Overheating in hot weather tin crusade an unusually high trunk temperature. In almost cases, however, fevers are an immune reaction.

A raised temperature assists the immune system as it attempts to fight off infection from viruses, bacteria, and some other pathogens.

Fevers can exist scary, especially in immature children, who tend to spike very loftier temperatures. Parents ofttimes worry about any body temperature higher than 98.6°F.

Because body temperature tin vary by a degree or two, almost doctors ascertain a fever as a temperature that exceeds 99.5ºF when measured orally. Armpit temperatures signal a fever at 99ºF or higher. Rectal temperatures are nearly a degree warmer than oral temperatures, then a rectal fever begins at nigh 100.4°F.

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Fevers may be divers by trunk temperatures, measured orally, of 99.5ºF and higher up.

Fevers themselves do not cause the damage; it is the underlying disease that causes the biggest problem. Myths well-nigh brain injuries due to fevers have convinced many people that all fevers demand treatment merely that is not the case.

In people that exercise not have any health problems, fevers do not necessarily need to be treated. In fact, treating a fever to enable a person to get back to their usual activities is unwise. Doing then can boring the body'due south ability to fight the infection.

Some research suggests that the fevers that frequently develop after a child has been given a vaccination really back up immunity. The report continues that fevers don't mean that a kid is sick, so a doctor should be consulted earlier any treatment for the fever is given.

If a fever is causing discomfort in the course of chills or musculus aches, people should consider home treatment. Children who have a fever but who seem happy and continue playing probably don't need treatment.

Over-the-counter fever medications, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen can lower fevers. Caregivers should consult a doctor earlier using any over-the-counter drug on a kid under the age of two. These medications can produce serious side effects.

Aspirin should not be prescribed to children or teenagers to reduce a fever. Although rare in older teenagers, younger children can develop a life-threatening condition called Reye syndrome.

To avoid whatever possible side furnishings from over-the-counter drugs, at that place are a number of nonmedical options that tin can be taken to safely break a fever. These options include:

  • Avoiding wearing likewise many layers, fifty-fifty when cold.
  • Drinking enough of cool, clear fluids. H2o and electrolyte drinks are particularly helpful. Caregivers should avert giving children large quantities of sweetened drinks, including juice.
  • Trying cool compresses on the head.
  • Resting and fugitive going to work or school. People are probably contagious if they have a fever. Pushing likewise difficult can slow recovery time and make people feel worse. They should not have drugs then that they can go most their usual activities.

Fevers may be scary, but they help the immune system mountain a strong defense. People should care for their fever as a sign that they need to take it piece of cake for a few days. Doing so helps them quickly feel better.

People should call a doctor virtually a fever if:

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A medico should be consulted if a fever lasts longer than 3 days.

  • It rises above 105°F
  • The fever lasts longer than 3 days, or remains loftier in spite of abode treatment
  • The fever is accompanied by a rash
  • The fever is associated with intense hurting or swelling in any surface area of the body, which suggests an infection

People should seek emergency medical treat a fever if:

  • A child experiences a seizure for the first time, or a seizure that lasts longer than v minutes
  • The person or their child has a weakened allowed organization
  • The fever is accompanied past confusion or loss of consciousness
  • The fever is accompanied by a apace spreading rash or a wound with streaks, which suggests a serious tissue infection
  • The fever is accompanied by signs of dehydration, such as very dark urine or urinating less than three times a day
  • The child is under 3 months old

Fevers in young babies and other vulnerable populations

Babies under 3 months old take underdeveloped immune systems. They are also poorly equipped to manage a fever. If a babe is younger than 3 months old, they should not receive fever-lowering medication. Caregivers should telephone call a doctor or go to the emergency room, since a fever can betoken a unsafe infection.

Some babies and young children feel seizures during a fever. Although they are frightening, febrile seizures typically cause encephalon damage simply when they exceed 30 minutes in length.

Typical fever management strategies can help children feel ameliorate, but they won't preclude febrile seizures. Instead, caregivers should keep the kid as prophylactic every bit possible during the seizure by:

  • Placing the child on their side on a flat, protected surface to minimize the risk of injury
  • Monitoring the child to ensure they practise not asphyxiate
  • Timing the seizure and contacting emergency services if the seizure exceeds 5 minutes

If a child experiences a delirious seizure, they should run across a pediatrician. A doctor may recommend treatment with phenobarbitol or a similar drug if the kid lives in a remote region where emergency services are inaccessible, or if the kid has a history of very long seizures.

Some other groups also need firsthand medical attending for a fever. Prompt care is needed if:

  • The person with the fever has cancer or some other life-threatening illness
  • The person with the fever has HIV or AIDS, or takes drugs that suppress their immune system
  • Their doc has said that they have a status that makes fevers dangerous

Fevers occur with a wide range of symptoms and ailments. About doctors consider symptoms when working out how serious a fever is.

Some of the most common causes of fevers include:

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A sinus infection may exist one common cause of a fever.

  • Sinus infections
  • The common common cold
  • Localized infections, such as in the skin, urinary tract, ears, or gums
  • Flu (the flu)
  • Immune reactions to childhood vaccinations
  • Gastrointestinal infections

Less frequently, a fever can point a chronic illness or life-threatening status such as meningitis. Autoimmune atmospheric condition, such as arthritis, colitis, and lupus sometimes cause fevers.

A person that has an unexplained fever that persists for several weeks must talk to a medico as it may bespeak cancers, such as leukemia, Hodgkin'southward disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

A claret clot deep in the veins tin cause a fever, only is commonly accompanied past symptoms, such as localized pain, redness, and swelling.