Cotton fever, as the name suggests is an illness that is caused by the bacteria on cotton filters associated with intravenous drug use like heroin. While this unpleasant disease has no treatment or cure, it is not a very serious disease.

The symptoms usually start 15-30 minutes after injecting the drug and last for about 6-12 hours but in rare cases go up to 48 hours. It usually doesn’t require hospitalization and can be treated the same way the flu is treated.

The Symptoms involved

Cotton fever symptoms range from fever, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, vomiting, chills, contractions, anxiety, and muscle spasms as well. Not only is the anxiety a symptom of the illness but the anxiety of not knowing what is happening in one’s body is also a reason that may cause more anxiety.

The wide variety of symptoms makes the disease easy to confuse with sepsis or the regular flu. The science behind how this develops is in the endotoxin that is released by the bacteria that live in cotton.

How to overcome Cotton Fever?

To avoid this sickness sterile cotton use is encouraged alongside hygienic needle use. It is promoted to use small cotton for the filter rather than the large cotton balls that are required to be torn further risking contamination. For each injection, one must use a fresh needle, use alcohol to sterilize, and at no point must the tip be touched.

This is not a disease that is communicable and purely stems from bacteria. In case one feels like they are coming down with this disease it is important for them not to panic and take plenty of rest. They must also stay hydrated and can use general fever reducers.

While a bacterial infection in the bloodstream sounds scary, it is important to see the root cause as this issue is seen predominantly in heroin addicts. Not only is heroin illegal but it has a variety of side effects like insomnia, collapsed veins, heart valve infections, and mental disorders. While withdrawal is tough, the correct medications from your medical team and the right support system can help you through it.