Overheating in hot weather can cause an unusually high trunk temperature. In most cases, however, fevers are an immune reaction.

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

Fevers can be scary, especially in immature children, who tend to fasten very loftier temperatures. Parents oft worry virtually any body temperature higher than 98.6°F.

Because body temperature can vary by a caste or two, almost doctors ascertain a fever as a temperature that exceeds 99.5ºF when measured orally. Armpit temperatures indicate a fever at 99ºF or higher. Rectal temperatures are nearly a degree warmer than oral temperatures, so a rectal fever begins at well-nigh 100.four°F.

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Fevers may be defined by body temperatures, measured orally, of 99.5ºF and above.

Fevers themselves exercise non cause the damage; it is the underlying illness that causes the biggest problem. Myths about brain injuries due to fevers have convinced many people that all fevers demand treatment merely that is not the case.

In people that do not have whatsoever wellness 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 so can deadening the torso's ability to fight the infection.

Some enquiry suggests that the fevers that often develop after a child has been given a vaccination actually support immunity. The study continues that fevers don't mean that a child is sick, so a doc should be consulted before whatever handling for the fever is given.

If a fever is causing discomfort in the form of chills or muscle aches, people should consider home treatment. Children who have a fever simply who seem happy and keep playing probably don't demand treatment.

Over-the-counter fever medications, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen can lower fevers. Caregivers should consult a doctor before using any over-the-counter drug on a child 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 avert any possible side effects from over-the-counter drugs, there are a number of nonmedical options that can exist taken to safely suspension a fever. These options include:

  • Avoiding wearing too many layers, even when cold.
  • Drinking enough of cool, articulate fluids. Water and electrolyte drinks are particularly helpful. Caregivers should avoid giving children large quantities of sweetened drinks, including juice.
  • Trying cool compresses on the head.
  • Resting and avoiding going to work or schoolhouse. People are probably contagious if they take a fever. Pushing also hard tin can slow recovery fourth dimension and make people feel worse. They should non take drugs so that they tin get about their usual activities.

Fevers may be scary, but they assistance the immune system mount a strong defense. People should treat their fever equally a sign that they demand to accept it like shooting fish in a barrel for a few days. Doing so helps them quickly feel better.

People should phone call a doctor about a fever if:

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A doctor 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 high in spite of home handling
  • The fever is accompanied by a rash
  • The fever is associated with intense pain or swelling in any area of the body, which suggests an infection

People should seek emergency medical care for a fever if:

  • A kid experiences a seizure for the first time, or a seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes
  • The person or their kid has a weakened immune system
  • The fever is accompanied past defoliation or loss of consciousness
  • The fever is accompanied by a rapidly spreading rash or a wound with streaks, which suggests a serious tissue infection
  • The fever is accompanied by signs of dehydration, such equally very dark urine or urinating less than three times a day
  • The child is under iii months old

Fevers in young babies and other vulnerable populations

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

Some babies and young children experience seizures during a fever. Although they are frightening, febrile seizures typically crusade encephalon damage only when they exceed xxx minutes in length.

Typical fever management strategies tin can assist children feel better, just they won't prevent febrile seizures. Instead, caregivers should keep the child as safe as possible during the seizure by:

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

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

Some other groups also demand immediate medical attention for a fever. Prompt intendance is needed if:

  • The person with the fever has cancer or another life-threatening affliction
  • The person with the fever has HIV or AIDS, or takes drugs that suppress their immune system
  • Their doctor has said that they have a condition that makes fevers dangerous

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

Some of the about common causes of fevers include:

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A sinus infection may be i mutual cause of a fever.

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

Less oft, a fever tin signal a chronic illness or life-threatening condition such as meningitis. Autoimmune conditions, 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 physician every bit it may betoken cancers, such every bit leukemia, Hodgkin's illness, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

A claret jell deep in the veins can crusade a fever, but is commonly accompanied by symptoms, such equally localized hurting, redness, and swelling.