Overview.
An abrupt increase in body temperature is known as a fever. It's a portion of the immune system's complete response. Infections frequently result in fever.
Most kids and adults find having a fever uncomfortable. However, it typically isn't a cause for alarm. However, in infants, even a modest temperature could indicate a dangerous infection.
In most cases, fevers subside after a few days. Many over-the-counter medicines reduce fever. A fever, however, should not be treated if it is not uncomfortable.
Symptoms.
Body temperatures vary slightly during the day and from person to person. The standard definition of the average temperature is 98.6 F. (37 C). A temperature of 100 F (37.8 C) or above taken using a mouth thermometer (oral temperature) is typically regarded as a fever.
Other symptoms and indicators of a fever, depending on the cause, may include:
Sweating
shivering and chills
Headache
muscle pain
reduced appetite
Irritability
Dehydration
generally weak
A Temperature Reading.
You can pick from a variety of thermometers to take your temperature, including oral, rectal, ear (tympanic), and forehead (temporal artery) thermometers.
The most precise methods for determining core body temperature are often oral and rectal thermometers. Although handy, ear and forehead thermometers give less precise temperature readings.
If possible, a rectal temperature measurement is a little more precise for newborns. Give your doctor both the reading and the thermometer's brand when you report a temperature.
Whenever To Visit A Doctor.
Fever by itself might not be a reason for concern or to call the doctor. However, there are specific situations in which you should get medical help for yourself, your child, or your newborn.
Toddlers And Babies.
Particularly in newborns and young children, a fever is cause for concern. If your child is:
less than three months old and with a rectal temperature of at least 100.4 F (38 C).
between the ages of 3 and 6 months, with a rectal fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or with a lower temperature but seeming strangely cranky, lethargic, or uncomfortable.
102 F (38.9 C) or higher rectal temperature lasting more than a day with no other symptoms and being between the ages of 7 and 24 months. You can contact sooner if your child also exhibits additional symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, or diarrhoea.
Children.
If your child develops a temperature but is still alert, there's probably nothing to worry about. This indicates that your youngster looks you in the eye and responds to your voice and facial gestures. Additionally, your toddler might be playing and consuming fluids.
Contact your child's doctor right away if they:
has poor eye contact with you, is confused, or appears listless.
is agitated, frequently throws up, suffers from a terrible headache, sore throat, stomachache, or other symptoms that are quite uncomfortable.
after being left in a heated automobile, develops a fever. immediately seek medical attention.
Has a fever lasting more than three days.
has a fever and a seizure together. If the seizure lasts more than five minutes or your child doesn't get better right away, call 911.
In unique situations, such as a kid with immune system issues or who has a prior sickness, ask your child's doctor for advice.
Adults.
If your temperature is 103 F (39.4 C) or above, contact your healthcare professional right away. If any of these warning signs or symptoms appear together with a fever, get help right away from a doctor:
terrible headache
Rash
unusual sensitivity to bright light
neck pain and stiffness when bending your head forward
perplexity in the mind, odd conduct, or altered speech
continual vomiting
breathing issues or chest pain
Continent pain
difficulty urinating
seizures or tremors
Causes.
A balance between heat generation and heat loss determines the average body temperature. This equilibrium is kept in check by the hypothalamus, a region of the brain also referred to as your body's "thermostat" (hi-poe-THAL-uh-mus). Your body temperature swings a little bit during the day even if you're healthy. In the morning, it may be lower, and in the late afternoon and evening, it may be higher.
The hypothalamus has the ability to raise body temperature in response to sickness. Complex processes are triggered as a result, increasing heat production and reducing heat loss. You may experience shivering, which is one way the body generates heat. You are assisting your body in retaining heat when you wrap up in a blanket because you are feeling cold.
Low-grade fevers from common viral diseases, including the flu, may support the immune system's ability to fight disease and are typically not hazardous.
Fever or a higher-than-normal body temperature could result from:
viral contamination
An infection with bacteria
a heat stroke
Rheumatoid arthritis, which causes the lining of your joints to become inflamed, is one example of an inflammatory condition (synovium)
a malignant (cancerous) growth
Some medicines, including those used to treat high blood pressure, seizures, and antibiotics
Some vaccinations, such as the pneumococcal or COVID vaccine, diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP),
Complications.
Children between the ages of six months and five years are more likely to experience seizures during a fever (febrile seizure). A third of kids who experience one febrile seizure go on to experience another one, usually within the next 12 months.
A febrile seizure may cause body rigidity, eyes to roll back, loss of consciousness, and limb trembling on both sides of the body. The vast majority of febrile seizures have no long-term consequences, despite being concerning for parents.
When a seizure happens:
Lay your child on the ground or floor with their stomach or side up.
Take away any sharp things from your child's vicinity.
Taking off tight garments
Hold your youngster to avoid harm.
Do not try to halt your child's seizure by putting anything in their mouth.
If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes or your child doesn't seem to be recovering well after the seizure, call 911 or your local emergency number.
If your child is experiencing their first febrile seizure, take them to the emergency room or urgent care.
Visit your child's doctor as soon as you can for a more thorough assessment if they don't require emergency care.
Prevention.
By limiting your exposure to infectious infections, you might be able to avoid getting fevers. The following advice may be helpful:
Get the necessary vaccinations against infectious diseases including COVID-19 and influenza.
Observe the public health recommendations for mask use and social isolation.
Wash your hands frequently, and encourage your kids to do the same, especially before eating, just after using the restroom, after being around a lot of people or sick people, right after petting animals, and while using public transportation.
Show your kids the proper way to wash their hands: using soap on the front and back of each hand, then completely rinsing under running water.
In situations where you don't have access to soap and water, keep hand sanitizer on hand.
Avoid touching your lips, nose, or eyes because these are the main entry points for bacteria and viruses that can infect you.
When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth, and show your kids how to do the same. To prevent spreading germs to others, turn away from them whenever you can and cough or sneeze into your elbow.
Keep your youngster or children from sharing utensils, water bottles, or cups.