What Causes High Fever, Intense Headache, Loss Of Appetite And Body Pain?

Posted on Tue, 28 Jul 2015

Question: Thank you I have sypmtoms that have made me very uncomfortable for the last 7 days. High fever, intense headache that wont quit, loss of apetite, intense full body aches, tired, feel very weak. nobody else in my home got sick my wife shares drinks with me why didn't she get sick. I notice a heavy pain in my arm from my elbow to my armpit. fo to look at it and there is a big red bit mark. Looks like 2 little fangs. I think I may have got bit by a black widow. There is in fact one in my back yard. I don't want to go to the Emergenct room but I am very sick. Some of my symptoms have improved. My fever has decreased I feel a little energy now but my arm hurts and my headaches will not stop. Do I need to seek help or will this go away on its own. I don't have a lot of cash to waste and the ER is very expensive what do you think. Is this a cold or flu or a bit of bug poison

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide more information and take acetaminophen for fever

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I really appreciate your concern
High grade fever with body ache , loss of appetite and all other symptoms you have mentioned in your question, since 7 days is a matter of concern

I have seen the photograph you have uploaded, this could be an inflammatory rash may or may not be caused by bite of black widow.

Individual susceptibility to infection or illness varies from person to person that's why your wife didn't get that.

I would like further information to reach at a conclusive diagnosis
is it a constant fever or intermittent or temperature if you have recorded
have you noticed yellowish discolouration of urine or burning and increased frequency of urine?
Do you have sore throat or cough?

In my opinion you should take acetaminophen for fever and headache with pantoprazole or ranitidine drug for symptomatic relief.

Please revert back to me with all the details I have asked for so that I will be able to tell you more accurately.
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (2 hours later)

the fever may have been constant but I took meds to bring it down. It would go away but only for 3 or 4 hours at a time and I believe that without the meds it would have never gone down. However now it is under control. I have not had a fever in over 24 hours. I did not have sore throat or a cough. the temperatures that I recorded varried between 101 and 105. Also aside from the suspected spider bite I did get a few mosquito bites as well. Is it possible that I caught Chickungunya virus and the spider bite is a coincident

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please consider these guidelines

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for your reply
Looking ta your detailed description, High grade fever with history to mosquito bites needs to be evaluated thoroughly.

If I were your treating doctor I would have advised you for a battery of tests like blood for hemoglobin, CBC, liver and kidney function test, PBS (peripheral blood smear) for malaria, tests for dengue and chikungunia.

Since I can't physically examine you to get more clues, so I would advise you to go to emergency room for thorough clinical examination and investigations to establish a cause for fever.

Meanwhile Have acetaminophen and do cold sponging for fever
Have good food and plenty of fluids, Keep yours well hydrated.
Best wishes

Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar