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A fever is a brief increase in body temperature. It is a component of the immune system's total reaction. In most cases, a fever is caused by an infection.
A fever can be painful for most children and adults. However, it is rarely a cause for alarm. However, in infants, even a modest temperature can indicate a dangerous infection.
Fevers usually pass within a few days. A fever can be brought down using a variety of over-the-counter drugs. However, if a fever is not causing discomfort, it is not necessary to treat it.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FEVER?
Body temperatures varies slightly amongst people and at different times of day. The average temperature has traditionally been considered as 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 C). A fever is defined as a temperature of 100 F (37.8 C) or greater measured with a mouth thermometer (oral temperature).
Other fever signs and symptoms, depending on the cause of the fever, may include:
- Sweating
- Muscle pain
- Appetite loss
- Irritability
- Shivering and chills
- Headache
- Dehydration
- Weakness in general
Taking a temperature
There are various varieties of thermometers available for taking a temperature, including oral, rectal, ear (tympanic), and forehead (temporal artery) thermometers.
Oral and rectal thermometers are the most accurate in measuring core body temperature. Although practical, ear or forehead thermometers provide less precise temperature readings.
A rectal temperature, if possible, is slightly more accurate in babies. When reporting a fever to your doctor, include both the temperature and the type of thermometer used.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF FEVER?
The average body temperature is the result of a balance between heat production and heat loss. This equilibrium is monitored by the hypothalamus in the brain, also known as your body's "thermostat." Even if you're in good health, your body temperature fluctuates somewhat during the day. It may be lower in the morning and higher later in the afternoon and evening.
When your immune system fights an illness, the hypothalamus raises your body temperature. This initiates complex processes that generate greater heat while limiting heat loss. Shivering is one method by which the body generates heat. When you wrap up in a blanket because you're cold, you're assisting your body in retaining heat.
Fevers of less than 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) associated with common viral diseases, such as the flu, may aid the immune system in fighting disease and are generally not dangerous.
Fever or a high body temperature could be caused by:
- A viral infection
- A bacterial infection
- Exhaustion from the heat
- Certain inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of the joint lining (synovium)
- A malignant (cancerous) tumor
- Antibiotics and pharmaceuticals used to treat high blood pressure or seizures.
- Some vaccines, such as the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP), pneumococcal, or COVID vaccination.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF FEVER?
Children aged 6 months to 5 years are at an increased risk of having a seizure during a fever (febrile seizure). A third of children who have one febrile seizure will have another, most likely within the next year.
A febrile seizure may cause loss of consciousness, trembling of limbs on both sides of the body, rolling back of the eyelids, or stiffness of the body. Although frightening for parents, the vast majority of febrile seizures have no long-term consequences.
If you have a seizure:
- Place your child on the floor or ground on his or her side or stomach.
- Remove any sharp things from your child's vicinity.
- Tight garments should be loosened.
- Hold your child to avoid injury.
- Avoid putting anything in your child's mouth or attempting to stop the seizure.
- If your child has a seizure that lasts more than five minutes or does not appear to be recovering well after the seizure, call 911 or your local emergency number.
- If this is your child's first febrile seizure, go to the emergency department or urgent care.
If your child does not require emergency care, consult your child's doctor as soon as possible for additional evaluation.
HOW IS FEVER DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor may do the following to assess a fever:
- Inquire about your symptoms and medical history.
- Conduct a physical examination
- Collect nose or throat swabs to rule out respiratory illnesses.
- Based on your medical history and physical assessment, your doctor may order tests such as blood tests or a chest X-ray if needed.
Because a fever in a small infant, especially one who is two months or less, can suggest a dangerous illness, your baby may be taken to the hospital for testing and treatment.
Fever of unknown origin
A fever of unknown origin occurs when a fever lasts for more than three weeks, either continuously or on many occasions, and there is no identifiable reason. In such circumstances, you may need to consult with professionals in one or more medical specialties for additional examinations and tests.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR FEVER?
If you have a low-grade fever, your doctor may not advise you to take any drugs to lower your body temperature. These small fevers may help to reduce the quantity of bacteria that are causing your disease. Fevers above 102 F (38.9 C) are generally uncomfortable and necessitate treatment.
OTC medications
In the case of a high fever or a fever that causes discomfort, your doctor may advise you to use over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, among others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others).
Use these medications as directed on the label or as directed by your health care professional. Take care not to overdo it. Acute overdoses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be lethal, and high doses or long-term use can cause liver or kidney damage. Aspirin should not be given to children since it can cause Reye's syndrome, an uncommon but potentially fatal illness.
Although these treatments will typically reduce your temperature, you may still have a minor fever. The drug may take 1 to 2 hours to take effect. If your fever does not go away after taking medicine, contact your doctor.
Medications on prescription
Depending on the reason of your disease, your doctor may prescribe additional medications. Treatment of the underlying cause may alleviate signs and symptoms such as fever.
Infants' treatment
Infants, particularly those under the age of two months, may require hospitalization for testing and treatment. A fever in a baby this young could suggest a dangerous infection that necessitates intravenous (IV) drugs and round-the-clock care.
HOME REMEDIES FOR FEVER
To make yourself or your child more comfortable during a fever, you can attempt the following:
- Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking fluids will help to reduce skin heat loss and restore water lost through sweating. Water and clear broth are also healthful options. Infants under the age of six months should only consume breast milk or formula.
- Rest: Rest is necessary for recovery, and activity might boost your body temperature.
- Stay cool: Dress in light clothing, keep the ambient temperature cool, and sleep with only a sheet or light blanket if you aren't shivering.
HOW CAN FEVER BE PREVENTED?
You might be able to avoid fevers by limiting your exposure to infectious diseases. Here are some pointers to consider:
- Obtain the required vaccinations for infectious diseases such as influenza and COVID-19.
- Wearing masks and social separation should be done in accordance with public health norms.
- Show your children how to fully wash their hands, using soap on both the front and back of each hand and rinsing well under running water.
- Wash your hands frequently and urge your children to do the same, especially before eating, using the restroom, being in a crowd or near someone who is sick, touching animals, and traveling by public transportation.
- Keep hand sanitizer on hand in case you don't have access to soap and water.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth, or eyes, as these are the main entry points for viruses and germs into your body and causing infection.
- Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, and educate your children to do the same. Turn away from others and cough or sneeze into your elbow whenever possible to avoid transferring germs to others.
- Share cups, water bottles, and utensils with your child or children as little as possible.