Fact Check: "Fever is a common symptom of infection."
What We Know
Fever, defined as a temporary increase in body temperature, is a well-documented response of the immune system to various medical conditions, particularly infections. According to a study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, fever is a common symptom in both viral and bacterial infections, with high fever often associated with serious bacterial diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis (source-1).
The StatPearls database notes that fever is one of the most common medical signs, occurring in approximately 30% of healthcare visits by children and up to 75% of adults who are seriously ill (source-2). Furthermore, it is stated that fever is a typical symptom of many infectious diseases, including influenza, COVID-19, and gastroenteritis (source-3).
The Mayo Clinic also emphasizes that fever is usually caused by infections and serves as an important part of the body's defense mechanism (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that "fever is a common symptom of infection" is strongly supported by multiple reputable sources. The Journal of Infectious Diseases provides a comprehensive overview of how fever manifests in various infections, highlighting its prevalence in both viral and bacterial cases (source-1).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they include peer-reviewed articles and established medical references. For instance, StatPearls is a widely used medical resource that compiles information from various studies and clinical guidelines, making it a credible source for understanding medical symptoms (source-2).
Moreover, the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic are respected institutions known for their contributions to medical education and patient care, further reinforcing the credibility of the information regarding fever as a symptom of infection (source-4, source-7).
While there are non-infectious causes of fever, the overwhelming evidence indicates that infections are the primary reason for fever, especially in clinical settings where fever is a common presenting symptom.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that "fever is a common symptom of infection" is substantiated by extensive medical literature and clinical guidelines. Fever is a recognized response to infections, serving as an important indicator of underlying health issues, particularly in the context of viral and bacterial diseases.
