering malaria, dengue, and other tropical diseases in returning travelers and migrants.
Common Causes of Fever
The most common causes of fever can be broken down into several categories, including:
- Viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold and influenza, which typically cause low-grade fevers and resolve within 3-7 days with rest, fluids, and symptom relief 1
- Bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and sinusitis, which require antibiotics for treatment
- Gastroenteritis, which typically needs only supportive care
- Tropical diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and typhoid fever, which are more common in certain regions and require specific treatments
Treatment and Management
Treatment and management of fever depend on the underlying cause, with options including:
- Rest, fluids, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen for symptom relief in viral respiratory infections
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections, such as nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for urinary tract infections
- Supportive care for gastroenteritis
- Antimalarial medications for malaria, supportive care for dengue fever, and antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or ceftriaxone for typhoid fever
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is crucial in determining the underlying cause of fever and guiding treatment, with the most recent study 1 highlighting the importance of considering tropical diseases in returning travelers and migrants. A significant proportion of cases may be classified as "fever of unknown origin," emphasizing the need for a thorough diagnostic workup and consideration of potentially severe causes of fever.
From the Research
Common Causes of Pyrexia (Fever)
The following are some of the common causes of pyrexia (fever) due to respiratory viruses:
- Influenza A(H3N2) 2
- Influenza A(H1N1) 2
- Coronaviruses 2
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) 2
- Rhinovirus 2
- Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) 3, 4
- Parainfluenza viruses (PIVs) 3, 4
- Respiratory adenovirus (RAdV) 3
- Enterovirus (EV) 3, 4
- Human rhinovirus (HRV) 4
Age-Specific Causes of Pyrexia (Fever)
The causes of pyrexia (fever) can vary by age group:
- In children aged 1-4 years, RSV is a common cause of medically attended acute respiratory illness (ARI) 2
- In adults aged ≥65 years, coronaviruses are a common cause of medically attended ARI 2
- In adults with laboratory-confirmed respiratory virus infection, the rate of fever varies by virus, with human rhinovirus (25.3%), influenza A virus (30%), coronavirus (28.6%), and human metapneumovirus (28.6%) being common causes 4