What should you do if you have a fever after a tick vaccine? - briefly
If a fever occurs following a tick vaccine, use an over‑the‑counter antipyretic and stay well‑hydrated while monitoring the temperature. Seek medical advice promptly if the fever rises above 102 °F (38.9 °C), persists for more than 24 hours, or is accompanied by severe symptoms.
What should you do if you have a fever after a tick vaccine? - in detail
Fever after receiving a tick‑borne disease vaccine is a common short‑term reaction. Begin by measuring temperature at regular intervals and keep a record of the readings. Maintain adequate fluid intake and allow the body to rest.
If the temperature exceeds 38.5 °C (101.3 °F) or persists for more than 24 hours, consider an over‑the‑counter antipyretic such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the dosage instructions on the package. Apply cool compresses to the forehead or neck to enhance comfort.
Seek professional medical attention without delay when any of the following occur:
- Fever above 39 °C (102.2 °F)
- Rapidly worsening headache, neck stiffness, or confusion
- Unexplained rash, especially if it spreads or becomes raised
- Severe joint or muscle pain that limits movement
- Persistent vomiting or inability to retain fluids
Contact a healthcare provider, describe the vaccine received, the timing of symptom onset, and any other medications taken. Bring the vaccination card to the appointment.
The clinician may order laboratory tests to rule out infection, adjust medication, or advise on additional vaccine doses. Follow any prescribed treatment plan precisely and report any new symptoms promptly.
Document the episode in a personal health log, noting the vaccine brand, date of administration, temperature trends, interventions used, and outcomes. This record assists future medical decisions and contributes to pharmacovigilance efforts.