Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

random fever

My husband is 42, seemingly healthy. He has been experiencing very random episodes of severe chills, practically rigors, with temperature spikes up to 103. It happens suddenly, and during the episode he can hardly talk or walk due to the stiffness from the chills and shaking. Once I get Ibuprofen in him and get him as warm as possible, the episode passes and the fever goes away. He is fine the next day, and has no other apparent symptoms. I am terrified. We have no insurance and testing is so expensive. He has had blood work unrelated to these episodes, where his white counts were normal and his HIV screen was negative. What type of doctor should we see? What could cause these random spikes in fever? It is very random, happening anywhere from once every 2 weeks, to 1 every 3 months. Any advice is so appreciated!
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1415174 tn?1453243103
COMMUNITY LEADER
I agree with JGF25 that it does need further testing. I actually get the cold shakes too but they are due to my migraine variant. The difference here is that he gets a high fever. Chronic Epstein Barr would not cause that high of a fever it is usually a mild fever. Has he started any new medication that he takes only once in a while? Some medications will cause a fever. Also, is he of Mediterranaen origin? There is a periodic fever but usually in children and it is genetic. Sometimes it can come out in adults. But you would see high levels of protein in the urine. There is a treatment for it called Colchicine. But usually you get joint pain, and possibly abdominal or chest pain. Then there are many recurring fevers due to tick bites. Has he had any tick bites that you know of? Does he work in any place where he would be around rodents or under buildings etc., do you both live in a cabin or go in the mountains or fields etc. Although, these ticks are getting more prevalent in many places it is more common west of the Mississippi. Does he ever get a rash? In any case if you can get assistance with testing you might see a doctor for further testing. A molecular based test for Borrelia or other tick borne diseases might be a way to start. A good lab to ask them to send his blood work to is called IgeneX if you have a choice. Let me know how it goes.
mkh9
mkh9
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have had those same chill-attacks (Rigors) and fever for almost 20 years.  So I doubt it's dangerous...( or hope it isn't), but no one ever seems to know what I am talking about.  If you have a Vitamin Shoppe where you are, go and get him a bottle of Astragalus (Vitamin Shoppe brand is really good!).  !!!!  Took my Rigors away over night.  I was taking three a day, and no chills or fever, but I started sweating badly at night only around my neck.  I dropped to two a day and I am fine.  I have only had one episode while on the Astragalus.  Hope this helps, I believe it's from Epson Barr ( as I had mono ) but instead of viral infections, it may be more bacterial....still researching. :)
Helpful - 0
1699033 tn?1514113133
I think he needs further testing.  Do you work?  If work doesn't offer insurance, then look at Obamacare.  It does not exclude pre-existing conditions.  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Infectious Diseases Community

Top Infectious Diseases Answerers
1415174 tn?1453243103
CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Fearing autism, many parents aren't vaccinating their kids. Can doctors reverse this dangerous trend?
Can HIV be transmitted through this sexual activity? Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia answers this commonly-asked question.
A breakthrough study discovers how to reduce risk of HIV transmission by 95 percent.
Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia provides insight to the most commonly asked question about the transfer of HIV between partners.
Before your drop a dime at the pharmacy, find out if these popular cold and flu home remedies are a wonder or a waste
Fend off colds and the flu with these disease-fighting foods