Fever is a concern for many people who suffer from seasonal or permanent allergies. Often, they use their thermometer to check their body temperature as soon as they feel congested and ill.

Allergies do not cause raised body temperatures or fevers, so people with allergies need not worry too much. A term like ‘hay fever ’is a misleading. Alternatively, if someone has a fever and feels allergy-like, then there is something else wrong. It may be that what started as allergies has left you susceptible to viral infections. There is a distinct possibility that the virus causing the fever has nothing to do with allergies.

Fevers occur when your body fights off bacteria and viruses. As soon as your immune system detects an infection, it creates an army of white blood cells to fight it. The white blood cells head off into battle. During this process, they release substances called pyrogens, which cause fevers. In essence, a fever is your body’s attempt to kill viruses.

Environmental allergens include dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold. It is important not to confuse them with an infection. Your body overreacts to allergens by releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. There is no release of pyrogens. And in the absence of pyrogens, there is no fever.

Allergies are not unproblematic, however. It can make you more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections. These infections can, in fact, cause fevers. Allergies themselves cannot cause that rising number on your thermometer, but they can make you more susceptible to other infections.

If you suffer from allergies and feel congested and ill, always check for fever. Preferably twice a day. In the event that you have a raised body temperature, you may want to consult your doctor. The fever might not be caused by your allergy to pollen or dust mites, but by something else. Find out what it is and what treatment you need from your doctor.