Staph Infection and Fever: What You Need to Know

Fever is a common sign of systemic staph infection but may be absent in localized skin infections.

• Skin infections (impetigo, folliculitis, small abscess): Often no fever
• Cellulitis: Low-grade fever possible
• Deep/severe infections: High fever likely (bacteremia, sepsis, endocarditis, pneumonia, osteomyelitis)
• Toxic shock syndrome: High fever is a hallmark

Fever indicates immune response to bacterial invasion. Any fever with known/suspected staph infection warrants medical evaluation—especially if accompanied by confusion, hypotension, or rapid deterioration.