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

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

Fevers tin be scary, particularly in immature children, who tend to spike very loftier temperatures. Parents ofttimes worry nearly any body temperature college than 98.six°F.

Considering body temperature tin vary by a degree or 2, most doctors define a fever every bit 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 about 100.four°F.

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

Fevers themselves do non cause the damage; it is the underlying disease that causes the biggest problem. Myths about brain injuries due to fevers take convinced many people that all fevers need treatment just that is not the case.

In people that practice non take any health issues, fevers exercise 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 tiresome the torso's ability to fight the infection.

Some research suggests that the fevers that oft develop afterward a child has been given a vaccination actually support immunity. The report continues that fevers don't mean that a child is sick, then a doctor should exist consulted before whatsoever handling for the fever is given.

If a fever is causing discomfort in the class of chills or muscle aches, people should consider domicile treatment. Children who have a fever simply who seem happy and go on playing probably don't need handling.

Over-the-counter fever medications, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen can lower fevers. Caregivers should consult a physician before using whatever over-the-counter drug on a child under the age of ii. 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 any possible side effects from over-the-counter drugs, there are a number of nonmedical options that tin be taken to safely intermission a fever. These options include:

  • Avoiding wearing too many layers, fifty-fifty when cold.
  • Drinking plenty of cool, articulate fluids. Water and electrolyte drinks are particularly helpful. Caregivers should avoid giving children big quantities of sweetened drinks, including juice.
  • Trying cool compresses on the head.
  • Resting and avoiding going to work or school. People are probably contagious if they take a fever. Pushing besides difficult can slow recovery fourth dimension and brand people feel worse. They should not take drugs so that they can go near their usual activities.

Fevers may be scary, just they help the immune system mount a strong defense. People should treat their fever as a sign that they need to take it easy for a few days. Doing so helps them chop-chop feel better.

People should phone call a doc almost 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 domicile treatment
  • The fever is accompanied past a rash
  • The fever is associated with intense pain or swelling in whatever 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 starting time time, or a seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes
  • The person or their child has a weakened immune organization
  • The fever is accompanied by 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 past signs of aridity, such as very night urine or urinating less than three times a day
  • The child is nether 3 months erstwhile

Fevers in young babies and other vulnerable populations

Babies under 3 months old have underdeveloped immune systems. They are likewise poorly equipped to manage a fever. If a baby is younger than 3 months sometime, they should not receive fever-lowering medication. Caregivers should call a dr. or go to the emergency room, since a fever can point a unsafe infection.

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

Typical fever direction strategies can help children feel better, simply they won't forbid febrile seizures. Instead, caregivers should keep the kid as prophylactic every bit possible during the seizure by:

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

If a child experiences a febrile seizure, they should encounter a pediatrician. A dr. 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 besides demand firsthand medical attention 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 organization
  • Their doctor has said that they have a condition that makes fevers unsafe

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

Some of the nearly common causes of fevers include:

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A sinus infection may be i common crusade of a fever.

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

Less frequently, a fever can indicate a chronic disease or life-threatening condition such equally 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 doctor every bit it may point cancers, such every bit leukemia, Hodgkin'south disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

A blood clot deep in the veins tin can cause a fever, just is unremarkably accompanied by symptoms, such as localized hurting, redness, and swelling.