What is Cotton Fever? Symptoms and Treatment

In addition to the symptoms listed earlier, if you experience redness or swelling at the injection site, or if you develop a rash or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. By supporting individuals in recovery and promoting a supportive environment, we can help reduce the risk of cotton fever and aid in their overall well-being. Learn about cotton fever, a set of flu-like symptoms that can occur after injecting drugs.

What is Cotton Fever? Symptoms, Duration, and Treatment

If symptoms last longer than 12 hours, you must test for other conditions that can cause fever, including infections and illnesses. However, you can speed the process by soaking in a long bath and using fever-reducing medications. The sooner you seek medical attention once symptoms arise, the better your prognosis. This is especially true for those who do not receive the appropriate medical attention.

Cotton fever is a common term used cotton fever symptoms to describe flu-like symptoms that occur shortly after injecting drugs into your bloodstream. It’s caused by bacteria that can grow on cotton balls or other materials used to filter drugs. The best way to prevent cotton fever is to avoid injecting drugs altogether, but if you are an IV drug user, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Medically Reviewed: July 2, 2024

A transthoracic echocardiogram showed no evidence of vegetations and only trace tricuspid insufficiency. Her original MRI was reviewed by our neuroradiologists, who did not identify findings consistent with epidural abscess or osteomyelitis and felt that the original enhancement was likely a normal variant. Contact us today to find out which program might be right for you, or to begin the process of arranging for treatment. This phenomenon is not well-studied and symptoms are usually self-limiting, so there is little research on the condition. In order to sterilize a needle, it must be exposed to an excess of 340-degree Fahrenheit for at least an hour for full destruction of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.

Risks associated with IV drug use

Bacteria from the cotton can enter the bloodstream and cause signs of an infection. If detox and sobriety aren’t options, only use clean needles once to inject drugs. The best “treatment” for cotton fever is avoiding it in the first place. Many people fear the process of getting clean because of the symptoms of withdrawal.

Cotton fever, or more specifically its symptoms, can also occur from injecting old blood back into the bloodstream. It’s important to note that cotton fever doesn’t result from the cotton itself but from the bacteria that may be present on it. When you inject drugs using cotton to filter them, the bacteria can accidentally get into your bloodstream, leading to an intense immune response. When it comes to cotton fever, prevention and risk reduction are crucial in minimizing the chances of experiencing this condition. By taking certain precautions and adopting harm reduction strategies, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of cotton fever.

1. These filters are less likely to introduce harmful substances into the bloodstream.
2. However, as they become more dependent on the substance, they’re more likely to seek a stronger and faster high.
3. It is important to stay informed, seek appropriate medical care, and take necessary precautions to prevent future occurrences of cotton fever.
4. Cotton fever, also known as “the shakes,” is a term used to describe a set of flu-like symptoms that occur shortly after injecting drugs, particularly those prepared using cotton filters.
5. If you believe you are currently experiencing cotton fever, or are with someone who is, you may want to consider going to the emergency room.

Differentiating Cotton Fever from Other Illnesses

A condition similar to cotton fever was described in the early 1940s among cotton-farm workers. The term cotton fever was coined in 1975 after the syndrome was recognized in intravenous drug users. It is essential to spread awareness about cotton fever to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals who may be at risk. Educating others about cotton fever and providing resources for support and information are vital steps in preventing and addressing this condition. It is essential to spread awareness and support individuals who may be at risk or affected by cotton fever.

It is not an actual fever caused by a viral or bacterial infection, but rather a reaction to the introduction of foreign substances into the body. Cotton fever is contracted when a person injects drugs intravenously, using a cotton filter to remove impurities from the drug solution. During the filtration process, bacteria or other contaminants present on the cotton may enter the bloodstream, leading to an immune response and the subsequent symptoms of cotton fever. Cotton fever is a medical condition that affects individuals who use drugs intravenously, particularly those who use cotton filters during the drug preparation process.