Post-Trek Fever: Why Symptoms Appear After You Return

Imagine you go on a big hike in the mountains and have lots of fun.

When you get home, you suddenly feel sick, with a fever or a sore throat.

Sometimes people call this "trek fever."

It is not a real sickness with a special name - it just means getting ill after a very tiring hike.

When you hike very hard, your body gets tired and its germ-fighting power goes down for a little while.

That makes it easier for germs to make you sick, even a couple of days later.

Not drinking enough water, not eating well, or not sleeping enough can make it worse.

Feeling sore and tired after a hike is normal and usually goes away in a day or two.

But if you have a high fever that lasts more than two days, or trouble breathing or chest pain, you should see a doctor.

Drinking water, eating healthy food, sleeping well, and washing your hands can help you stay healthy after a hike.