Cotton Fever: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

cotton fever symptoms

Cotton fever is a condition that may occur after injecting drugs, particularly those dissolved in cotton filters or other materials. It is important for parents to be aware of this condition in order to recognize the symptoms and seek appropriate medical help for their children. It is crucial for individuals who engage in drug use to seek appropriate medical care and support to address their substance abuse and reduce the risk of long-term health complications. It’s important to remember that while the symptoms of cotton fever may go away on their own, injecting drugs can lead to other serious health problems such as infection, overdose, and addiction. Understanding what cotton fever is and the factors that contribute to its development is essential for individuals who inject drugs to make informed decisions about their health and seek appropriate medical care when needed.

Another option is a safe injection site, where users can inject drugs under medical supervision in a clean and safe environment. Safe injection sites can also provide access to medical care, addiction treatment services, and other support resources. While cotton fever is generally not considered life-threatening, it can lead to more serious infections if left untreated.

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  1. It is more likely to occur when using drugs that have been filtered through cotton.
  2. Unlike other types of infections, the fast onset of symptoms after injection typically indicates cotton fever.
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  4. However, if they’re not there yet, looking for needle exchange programs that provide access to clean syringes and materials can reduce the risk of cotton fever and other bloodborne illnesses.
  5. Taking proactive steps to prevent cotton fever and adopting safer practices for drug use can help reduce the risk of experiencing this condition.
  6. Cotton fever, also known as « the shakes » or « the cotton flu, » is a term used to describe a set of flu-like symptoms that occur shortly after injecting drugs using a cotton filter.

In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed, and fluids can be administered if dehydration occurs. These risks increase when intravenous drug users inject a drug with a previously used needle. Anytime you experience a high fever for more than 24 hours, it is wise to seek medical attention. Luckily, fever is a benign and non-life-threatening condition that can be treated. Still, if you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, that can be fatal. Reach out for help today and learn how to get the treatment you need to start your addiction recovery journey.

Risks of IV drug use

cotton fever symptoms

Typically, the drug is prepared on a spoon, allowing individuals the ability to maneuver the solution so that they can heat it, filter it, and load it into a hypodermic syringe. By nature, recreational substance abuse is inherently dangerous for a number of reasons. Depending on the substance in question, the direct health effects of substance abuse can be quite profound, resulting in conditions such as undernourishment, emaciation, or even any of a variety of infectious diseases.

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Spreading awareness about this condition and supporting individuals in recovery are vital in addressing the hidden danger of cotton fever. Another significant risk factor for cotton fever is unsanitary drug preparation practices. When preparing drugs for injection, individuals may use unclean or shared equipment, including needles, syringes, and cotton filters. Lack of proper sterilization and hygiene practices can introduce harmful bacteria into the bloodstream, increasing the likelihood of developing cotton fever. The best way to prevent cotton fever is to avoid using cotton filters or any other materials that may contain bacteria or endotoxins. Instead, opt for sterile and disposable filters specifically designed for drug preparation.

Can you get cotton fever from smoking or snorting drugs?

It’s best to use sterile filters specifically designed for drug use to reduce the cotton fever symptoms risk of infection. Some people may mistakenly believe that using certain drugs puts you at risk of getting cotton fever. Instead, people get this sickness by using dirty needles or cotton when injecting IV drugs like heroin, cocaine, or other addictive substances.

“Cotton fever,” or benign febrile syndrome, is a condition that occurs among people misusing intravenous (IV) drugs that have a cotton filter. Though it can appear to cause signs of infection, such as a high fever, fast heart rate, and abdominal pain, it tends to go away on its own and isn’t considered dangerous. If you or someone you love are experiencing cotton fever, it may be in your best interest to seek professional help from a hospital or addiction treatment center. Treatment revolves around supportive care, aiming to minimize your symptoms and help you feel better faster.

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