Fever and Lupus
from Lupus : A Patient Care Guide
Fever is often a part of lupus. For some people with
lupus, an intermittent (coming and going) or continuous low-grade fever
may be normal. Other people, especially those on large doses of aspirin,
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or corticosteroids, may not
have fever at all because these drugs may mask a fever.
If you have lupus, you may be more vulnerable to
certain infections than are other people without lupus. In addition, you
may be more prone to infection if you are taking any immunosuppressive
drugs for your lupus. Be alert to a temperature that is new or higher than
normal for you, because it could be a sign of a developing infection or a
lupus flare.
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Caring For Yourself
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Take your temperature at least once a day
(or more often if needed) to determine what a “normal”
temperature is for you.
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Take your temperature and watch for a
fever any time you feel chills or do not feel well.
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Call your doctor immediately if you have a
new or higher-than-normal temperature.
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Even if you don’t have a fever, don’t
hesitate to call your doctor if you do not feel well in any way,
particularly if you are taking aspirin, NSAIDs, or a
corticosteroid. Signs of infection other than a fever include
unusual pain, cramping or swelling, a headache with neck
stiffness, cold or flu symptoms, trouble breathing, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in urine or stool.
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Talk to your doctor about immunization
against pneumococcal pneumonia and the flu.
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Practice good personal hygiene.
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Avoid large crowds and people who are
sick.
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Recommended Books:
The Lupus Book: A Guide for Patients and Their Families by Daniel J. Wallace
Lupus: Alternative Therapies That Work by Sharon Moore
New Hope for People with Lupus: Your Friendly, Authoritive Guide to the Latest in Traditional and Complementary Solutions by Sara J. Henry
Source: National Institute
of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
20892, January 1999
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