Fever: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Fever

A fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, usually caused by illness. It signals the body is fighting infection and stimulates the immune system. Find out more about this common condition.

Recommended Actions

Alleviate fever symptoms by getting adequate rest, staying hydrated, using a fever reducer like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if necessary, wearing light clothing, and maintaining a cool environment.

Recommended Avoidances

When experiencing a fever, minimize exposure to contagious diseases, excessive heat, and strenuous exercise to support your recovery.

Prevention Tips

Good hygiene and vaccinations are key preventive measures against fevers.

Condition 101

A fever is a temporary increase in your body temperature, often due to an illness. Having a fever is a sign that something out of the ordinary is occurring in your body. The body's natural response to infection, inflammation, or other maladies, a fever can help your body fight illness by stimulating the immune system.

Elevated body temperature
Sweating
Chills and shivering
Headache
Muscle aches
Loss of appetite
Irritability
Dehydration
General weakness
Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections
Heat exhaustion
Certain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
Some types of cancer
Certain medications
Severe trauma or injury
Individuals with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, or those undergoing certain medical treatments are at a higher risk for fever.
A fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher in adults
Fevers lasting more than seven days
Severe headache, neck stiffness, skin rash, sensitivity to bright light, mental confusion
Persistent vomiting, trouble breathing, severe abdominal pain, pain or discomfort during urination
Any other unexplained symptoms along with the fever

A detailed diagnosis for fever typically involves a comprehensive medical history and physical examination. Your doctor may also recommend additional diagnostic tests such as:

Blood tests
Urine tests
Imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans
Lumbar puncture (only in severe cases)
Persistent high fever can lead to severe dehydration, hallucinations, confusion, seizures, and even life-threatening situations.
A common misconception is that teething causes fever in babies; however, teething only mildly increases body temperature.
Diseases such as influenza, meningitis, pneumonia, and COVID-19 could be considered during the differential diagnosis due to their similar symptoms.

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Treatment Options

Need more information about , contact us for more help on treatment or advise.

A doctor may prescribe stronger fever-reducing medications, and if the fever is due to an infection, antibiotics or antivirals may be given.

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