A fever that goes away and then returns can be confusing and worrying. Many people assume that once a fever breaks, the illness is improving but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes the fever drops temporarily, only to rise again hours or days later. This pattern can indicate that the body is fighting a persistent infection, experiencing a new flare-up, or reacting to changes in inflammation. Understanding why fevers behave this way, what symptoms to watch for, and how to manage them helps you know when to rest at home and when to seek medical care.
For same-day illness testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen. Our urgent care center is open 7 days a week and provides the highest quality of care to all patients in the Aberdeen, NJ area. Just stop by at your convenience!
What Is Intermittent Fever?
Intermittent fever refers to a fever pattern where the body temperature rises above normal, returns to baseline, and then spikes again. This cycle may happen once a day, several times a day, or every few days depending on the underlying cause. Unlike continuous fever, which stays elevated, intermittent fever comes and goes. This type of fever often appears in infections such as malaria, tuberculosis, viral illnesses, or bacterial infections that fluctuate in activity.
Why a Fever May Come Back
A recurring or intermittent fever can happen for several reasons:
- Incomplete recovery from an infection: The body may still be fighting bacteria or viruses that were not fully cleared.
- Secondary infections: After an initial illness, the weakened immune system may allow a new infection to develop.
- Antibiotic resistance: If bacteria do not respond to treatment, the fever may temporarily improve but return.
- Viral illnesses: Many viruses naturally cause fluctuating fevers as the immune system responds in waves.
- Inflammatory conditions: Autoimmune disorders or inflammatory diseases can trigger repeated fever episodes even without infection.
- Dehydration or overexertion: These can cause temporary spikes in body temperature following illness.
Symptoms of Intermittent Fever
Along with the fluctuating temperature, you may notice:
- Chills or sweating episodes
- General weakness or fatigue
- Headache
- Body aches or joint pain
- Nausea or decreased appetite
- Irritability or restlessness
Depending on the cause, symptoms may intensify during fever spikes and ease when the temperature returns to normal.
Associated Risks
While intermittent fevers are common in mild illnesses, they can sometimes indicate more serious problems. Recurring fevers may lead to dehydration, worsening infection, breathing difficulty, or complications if untreated. Infants, older adults, and people with chronic conditions face higher risks, as their immune systems may struggle to keep infections under control.
Management Tips
Managing an intermittent fever includes staying hydrated, resting, and using fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if recommended. Cool compresses, light clothing, and avoiding physical exertion can also help. Most importantly, monitor symptoms to ensure the fever pattern is improving rather than worsening.
Get Walk-In Illness Testing & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen
If your fever returns repeatedly, lasts more than three days, or is accompanied by severe symptoms like chest pain, stiff neck, trouble breathing, or persistent vomiting, visit urgent care. Early evaluation helps identify the underlying cause and prevents serious complications. Don’t let your symptoms drag on– come visit us at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen for effective treatment and support! Our medical team is here 7 days a week to support your health and well-being. Appointments are not required, just stop by at your convenience. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact our medical office directly at (732) 583-5100.
