Fever: Overview

• If a Body temperature that is higher than usual is called a fever. It indicates that your body is naturally defending against an illness.
• A fever in adults is defined as a temperature more than 100.4°F.
• A fever in children is defined as a temperature more than 100.4°F (rectally measured) or 99.5°F (measured orally or under the arm).
• The typical human body temperature is 37°C, or 98.6°F. A few degrees over normal for you or your child indicates that their body is healthy and fending off an infection.
That's often a positive thing.
• If, however, your fever remains high after many days (over 102°F), you should treat it at home. And if needed, you should visit your physician.

• Abscess
• Appendicitis
• Bronchitis
• Cellulitis
• Common cold
• Diverticulitis
• Ear infection
• Gallbladder disease
• Gastroenteritis
• Pancreatitis
• Urinary tract infections

• Arthritis
• Autoimmune disorders
• Cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

• Brain abscess
• Epiglottitis
• Influenza, particularly in the very old or young
• Liver abscess
• Meningitis
• Pericarditis
• Pneumonia
• Septic shock
• Tuberculosis

• Elevated Body Temperature: A high body temperature above the normal range (98.6°F or 37°C) is a primary indicator of fever.
• Chills and Sweating: Alternating sensations of feeling cold and then sweating may occur.
• Headache: Many individuals with fever experience headaches or migraines.
• Muscle Aches: Generalized body aches and muscle stiffness are common symptoms.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or lethargic is often reported during fever episodes.
• Loss of Appetite: Decreased interest in food or fluids may occur.
• Dehydration: Fever can lead to increased fluid loss through sweating and evaporation, potentially causing dehydration if not adequately replenished.

• Fever is a symptom, not an illness. A doctor can tell if a patient has a fever by monitoring their body temperature, but they also need to find out what is causing it.
• They will be able to accomplish this with the aid of an examination, information about any new symptoms, and medical history.
• If the patient has had recent surgery, is experiencing another sickness, or has discomfort or swelling in one area, it is possible to identify the sort of disease that is most likely to be present.
• In order to verify a diagnosis, the physician might advise:
  • a blood test
  • a urine test
  • imaging tests

The recommended course of treatment will depend on the cause of the fever.

• A mild fever can typically be treated at home. In some cases, however, a fever can be a symptom of a serious medical condition that requires prompt treatment.
• You should take your infant to a doctor if they’re:
  • younger than 3 months old and have a temperature exceeding 100.4°F (38°C)
  • between 3 and 6 months old, have a temperature over 102°F (38.9°C), and seem unusually irritable, lethargic, or uncomfortable
  • between 6 and 24 months old and have a temperature higher than 102°F (38.9°C) that lasts longer than one day
• You should take your child to see a doctor if they:
  • have a body temperature exceeding 102.2°F (39°C)
  • have had a fever for more than three days
  • make poor eye contact with you
  • seem restless or irritable
  • have recently had one or more immunizations
  • have a serious medical illness or a compromised immune system
  • have recently been in a developing country
• You should call your doctor if you:
  • have a body temperature exceeding 103°F (39.4°C)
  • have had a fever for more than three days
  • have a serious medical illness or a compromised immune system
  • have recently been in a developing country
• You or your child should also see a doctor as soon as possible if a fever is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
  • a severe headache
  • throat swelling
  • a skin rash, especially if the rash gets worse
  • sensitivity to bright light
  • a stiff neck and neck pain
  • persistent vomiting
  • listlessness or irritability
  • abdominal pain
  • pain when urinating
  • muscle weakness
  • trouble breathing or chest pain
  • confusion

Your doctor will probably perform a physical examination and medical tests. This will help them determine the cause of the fever and an effective course of treatment.

• Use these drugs in accordance with the directions on the label or as your physician has prescribed. Take caution not to consume too much. Acute overdoses can be deadly, and prolonged or high doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen can harm the liver or kidneys. Give your child no additional medicine if their fever doesn't go down after one dose; instead, give them a call from your doctor.
• Aspirin should not be given to children as it may cause Reye's syndrome, an uncommon but potentially fatal illness.

• Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic based on the cause of your fever, particularly if they think it could be a bacterial infection like strep throat or pneumonia.
• Viral infections cannot be treated by antibiotics; however, some antiviral medications can be used to treat specific viral infections. However, relaxation and lots of fluids are usually the best treatments for the majority of mild viral diseases.

• A mild fever can typically be treated at home. Fever symptoms can be a serious medical condition that requires prompt treatment.
• You should take your infant to a doctor if they're:
  • Younger than three months old and have a temperature exceeding 100.4°F (38°C)
  • Between 3 and 6 months old, have a temperature over 102°F (38.9°C), and seem unusually irritable, lethargic, or uncomfortable
  • Between 6 and 24 months old and have a temperature higher than 102°F (38.9°C) that lasts longer than one day
• You should take your child to see a doctor if they:
  • Have a body temperature exceeding 102.2°F (39°C)
  • have had a fever for more than three days
  • Make poor eye contact with you.
  • Seem restless or irritable.
  • have recently had one or more immunizations
  • Have a severe medical illness or a compromised immune system.
  • have recently been in a developing country
• You should call your doctor if you:
  • Have a body temperature exceeding 103°F (39.4°C)
  • have had a fever for more than three days
  • Have a severe medical illness or a compromised immune system.
  • have recently been in a developing country
• You or your child should also see a doctor as soon as possible if any of the following symptoms accompanies a fever:
  • a severe headache
  • throat swelling
  • A skin rash, especially if the rash gets worse
  • sensitivity to bright light
  • a stiff neck and neck pain
  • persistent vomiting
  • listlessness or irritability
  • abdominal pain
  • pain when urinating
  • muscle weakness
  • trouble breathing or chest pain
  • confusion

• A person with a fever should be kept at ease and not overdressed. Wearing too much clothing might make the temperature rise even more. One natural cure that might help lower a fever is to take a sponge bath or a tepid water bath. Never submerge someone who has a fever in icy water. This is a widespread misunderstanding. Never give alcohol to an adult or child via sponge; the fumes from the alcohol may be breathed and cause a host of issues.
• Remaining hydrated is one of the other high fever treatment at home. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which can worsen dehydration, and drink lots of water and other liquids instead.Popsicles can soothe sore throats in addition to being hydrating and refreshing.
• Applying a cool, damp towel to the forehead and opening a window to let fresh air in may also be beneficial. Make sure the child under your care doesn't feel overly cold.