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What Causes Hives and Fever?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Hives and fever are usually caused by an illness that develops because of a virus. An individual usually develops a fever because of a virus and hives due to an allergic reaction to the virus. This differs from the reason most people get hives, which is as an allergic reaction to food, medication, or a substance that touches the skin. Fever does not usually develop with such allergic reactions, however. The presence of the fever is often the major indicator that the hives are caused by a virus rather than a typical allergen.

Most people are familiar with hives that develop when a person is exposed to an allergen, but an infection can cause this type of reaction as well. Usually, the infections that cause hives are caused by viruses. In a case of viral hives, the immune system responds to the foreign invader by releasing chemicals, including histamine, which results in swelling, welts or bumps, and itching.

Small cluster of hives.
Small cluster of hives.

In most cases, there is no need to feel alarmed by the presence of hives and fever. Often, this reaction occurs with just a minor viral illness, especially when children are affected. For example, an illness as minor as a common cold may cause both hives and a fever. If the fever is low-grade and is only marked by minor symptoms in addition to the hives, it is unlikely to be a serious illness. If hives and fever persist for an extended period, however, a person may do well to seek advice from his doctor.

A common cold is one possible cause of hives and fever.
A common cold is one possible cause of hives and fever.

Unfortunately, fever and hives may also develop as a sign of a more serious infection. For example, these symptoms may develop when a person has mononucleosis, the flu, hepatitis or Epstein-Barr virus. An individual may even develop them when he has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

When a person has hives and fever, he may not need treatment. This depends, however, on the severity of the hives and the severity of a person’s temperature. A person may take an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine to treat hives, while fever reducers may prove helpful for lowering a person's body temperature. It is important, however, for a person to ask his doctor whether or not it is safe to take his choice of antihistamines with a fever reducer, as mixing some medications may cause harmful reactions. Alternatively, a person may use a medication that safely includes both an antihistamine and a fever reducer among its ingredients.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon315005

My four year old daughter has been getting hives for the past six months. My husband and I have changed our lives just trying to figure out what it is. Now she has had a fever for two days. Help, anybody. We've had so many visits to the ER.

fify

Leaky gut syndrome can cause these symptoms too. When bacteria enter the body from the gut, it can cause an allergic reaction, as well as an infection which leads to fever.

discographer

I have hives and fever right now due to flu. I'm taking pain relievers that are also fever reducers. And I'm taking an anti-histamine for the hives. My hives are almost gone and my fever is reducing as well. So I guess I'm doing fine.

I didn't even see my doctor but I did speak to a nurse over the phone and this is what she suggested. I know that flu causes fever but I was a bit alarmed about the hives. Just like the article mentioned though, the nurse said that this can be seen with flu.

literally45

What about when hives and fever are not seen simultaneously but a day apart?

My son had a fever yesterday and today he has no fever, but has developed hives.

Are these two different incidents or can a viral infection cause these symptoms at different times?

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    • Small cluster of hives.
      By: Rob Byron
      Small cluster of hives.
    • A common cold is one possible cause of hives and fever.
      By: Subbotina Anna
      A common cold is one possible cause of hives and fever.
    • Anti-itch cream can be applied to alleviate the symptoms of hives.
      By: picsfive
      Anti-itch cream can be applied to alleviate the symptoms of hives.
    • The flu can cause hives and fever.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      The flu can cause hives and fever.
    • Minor viral illnesses often cause hives and fever in children.
      By: hartphotography
      Minor viral illnesses often cause hives and fever in children.
    • There is often no need to feel alarmed by the presence of hives and fever.
      By: Yeko Photo Studio
      There is often no need to feel alarmed by the presence of hives and fever.
    • Fever and hives may develop as a sign of a serious condition.
      By: Zsolt Biczó
      Fever and hives may develop as a sign of a serious condition.