Drinking too much alcohol often results in a hangover. Many people report feeling feverish, experiencing alternating sensations of being hot or cold, chills, or excessive sweating. This temperature fluctuation is typically not a true fever, which indicates a disease or infection. Instead, this symptom is temperature dysregulation, where the body’s internal thermostat is temporarily thrown off balance as the body works to process and eliminate alcohol toxins.
Why Alcohol Causes Temperature Dysregulation
The sensation of feeling feverish arises from alcohol metabolites activating the body’s immune system and initiating an inflammatory response. This response involves the release of signaling molecules called cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).
These inflammatory cytokines interact with the hypothalamus, the brain region responsible for regulating body temperature. When influenced by these markers, the hypothalamus can lead to the perceived feeling of fever, chills, and muscle aches. Alcohol is also a diuretic, causing increased urination, dehydration, and fluid loss.
Dehydration and changes in blood vessel diameter also contribute to temperature fluctuations. Alcohol triggers vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels near the skin’s surface. This leads to flushing and a sensation of warmth as heat escapes rapidly. Paradoxically, this rapid heat loss can cause the core body temperature to drop, leading to shivering and the sensation of being cold, even if the skin feels warm.
How Long the Symptoms Typically Last
The feeling of feverishness and other hangover symptoms are directly linked to the metabolism of alcohol. Hangover symptoms begin to appear when the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) starts to fall significantly. The severity of the symptoms, including temperature dysregulation, usually peaks when the BAC returns to zero.
Hangover symptoms, including the feeling of a fever, are temporary and resolve within a predictable time frame. These effects generally subside within 12 to 24 hours after the last alcoholic drink was consumed. The exact duration depends on the amount of alcohol consumed and individual factors, such as body weight, metabolism, and genetics.
If symptoms persist beyond a full day, it may indicate a different underlying issue or a more severe physiological strain. Overall recovery involves rehydration and the repair of minor systemic inflammation. In rare cases, a prolonged feeling of being unwell might suggest a mild form of alcohol withdrawal or another illness.
At-Home Strategies for Relief
Managing temperature dysregulation and overall hangover malaise involves supportive care focused on hydration and comfort. The most direct action is to consume plenty of fluids, specifically water and electrolyte-containing beverages, to counteract alcohol’s diuretic effects and restore fluid balance. Drinking until the urine runs clear indicates adequate rehydration.
Rest is another effective strategy, as the body requires time and energy to metabolize alcohol’s toxic byproducts and restore normal function. For the aches and pains that accompany the feverish feeling, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can provide relief. These medications can help with headaches and muscle discomfort.
Exercise caution with over-the-counter pain relievers, particularly acetaminophen. The liver is already under stress from processing alcohol, and combining it with acetaminophen can increase the risk of liver toxicity and damage. Temperature regulation can be aided by taking a lukewarm shower or bath, and by wearing light layers of clothing that can be easily adjusted as the sensation of heat or chills fluctuates.
Warning Signs That Require Medical Care
While the discomfort of a hangover is rarely dangerous, it is important to distinguish between typical symptoms and signs that require immediate medical attention. A true high fever, generally defined as a body temperature above 101°F (38.3°C), is a serious red flag. This could indicate an underlying infection or a more severe reaction.
Other symptoms point toward alcohol poisoning, which is a life-threatening emergency. These signs include severe confusion or stupor, seizures, or difficulty remaining conscious. Breathing irregularities, such as slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute) or irregular breathing with gaps of more than ten seconds between breaths, are also grave indicators.
Uncontrollable vomiting or the inability to keep fluids down can quickly lead to dangerous levels of dehydration. If a person exhibits pale or bluish skin, a low body temperature, or a slow and irregular pulse, emergency medical services should be contacted immediately. Do not attempt to “sleep off” these severe symptoms, as the alcohol level in the bloodstream can continue to rise even after drinking has stopped.