What is the fever pattern in septicemia?

Sepsis-related fever often presents as remittent fever, characterized by large fluctuations in body temperature, frequently exceeding 39°C, with a daily variation greater than 2°C within 24 hours, and the lowest temperature still above the normal range. Some patients may also exhibit continuous (constant) fever or irregular fever. Immediate medical attention is recommended if persistent high fever is accompanied by chills or altered consciousness.

Remittent fever is the most typical fever pattern in sepsis, caused by continuous release of toxins from pathogens into the bloodstream, which stimulates the body's thermoregulatory center. At the same time, inflammatory mediators released by immune cells fighting the infection contribute to significant temperature fluctuations. Patients often experience chills and sweating; during high fever episodes, symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and general malaise may occur.

In rare cases, if the infection is poorly controlled or the patient’s immunity is severely compromised, continuous fever (body temperature persistently between 39–40°C, with less than 1°C fluctuation in 24 hours) may develop. Alternatively, due to changing infection sites or complex pathogen types, the fever may become irregular (unpredictable temperature patterns). Changes in fever patterns can reflect disease progression and should be evaluated together with other clinical symptoms to assess infection control.

In daily care, close monitoring of body temperature is essential. During high fever, physical cooling methods such as tepid sponge baths can be used. It is important to replenish fluids promptly to prevent dehydration, maintain good indoor ventilation, follow a light and easily digestible diet, and ensure adequate rest to support the body’s fight against infection.