Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever After Starting Antibiotics: Is This Typical?
Greetings! I’m a 37-year-old man without any prior health issues or chronic illnesses. My symptoms first appeared last Saturday, starting with some tiredness and a slight headache. By Sunday, I developed a fever reaching 38.5°C (101.3°F) and had a sore throat primarily on the right side, but I didn’t experience any cough or nasal congestion. Despite the fever, I felt fairly active. On Monday, a telemedicine consultation led to a diagnosis of unilateral bacterial tonsillitis, and I was prescribed Augmentin (a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid), which I began taking that afternoon. During the appointment, my right tonsil was covered with white spots and caused severe pain, especially while swallowing. Since starting treatment: - The pain during swallowing has vastly improved by today, Wednesday, now rating around 5 out of 10, enabling me to consume food and drink more comfortably. - I have not had a cough or any nasal issues, but the white spots remain visible on my tonsils. - I have also developed several mouth ulcers (aphthae) on my lips and tongue, along with some gum tenderness. - My energy levels are improving, and I no longer feel weak or drained. However, my fever continues to be a concern. It fluctuates between 37.4°C and 38.0°C (99.3°F – 100.4°F), regardless of whether I take paracetamol. I’ve noticed it tends to spike in the evenings. As I am currently traveling abroad, I’m curious whether this pattern of symptoms falls within the realm of normal or if I should seek a follow-up medical evaluation locally. It’s now three days into my antibiotic course, and I would like to know: Is it common for a low-grade fever to linger for several days after beginning antibiotic treatment? Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
8/6/2025, 4:50:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about your ongoing low-grade fever while on antibiotics. It can be common for a mild fever to persist for several days after starting treatment for bacterial infections like tonsillitis. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider and actionable steps you can take:
Explanation
- Normal Course of Treatment: After starting antibiotics, it can take time for your body to respond fully. Infections usually improve over several days, and the fever might linger as your body continues to fight off the infection.
- Symptom Improvements: It's a positive sign that your throat pain is improving and that your energy levels are rising. This indicates that the antibiotic is likely starting to work.
- White Spots and Mouth Ulcers: The white spots on your tonsils may take longer to resolve, even if the pain decreases. Mouth ulcers can occur due to various reasons, including irritation from treatment or infection.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Fever: Continue to track your temperature. If it remains below 38.5°C (101.3°F) and you're feeling overall better, this may be a sign of recovery.
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Hydration and Oral Care: Stay well-hydrated and maintain good oral hygiene. Rinse with saltwater or consider a mild antiseptic mouthwash to help with the mouth ulcers and gum tenderness.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: You can continue to use paracetamol for fever management. If the fever spikes significantly higher or persists beyond a week, seek local medical advice.
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Observe for New Symptoms: Be vigilant for any worsening symptoms, such as increased pain, swelling, difficulty swallowing, or the development of new symptoms that might indicate an allergy or complication.
Follow-Up
If your fever continues to be a concern past the antibiotic course or if your symptoms do not improve significantly after a few more days, it would be wise to seek a follow-up evaluation. Healthcare providers can perform tests to rule out other potential issues.
Stay positive; you’re making progress with your symptoms, and monitoring your condition closely will help ensure you continue on the path to recovery. Let me know if you have any more questions!
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