A dry cough and fever often happen together, and can be caused by the flu, pneumonia, measles, or other illnesses. Most of the conditions associated with these symptoms can be treated with medication and home rest, but they can also be a sign of serious illnesses that require immediate medical treatment. If a person has trouble breathing, a fever of over 101.5°F (about 38.5° C), or is still sick after more than a week, he or she should see a healthcare professional.
Common Cold
A cold can cause a dry cough and fever, though not everyone who has a cold gets a fever, and most who do only have a low-grade one. Most people with this illness get muscle pains and headaches and tire easily until they get better. Colds can generally be treated at home by drinking lots of fluids to thin and loosen up phlegm, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to lower any fever and treat muscle pain or headaches, and taking over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications.
Influenza
The flu is one of the most common conditions to cause a dry cough and fever, as well as muscle aches, weakness, congestion or a runny nose, and a sore throat. It can usually be treated with OTC decongestants, antihistamines, or cough medications, along with painkillers to reduce muscle aches. The elderly, children, and those with weakened immune systems should always seek medical treatment for the flu, as should people with severe headaches, symptoms that become worse after a few days, and those with very high or recurring fevers.
Bronchitis
Similarly to influenza, bronchitis is caused by an infection, which irritates the bronchi, the main airways of the lungs. It causes a dry cough and fever that then progresses into a hacking, productive cough after a day or two. Most cases resolve on their own and can be treated by drinking lots of fluids, resting, and taking NSAIDs. It’s best to not take a cough suppressant, since this can keep the body from getting the irritating mucus out of the lungs. Some people have bronchitis symptoms long-term, but this is generally caused by external irritants instead of infectious substances and is most common in people who smoke or who work around irritants. Those with symptoms that don’t resolve in a few weeks should see a healthcare professional to rule out the possibility of chronic bronchitis.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a serious medical condition that can occur as a complication of either influenza or bronchitis. It’s characterized by the lungs becoming inflamed by an infection caused by fungi, bacteria, or a virus. In the beginning stages, this condition often has similar symptoms to the flu, including a fever, an unproductive cough, and muscle aches. As it develops, symptoms usually get more severe, with patients having chest pain, chills, shivering, and problems breathing. People who have flu-like symptoms that don’t get better with home care or last for over a week should seek medical treatment to rule out the possibility of pneumonia and prevent complications.
This condition is generally treated with antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals, depending on the underlying cause. Most people also take NSAIDs to reduce their fever and treat muscle pain and use oxygen therapy if they have trouble breathing. In very severe cases, a person may need surgery to remove infected lung tissue.
Measles
Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus with the same name. It affects both the throat and lungs, causing a runny nose, sensitivity to light, a full-body rash, and a dry cough and fever. Though there is no cure for this illness, the symptoms can be treated to make the patient comfortable until runs its course. NSAIDs or acetaminophen can be used to reduce fevers and taking vitamin A can lessen the severity of symptoms. Since many people with measles get secondary infections like ear infections or pneumonia, they may need other medications, like antibiotics.
Anyone who’s been exposed to this virus should get immediate medical treatment and avoid other people until he or she is totally well, since it is extremely contagious. Parents can also prevent their children from getting measles by having them get a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine when they’re 12 to 24 months old. Those who do not get the vaccine can still be at risk for the disease, even as adults.
