Fatigue and a low-grade fever commonly occur with a lengthy list of illnesses and conditions. These nonspecific symptoms serve as a general immune system alert, signaling an abnormality somewhere in the body. The underlying causes of fatigue and a low-grade fever range from common viral infections to life-threatening cancers. Persistent fatigue and an unexplained fever warrant medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate course of therapy.
Common Cold
With roughly 1 billion cases occurring annually, according to MedlinePlus, the common cold proves a leading cause of fatigue and low-grade fever among Americans. Fever occurs more commonly in young children with a cold than in adults. Other classic symptoms include sneezing, throat scratchiness and a runny nose, which typically resolve in approximately seven to 10 days.
Infectious Mononucleosis
Profound fatigue and a low-grade fever are classic symptoms of infectious mononucleosis, also known as glandular fever. The Epstein-Barr virus causes the illness, which typically leads to widespread lymph gland enlargement and a sore throat. The fever typically peaks in the afternoon in most patients. Most cases of infectious mononucleosis resolve in approximately two to three weeks, with the fever gradually waning as the illness clears, reports the medical reference text "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases."
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus, often referred to as lupus, is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks various body organs and tissues. Lupus can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the tissues involved in the disorder. Overarching symptoms, however, typically include chronic fatigue and low-grade fevers, reports the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Other common symptoms include headaches, joint and muscle aches, hair loss, and skin rashes.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a medical condition characterized by persistent fatigue, poor quality sleep, migrating muscle and joint aches, headaches, and a low-grade fever. The syndrome most commonly affects women between the ages of 20 and 40, reports Penn State College of Medicine's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome remains undetermined. Treatment typically includes symptomatic therapy for aches and pains, rest, and a low-intensity exercise program.
Shingles
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral illness caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus, usually during late adulthood. In most patients, the illness begins with fatigue, a low-grade fever, muscle aches, and skin sensitivity or pain in one area of the body. A painful blistering rash follows in approximately five days, erupting in the area exhibiting skin sensitivity, reports the medical information website InteliHealth. The skin lesions usually heal within approximately four weeks.
Cancer
Unexplained fatigue and fever are two common symptoms of cancer, reports the American Cancer Society. Other symptoms that frequently occur with many different types of cancer include unintentional weight loss and skin changes. Localized symptoms and diagnostic tests help pinpoint the site of the underlying cancer.
References
- MedlinePlus: Common Cold
- "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Sixth Edition"; Gerald L. Mandell, M.D., et al., Editors; 2004
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Lupus
- Penn State College of Medicine Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- InteliHealth: Shingles
