Advice Needed: High Fever Without Clear Symptoms
Hello everyone, I wanted to update you all about my partner, a 40-year-old male, who is currently hospitalized and receiving intravenous antibiotics. However, I'm questioning whether the treatment plan is appropriate. After returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, he developed severe body aches accompanied by a high fever ranging from 38 to 39 degrees. Initially, there were no other noticeable symptoms apart from a painful, severe rash on his legs. I insisted he seek emergency medical attention, where they conducted tests for a variety of tropical diseases, all of which returned negative results. The doctor referenced an abnormality in his blood work that suggests an infection—his levels were 180 compared to the normal threshold of under 5. I believe this could be related to the CRP marker, but I'm seeking confirmation from anyone knowledgeable in this area. After being administered antibiotics and IV paracetamol, he was later transferred to the dermatology department—likely due to the rash and leg pain. Around 2 AM, he experienced another episode of headache and fever. The medical staff informed him he would remain on IV treatment for the next five days, but they haven't clearly identified the nature of the infection. I’m reaching out to see if any medical professionals here could provide insight. It feels concerning that a 39-degree fever in someone of his age seems alarming, and my impression is that the treatment feels a bit haphazard.
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 1:20:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to be concerned about your partner's condition, especially with a high fever and unclear diagnosis. Here are the key points regarding his situation:
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High Fever and Abnormal Blood Work: A fever of 38 to 39 degrees Celsius (100.4 to 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit) can be concerning, particularly in an adult who is experiencing additional symptoms like severe body aches and a rash. The elevated CRP (C-reactive protein) indicates inflammation, often associated with an infection.
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Importance of Monitoring and Follow-Up: While it’s reassuring that the initial tests for tropical diseases returned negative, it's crucial to continue monitoring his symptoms. Persistent fever and other symptoms warrant close observation to determine the underlying cause and effectiveness of the treatment.
Action Steps for You:
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Stay Informed on Treatment: Ask the doctors for clarification on his current treatment plan and the expected timeline for identifying the cause of the infection. Understanding how they plan to address the fever and rash can ease some concerns.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of any symptoms your partner is experiencing, particularly changes in fever, rash appearance, pain level, and any new symptoms. This information can be very helpful for the medical team.
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Inquire About Additional Testing: If the current treatment does not lead to improvement in his fever or symptoms, discuss with the medical team about the possibility of further diagnostic tests that might reveal the nature of the infection.
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Maintain Communication: Regularly check in with healthcare providers about his progress. If new symptoms arise or existing symptoms worsen, escalate that information to the healthcare team promptly.
While it’s normal to feel anxious in such situations, many infections can resolve with appropriate treatment. Your vigilance and advocacy for his care are commendable. Please keep asking questions of the medical team and take notes during discussions to help support your partner through this.
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