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Immunity and infection prevention

Fever in a patient

The main article (“Fever: when to seek urgent care”) explains how infection is recognised. This topic is only about fever: how to measure it, why it is urgent during neutropenia and what happens in hospital.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A glowing thermometer and a shield.
Figure 1.Fever is an alarm signal.

01Short answer

A fever is a body temperature above normal, often the body’s response to infection. During neutropenia, fever (febrile neutropenia) is often the only sign of infection and can worsen within hours. That is why your team gives you, in writing, the temperature at which you must call. Measure the same way each time, usually by mouth or under the arm; do not measure in the back passage. Do not take fever-lowering medicine on your own, because it can hide the sign. In hospital, blood tests and cultures are taken and antibiotics are started quickly.

02Simple explanation

Fever: often the only sign.

The threshold comes from your team.

Do not hide it: call first.

03Scientific explanation

Febrile neutropenia: neutropenia with fever; international guidance says antibiotics should start very quickly.

Measuring: rectal temperatures are not advised in neutropenia because they can damage the lining.

04What happens in the body?

An alarm signal

Fever is the body’s alarm; during neutropenia, take it seriously.

A fever card

A card with your diagnosis and your team’s number saves time in the emergency department.

A card and a phone in a wallet.
Figure 2.A fever card in a wallet.

A fast lane

In hospital, febrile neutropenia is treated as a priority.

A lit hospital entrance.
Figure 3.A fast lane in hospital.

05What to do with a fever

Four steps.

Feeling — Hot or shivery.1FeelingHot or shivery.
Measuring — Temperature.2MeasuringTemperature.
Calling — Your team.3CallingYour team.
Treatment — Starts fast.4TreatmentStarts fast.

06During a fever

DoDo not
Measure and write it downMeasure in the back passage
Call your team at onceWait until morning
Take your fever cardTake fever-lowering medicine on your own
Mention your catheterStart antibiotics yourself

07Key terms

Fever
A body temperature above normal.
Febrile neutropenia
Neutropenia with fever.
Antipyretic
A medicine that lowers fever.
Triage
Setting priorities in the emergency department.
Culture
A test that grows a germ.

08Key points

  • Fever in neutropenia is an emergency.
  • Your team sets the call threshold.
  • Measure the same way each time.
  • Not in the back passage.
  • Do not hide a fever.
  • Antibiotics start quickly.

09Frequently asked questions

It was high once, then normal; should I call?

Yes, call according to your team’s rules.

It is night; should I wait until morning?

No; call at any hour.

What is a fever card?

A card showing your diagnosis and neutropenia risk; ask your team.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. It was high once, then normal; should I call?

  2. It is night; should I wait until morning?

  3. What is a fever card?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Fever
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. American Cancer Society. Infections in People with Cancer
  4. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Immune response
  5. World Health Organization (WHO). Vaccines and immunization
  6. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Bacterial Infections
  7. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Immune System and Disorders
  8. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Viral Infections
  9. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Antibiotics
  10. World Health Organization (WHO). Antimicrobial resistance (fact sheet)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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