Summer heat can take a toll on the body, especially when you’re spending hours outside, exercising, or working in hot and humid conditions. Heat exhaustion is one of the most common heat-related illnesses, and it can cause symptoms such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and an elevated body temperature. But can heat exhaustion actually cause a fever? The answer is a little more complicated than it may seem. Heat exhaustion can cause your body temperature to rise, but a true fever is generally caused by the body’s response to an illness or infection. Understanding the difference is important because overheating and fever require different approaches to treatment.
For same-day heat exhaustion relief, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana. Our medical team is available 7 days a week to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance below.
Can Heat Exhaustion Cause a Fever?
Heat exhaustion can cause an elevated body temperature, but it typically does not cause a true fever. A fever occurs when the body’s internal temperature set point is raised, usually in response to an infection or another medical condition. Heat-related illness is different. In heat exhaustion, your body temperature rises because your body is having difficulty getting rid of excess heat. This distinction can sometimes be difficult to recognize because both conditions can make you feel hot, sweaty, weak, or generally unwell.
Heat exhaustion may cause a body temperature that is higher than normal, but it generally remains below the extremely high temperatures associated with heat stroke. If someone has a very high body temperature and is experiencing changes in mental status, heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate emergency care.
What Are the Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses too much water and salt through sweating and cannot cool itself properly. Common symptoms include:
- Heavy sweating
- Cool, pale, or clammy skin
- Weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Excessive thirst
- Elevated body temperature
Heat exhaustion can happen after prolonged exposure to high temperatures, like when humidity is high and sweat cannot evaporate effectively. Children, older adults, people who work outside, athletes, and individuals who aren’t accustomed to hot weather may have a higher risk of developing heat-related illness.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Heat Exhaustion?
The first step is to stop the activity and move to a cooler environment. Don’t try to push through symptoms. You can help your body cool down by:
- Moving into air conditioning or shade
- Removing unnecessary or heavy clothing
- Resting and taking a break from any activity
- Drinking cool water or an electrolyte beverage
- Applying cool, damp towels on the skin
- Taking a cool shower or bath
Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages while recovering, as they may contribute to dehydration. Someone experiencing heat exhaustion should be monitored closely. If their symptoms don’t improve after moving to a cooler environment and replacing fluids, medical evaluation may be necessary.
When Should You Visit Urgent Care?
If you believe you have heat exhaustion and your symptoms aren’t improving with rest, cooling, and hydration, it’s important to get evaluated. Urgent care may be appropriate for symptoms such as:
- Persistent dizziness or weakness
- Continued nausea or vomiting
- Dehydration
- Persistent headache
- Elevated temperature that doesn’t come down after cooling
- Symptoms that continue after you’ve left the heat
Headache providers can assess your symptoms, check for dehydration, and determine whether additional treatment or testing is necessary. If you have symptoms of heat stroke, seek immediate medical attention at the ER.
Get Walk-In Heat Exhaustion Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana
Heat exhaustion doesn’t typically cause a true fever, but it can cause your body temperature to rise significantly. Knowing the difference between an elevated temperature caused by overheating and a fever caused by illness can help you recognize when you need medical attention. If you develop symptoms of heat exhaustion that aren’t improving with cooling and hydration, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana. Our healthcare providers can evaluate your symptoms, assess for dehydration and heat-related illness, and help you determine the appropriate next steps. Just stop by any day of the week. We accept most health insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact us directly at (303) 343-6000.