micro-organisms. A blood smear and/or culture must be performed, however, to determine the specific pathogenic organism. Cotton fever has specific symptoms that differentiate it from other ailments: fever, chills, and shortness of breath. In Europe, cotton fever is commonly called "the shakes"—a reference to another common symptom of cotton fever. Those with this ailment often experience violent shaking or shivering. These symptoms normally occur immediately following an injection, but there are reports of lags up to an hour in length. Under most circumstances, cotton fever is quite benign, but it is possible for it to turn into something much more serious like pneumonia. Normally, however, the symptoms of cotton fever disappear within a few hours, e.g. symptoms usually occur immediately following an injection, but there are reports of lags up to an hour in length. Treatment Cotton fever rarely requires medical treatment but is sometimes warranted if the high fever does not break within a few hours of the onset. It will usually resolve itself within a day. Soaking in a warm bath along with a fever reducer can alleviate symptoms. Extreme cases (particularly severe or long-lasting) can be treated with antibiotics. See also Intravenous marijuana syndrome Notes References External links Heroin Helper "Cotton Fever" Article for IV Drug Users Syndromes