What is Considered a Fever?

2021-05-24

what

A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). A fever is usually a sign that your body is fighting an infection. However, a fever can also be caused by other things, such as heatstroke, dehydration, or certain medications.

There are several ways to measure your body temperature. The most common way is to use a thermometer. Thermometers can be placed in your mouth, under your arm, or in your rectum.

In general, a fever is considered to be present when your body temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher. However, some people may have a normal body temperature that is higher or lower than this. For example, children and older adults may have a normal body temperature that is slightly higher than 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). Conversely, people who are taking certain medications or who have certain medical conditions may have a normal body temperature that is slightly lower than 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius).

What is Considered a Fever

A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal.

Normal body temperature: 98.6°F (37°C)
Fever: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Can be caused by infection, heatstroke, dehydration, or medication
Measured with a thermometer
Varies among individuals
Children and older adults may have higher normal temperatures
Certain medications and medical conditions can lower normal temperature
Seek medical attention for high fever or fever that lasts more than 3 days
Treatment depends on underlying cause

It is important to note that a fever is not always a sign of illness. In some cases, a fever can be a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. However, it is always important to see a doctor if you have a fever, especially if it is high or if it lasts for more than 3 days.

Normal body temperature: 98.6°F (37°C)

Normal body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C). This temperature is necessary for the proper functioning of the human body. It allows for the optimal functioning of enzymes and other proteins in the body.

Body temperature can vary slightly throughout the day. It is typically lowest in the early morning and highest in the late afternoon. Exercise, stress, and illness can also cause body temperature to rise slightly.

A fever is considered to be present when your body temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. However, some people may have a normal body temperature that is higher or lower than this. For example, children and older adults may have a normal body temperature that is slightly higher than 98.6°F (37°C). Conversely, people who are taking certain medications or who have certain medical conditions may have a normal body temperature that is slightly lower than 98.6°F (37°C).

If you are concerned about your body temperature, you can talk to your doctor. They can help you determine what your normal body temperature is and what to do if you have a fever.

Fever: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

A fever is considered to be present when your body temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. This is because a fever is a sign that your body is fighting an infection or that something else is wrong.

Fevers can be caused by a variety of things, including:

Infections, such as the flu, a cold, or a urinary tract infection
Heatstroke
Dehydration
Certain medications, such as antibiotics and aspirin
Inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis or lupus
Cancer

In most cases, a fever is not a cause for alarm. However, it is important to see a doctor if you have a fever, especially if it is high or if it lasts for more than 3 days. This is because a fever can be a sign of a serious medical condition.

If you have a fever, there are a few things you can do to help reduce it:

Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or juice.
Take a lukewarm bath or shower.
Apply a cold compress to your forehead, neck, or armpits.
Take over-the-counter fever-reducing medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

If your fever is high or if it lasts for more than 3 days, see a doctor right away.

Fevers can be a sign of a serious medical condition, so it is important to seek medical attention if you have a fever that is high or that lasts for more than 3 days.

Can be caused by infection, heatstroke, dehydration, or medication

Fevers can be caused by a variety of things, including:

Infection
Infections are the most common cause of fevers. When your body is fighting an infection, it produces chemicals called pyrogens. These pyrogens cause your body temperature to rise.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke occurs when your body temperature rises to dangerous levels. This can happen when you are exposed to high temperatures for a long period of time, especially if you are not drinking enough fluids.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when you do not drink enough fluids. When you are dehydrated, your body cannot regulate its temperature properly, which can lead to a fever.
Medication
Certain medications can cause a fever as a side effect. These medications include antibiotics, aspirin, and chemotherapy drugs.

Measured with a thermometer

The most common way to measure your body temperature is to use a thermometer. Thermometers can be placed in your mouth, under your arm, or in your rectum.

To measure your temperature orally, place the thermometer under your tongue and close your mouth. Keep the thermometer in place for at least 30 seconds, or until it beeps. To measure your temperature under your arm, place the thermometer in your armpit and hold your arm close to your body. Keep the thermometer in place for at least 5 minutes.

