Why You May Have a Fever After Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is linked to several side effects. Some people experience a fever, often called “chemo fever,” after their treatments. It’s important to seek care for chemo fever.

Chemo fevers are typically the result of a potentially serious condition called neutropenia, which happens when chemotherapy treatments lower the number of infection-fighting white blood cells in the body.

It’s important to contact your medical team right away if you experience a fever following chemotherapy treatment.

Read more about chemotherapy side effects.

Can chemotherapy cause a fever?

Chemotherapy can sometimes cause a fever. Chemotherapy treatment kills cancer cells. It can also reduce the number of white blood cells , which your body needs to fight infection. Without enough white blood cells, it’s easier for infections, including serious infections, to develop quickly.

Fevers are a common symptom of infection. Neutropenia, an infection caused by lowered white blood cells during chemotherapy treatment, is a side effect . Not everyone who receives chemotherapy treatment will experience neutropenia or fever as a side effect.

When are you most likely to have a high fever after chemotherapy?

Chemo fevers are typically highest about 3 to 4 days after treatment .

Often, fevers are more of a concern during the first cycle of chemotherapy treatment than they are during later cycles. They might spike again on days 10 through 14 when your blood levels are low and so at greater risk for infection.

However, fevers can develop at any time if an infection develops.

When to see emergency care

If you have a fever following chemotherapy, it’s considered a medical emergency . You need to seek urgent medical care — go to the nearest emergency room.

You have a fever if your temperature reaches 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

It’s always important to contact your doctor any time you experience a new symptom following a chemotherapy treatment.

It’s a good idea to take your temperature if you feel fever warm, chilled, fatigued, or experience any other symptoms that could indicate a fever after a chemotherapy treatment.

A temperate of above 100.4°F (38°C) degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever in adults.

Chemotherapy lowers your body’s ability to fight infection. This means that during chemotherapy treatments, a fever can be a symptom of a serious, or even life threatening, infection .

What are the symptoms of a high fever after chemotherapy?

A fever can cause a few key symptoms. These include:

• feeling warm
• chills
• sweating
• fatigue
• aches

It’s important to check your temperature if you experience any of these symptoms.

What causes a high fever after chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy reduces the body’s ability to produce white blood cells, which fight infections. When a person has fewer white blood cells, they are at a greater risk of infections, which cause fevers.

What are the risk factors for high fever after chemotherapy?

There aren’t any specific risk factors for a fever after chemotherapy. There’s also no way to predict or prevent a fever following treatment.

However, you can take steps such as monitoring your symptoms and temperature to prepare if a fever does develop.

How is a high fever after chemotherapy diagnosed?

A doctor will ask questions to go over your symptoms and recent chemotherapy treatment. They will want to know about any additional symptoms you might be experiencing, such as:

• a cough
• mouth sores
• new pain
• skin irritation
• skin discoloration and swelling around an IV site

Your doctor might also order blood tests. These could include:

• Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC is a test that shows the total levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood.

• Blood culture: A blood culture is a test that can determine the type of bacteria or virus that is causing an infection.

How is a high fever after chemotherapy treated?

The treatment plan for your fever depends on factors such as the underlying cause and the severity of any infection. Possible treatments might include:

• Certain over-the-counter medications: Acetaminophen and other medications available over the counter can reduce fever and treat minor symptoms. However, although these medications are available without a prescription, it’s important to talk with your doctor before you take them. A chemo fever always needs to be evaluated by a medical professional.
• Antibiotics: Often, an antibiotic to treat the underlying infection will be your primary treatment. If your infection is caused by a virus, you might be prescribed an antiviral medication.
• Colony-stimulating factors: Colony-stimulating factors are medications that can help increase your white blood cell count.

Your doctor might also recommend home care steps such as fluid, rest, and using a cold compress to help lower your temperature.

What’s the outlook for people who have a high fever after chemotherapy?

A fever following chemotherapy can be very serious. It can be a sign of an infection that could spread and become fatal. However, a fever can also be successfully treated. Informing your doctor right away is the best way to manage a fever after chemotherapy.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature should a chemo patient go to the hospital?

Any fever can indicate an infection, and any infection can become life threatening during chemotherapy treatments. A fever of over 100.4°F (38°C) is a sign to seek urgent medical care.

What are the hardest days after chemo?

The hardest days may be a few days after chemotherapy and then 2 weeks after when your blood levels are low. Chemotherapy builds up in your system, so you will feel worse between cycles and then better before you receive your next cycle.

However, not everyone will have the same experience with chemotherapy side effects. Some people might experience symptoms that linger longer or that seem harder to manage days or weeks later.

Takeaway

It’s common for people receiving chemotherapy treatment to experience a fever after treatment. This can happen because chemotherapy damages the body’s ability to make infection-fighting white blood cells.

A fever after chemotherapy is always serious and requires urgent medical attention. Treatments, such as antibiotics and colony-stimulating factors, can help resolve chemo fevers.