Seeking Advice on Throat Infection and Body Temperature Fluctuations
About a week ago, I began to feel quite unwell, experiencing severe fever, throat pain, and chills—a true combination of symptoms. I ended up visiting the hospital, where I was found to be significantly dehydrated. They tested me for strep throat, COVID-19, and other conditions, all of which came back negative. I was treated with two bags of IV fluids and given Tylenol before being discharged. The following day, I had an appointment at a different clinic for an unrelated concern. During this visit, I mentioned my symptoms and underwent another strep throat test, which also yielded negative results. Later, I arranged a visit with my primary care physician. He diagnosed me with tonsillitis associated with a partially regrown tonsil, as I had my tonsils removed when I was young. He prescribed me a course of antibiotics (Z-Pak) and advised me to use ibuprofen and Tylenol to manage my fever. For the last four days, I've been struggling with fevers that rise as high as 103–104°F. On days three and four, the fever dropped a bit to around 101°F. However, whenever I take ibuprofen or Tylenol, my body temperature plummets to between 96.5°F and 97.3°F and does not return to normal without additional help, like warm showers or using blankets. Should I be worried about these fluctuations in body temperature, or is this something I should discuss with my healthcare provider? In summary: I have a throat infection and fever. My temperature drops significantly to 96.5°F when taking medication, and I'm curious whether this drop is something to be concerned about. Right now, my temperature is 97.3°F, with no medication taken other than the antibiotic.
Answers (1)
8/17/2025, 7:01:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been through a challenging time with your throat infection and the associated fever. Your concerns about the fluctuations in body temperature are valid, especially after experiencing such high fevers and significant drops after taking medication. Here's a breakdown of what you're experiencing and what steps you can take next.
Key Points:
- Fever Fluctuations: It's common for fevers to fluctuate during an infection, particularly when you're taking medications like ibuprofen and Tylenol, which lower fever but can also cause temperature drops.
- Monitoring Symptoms: The critical part is to continue monitoring how you feel overall, including symptoms like throat pain, levels of fatigue, or any new symptoms that arise.
Explanation:
High fevers, typically ranging from 100.4°F to 104°F, are a sign that your body is fighting an infection. After taking fever reducers like ibuprofen or Tylenol, the drop in temperature (to around 96.5°F) isn't unusual, especially if you're hydrated. However, consistently low body temperatures can sometimes indicate other factors at play, such as medications affecting your metabolism or underlying conditions.
Next Steps:
- Continue Monitoring: Keep track of your body temperature throughout the day. Note how you feel—if you're experiencing chills, fatigue, or any other symptoms.
- Hydrate: Continue drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, as dehydration can affect body temperature regulation. Aim for clear fluids whenever possible.
- Rest and Comfort: Prioritize rest to help your body recover. Using warm blankets or taking warm showers can provide comfort if you feel cold after taking fever-reducing medications.
- Limit Medication to Necessity: Take your medications as prescribed but be cautious about overmedicating. If you find that the temperature drops too low excessively or you feel worse after taking them, consider spacing them out and discussing your dosage with your healthcare provider.
- Reach Out if Necessary: If your fever persists above 101°F for more than a few days, or if you experience concerning symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe throat pain, or increased confusion, it would be wise to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
While it's understandable to feel concerned about these temperature drops, fluctuations can occur during infections. If you note any sudden or significant change in your condition, don’t hesitate to follow up with your healthcare provider for peace of mind. Take care, and I hope you feel better soon!
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