You’ve probably read countless articles extolling the virtues of going outside to nurture your health. What if doing so leaves you feeling sick? Why do you get a fever after going outside, and what can you do about it? 

The answer partially depends on the time of year. The rest you control with your habits. Here’s what you should know. 

Why Do I Get a Fever After Being Out in the Sun? 

If you feel like you have a fever after being out in the sun, you could merely be hot, especially if you’re wearing black clothing that absorbs its heat. However, watch out for the symptoms of heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses. 

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is often the first sign that something is amiss. Left untreated, it can progress to a more deadly heat-related illness — heat stroke. 

Therefore, you should take immediate action if you notice any of the following symptoms of heat exhaustion: 

• Feeling dizzy or faint
• Cool, moist skin with goosebumps
• Heavy sweating
• Swollen hands and feet
• Rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing 
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Headache and blurred vision 
• Occasionally, a temperature over 100° Fahrenheit, although heat exhaustion can occur without a fever

If you experience any of these signs, get to a cool, shady location immediately. Take off warm clothes and use cool, damp rags to lower your body temperature. If you can take fluids, sip cool, not cold, water. A breeze, such as that from a fan, can help lower your temperature. It’s most important to get out of the sun and heat before your condition worsens into heat stroke.  

Other Heat-Related Illnesses

Other heat-related illnesses include sunburn, sun poisoning and heat cramps. The sun can burn pale skin within 15 minutes, so these illnesses don’t only strike during a day at the beach. They can occur anytime you spend time outdoors. In addition to the above signs, pay attention to redness, blistering, pain and tingling. If you do get a sunburn, apply aloe vera to the affected area and consider an OTC pain reliever such as ibuprofen to bring down swelling. 

Heat cramps occur when exerting yourself in hot environments. They result from fluid and electrolyte loss, especially in heavy sweaters and athletes. Fortunately, the treatment for most heat-related illnesses is essentially the same — get out of the sun and heat and cool your body temperature with moving air and moist towels. If you get heat cramps, sipping an electrolyte beverage and massaging the area can ease the ache. 

What Should I Do in the Case of Heat Stroke?

The reason you should head indoors or to a cooler spot immediately upon recognizing the symptoms of heat exhaustion is because waiting could be too late. Once heat exhaustion progresses to heat stroke, you may experience confusion and even loss of consciousness, hindering your ability to help yourself. Pay attention to the following signs in others: 

• Confusion, disorientation or delirium
• Hot, dry, red skin that no longer sweats 
• Seizures and convulsions
• Loss of consciousness

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency that requires dialing 911. Remove the individual from the heat source, contact emergency medical services, and actively cool the patient with damp rags and fans. You may even place them in a cold bath. Some ambulances now come equipped with ice body bags because of extreme heat, as climate change makes wet bulb temperatures more of a reality. The term describes conditions where sweating no longer cools you. 

Why Do I Get a Fever After Going Out in the Cold? 

“Wear your hat — you’ll catch your death of cold.” Did your childhood caregivers offer such dire warnings? There’s good and bad news. The good is that germs cause illness, not temperatures, so forgetting your chapeau won’t automatically result in a fever after going outside in winter. The bad is that dry indoor air, and harsh winds dry out your mucus membranes, your first line of defense against bacteria and viruses. Therefore, you are more susceptible to colds and flu in winter. 

Reducing Your Risk of Winter Illnesses 

If you want to avoid a fever after going out in the cold, there’s unfortunately no failsafe. However, the following practices could boost your immunity enough to fight off those nasty germs: 

• Load up on zinc and vitamin C-rich foods and supplements: These nutrients can shorten a cold’s duration, but only if you have them in your body when symptoms first appear. Taking a daily supplement or eating more foods like seafood stuffed peppers provides an immunity boost. 

• Spend time among trees: Plants release substances called phytoncides that kick human immunity into higher gear. Additionally, being amid natural, green spaces boosts your mental health, which is helpful if you get the winter blues. 

• Get your vaccinations: if it’s been a while since your last COVID-19 booster, a shot may offer better protection against new strains. Additionally, you should check on recommended vaccinations based on your age — older adults benefit from RSV and pneumonia vaccinations. 

Why Do I Get a Fever After Being Out in the Sun and Cold?

If the glories of the great outdoors pale beside how yucky you feel after an outing, it’s natural to ask why you get a fever after being out in the sun. Fortunately, it’s not Mother Nature that’s the problem — you simply must learn how to interact with her wisely. 

Follow the above tips to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and know when to say when and head indoors. When temperatures dip, take proactive measures to boost your immunity, and you can enjoy the great outdoors any time of the year. 

Author: Beth Rush