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a low grade fever..what does it mean?!

Can anyone explain to me what would cause a low grade fever for a prelonged time. My temp was in the range of 99.3-99.7? My doctor didn't seem worried about it, but I am! I read that it could be a sign of infection or underlying disease? I'm know I'm stressed and have anxiety could that effect my body temp? How about birth control pills? Any suggestions would be great! I'm just really nervous about this!
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Avatar universal
My constant low grade fever and fatigue is accompanied by an ANA+ reading that is very high - consistent with readings associated with Lupus, but I don't have Lupus or any symptoms related to such a disease.  After 2 months it subsided.  Now, 1 year later, it has returned in full force - 99.9 fever that comes on late afternoon and lasts into the evening accompanied by extreme fatigue.  The feeling is like having the flu without the other symptoms.  
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Avatar universal
My mother and I were sent to an ENT... she had a sinus infection and also some inflammation in her esophagus.  He also checked and cleaned her ears.  I had a bump on the side of my head for no apparent reason... He checked my ears, nose and throat.  Also felt the bump... my dx was no problem - just inflammation on my scalp.... Just saying, sometimes the doctor will send you to a specialist because he/she can't figure what the problem and solution is.  -  A low-grade fever can also be caused by Lupus or Fibromyalgia or MS or any other autoimmune disease.  Probably just wants to rule out ear infections, esophageal problems, ulcers or anything else.  The question about STDs is just to throw it out there to see if perhaps there is an infection that isn't showing up just yet.  -  We would like to hear from you when you go see the specialist.  Hope it's good news.
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Avatar universal
She has been asking about unprotected sex because a low grade fever is a sign of pregnancy. So she was just wanting to make sure that wasnt why you are running a low grade fever.  
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1415937 tn?1320866084
IDK why your doctor is sending you a otorhinolaryngologist (ear nose throat doctor) and asking about uprotected sex unless he sees something or but like londres70 there is no reason to jump to stds almost anything your body does creates a slight elevation in temp movement digestion aggitation stress ect. But if you just started "the pill" my assumption would be that your body probably hasn't adjusted to the hormonal changes yet and that is why you have a fever. My fiancee' has literally been on 5 differant types of birth control trying to help her endometriosis and I will be the first to tell you they can really mess with a chick.... As long as she isn't close enough to smack me for it lol.
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Avatar universal
I am not sure why your physician would be linking an elevated temp directly to an STD/STI; that makes no sense unless you are having GU (Genitourinary) issues as well.  The temp elevation is NOT that significant; please don't worry if that is the biggest medical problem you have.  

If you have been cleared for an STD/STI, don't worry about it then.  

Go for the ENT referral and see what he/she says.  

Please don't worry over nothing.  
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Avatar universal
She gave me a referral to an ENT, but she also kept asking me about unprotected sex when she saw my temp. So, that just made me more paranoid. I'm just really anxious about all of this! My health has never been this out of wack before! I'm just really scared!
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Avatar universal
I thought you were going to consult an ENT Specialist about your problem with the tonsil stones?  

I am not sure why you are so fixated on STDs/STIs.  Your anxiety seems to be EXTREMELY high.  I would recommend finding a solution for your anxiety.  

You can post in the Anxiety Forum as well if you have not already.  
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363281 tn?1643235611
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hello~In some cases, yes, a low grade fever could indicate the beginning of an infection, or std's, you doctor is just trying to cover all bases, there are so many diseases anymore that can cause infections, etc.
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Avatar universal
Yea, I have been under a ton of anxiety and stress for the past few months$ I'm hoping that is the case. Yea I had complete blood work which included checking thyroid, but she never said anything was wrong with it.Does anyone know y my doctor kept asking if I had unprotected sex...r low grade fevers associated w stds or something?
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363281 tn?1643235611
COMMUNITY LEADER
Anxiety, stress, excitement can cause a fever. Some folks just a run a little higher-than-normal temp too, now me, I am lower than normal, but, I have a low thryoid. Has the doctor checked you for a high thyroid, this could be a reason in it self.
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Avatar universal
No, most def not pregnant. When I had gone to the doctor I was only taking birth control for a month. My doctor also asked me if I had unprotected sex...which I had, but what does that have to do w a low grade fever?! This is all stressing me out.
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1415937 tn?1320866084
Yes birth control pills can cause slight temperature elevations usually when you have just started taking them or just changed types...... You aren't pregnant are you.
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