Rectal temperatures are the most accurate, but they can also be the most uncomfortable. To measure your temperature rectally, lubricate the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly and insert it into your rectum. Hold the thermometer in place for at least 30 seconds, or until it beeps.

Once you have taken your temperature, compare it to the normal body temperature of 98.6°F (37°C). If your temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, you have a fever.

It is important to note that the accuracy of a thermometer can vary. If you are concerned about the accuracy of your thermometer, you can talk to your doctor.

Varies among individuals

Normal body temperature can vary slightly among individuals. Some people may have a normal body temperature that is slightly higher or lower than 98.6°F (37°C). This is perfectly normal and does not mean that you have a fever.

There are a few factors that can affect your normal body temperature, including:

Age: Children and older adults may have a normal body temperature that is slightly higher than 98.6°F (37°C).
Sex: Women may have a slightly higher normal body temperature than men.
Time of day: Body temperature is typically lowest in the early morning and highest in the late afternoon.
Activity level: Exercise can cause your body temperature to rise.
Stress: Stress can also cause your body temperature to rise.
Medications: Certain medications can affect your body temperature.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, can cause your body temperature to rise.

If you are concerned about your normal body temperature, you can talk to your doctor. They can help you determine what your normal body temperature is and what to do if you have a fever.

Children and older adults may have higher normal temperatures

Children and older adults may have a normal body temperature that is slightly higher than 98.6°F (37°C). This is because their bodies are still developing and changing.

Children: Children's bodies are still developing, so their normal body temperature may be slightly higher than adults. This is especially true for infants and toddlers. Their normal body temperature can range from 99°F to 100.4°F (37.2°C to 38°C).
Older adults: As people age, their metabolism slows down and their bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature. This can lead to a slightly higher normal body temperature. The normal body temperature for older adults can range from 98.6°F to 99.6°F (37°C to 37.6°C).

It is important to note that a fever is not always a sign of illness in children and older adults. However, it is always important to see a doctor if a child or older adult has a fever, especially if it is high or if it lasts for more than 3 days.

Certain medications and medical conditions can lower normal temperature

Certain medications and medical conditions can lower your normal body temperature. This can make it more difficult to determine if you have a fever.

Medications: Some medications, such as alcohol, aspirin, and ibuprofen, can lower your body temperature. This is why it is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and Addison's disease, can also lower your body temperature. If you have a medical condition that affects your body temperature, it is important to talk to your doctor about how to monitor your temperature and what to do if you have a fever.

If you are concerned about your normal body temperature, you can talk to your doctor. They can help you determine what your normal body temperature is and what to do if you have a fever.

Seek medical attention for high fever or fever that lasts more than 3 days

It is important to seek medical attention if you have a high fever or a fever that lasts for more than 3 days. This is because a high fever or a fever that lasts for more than 3 days can be a sign of a serious medical condition.

High fever: A high fever is a fever that is 103°F (39.4°C) or higher. A high fever can be dangerous, especially for children and older adults. It is important to seek medical attention right away if you have a high fever.
Fever that lasts more than 3 days: A fever that lasts for more than 3 days is also a cause for concern. This is because it can be a sign of a serious infection or other medical condition. It is important to see a doctor right away if you have a fever that lasts for more than 3 days.

Other symptoms that may indicate a serious medical condition include:

Headache
Stiff neck
Confusion
Rash
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain

If you have any of these symptoms along with a fever, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

Treatment depends on underlying cause

The treatment for a fever depends on the underlying cause. If the fever is caused by an infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection. If the fever is caused by a medication, the doctor may recommend stopping the medication or switching to a different medication.

Rest: One of the best ways to treat a fever is to get plenty of rest. This will help your body fight off the infection.
Fluids: It is also important to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or soup. This will help to prevent dehydration.
Over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to reduce fever. However, it is important to follow the directions on the package carefully.
Medical treatment: In some cases, a fever may require medical treatment. This may include hospitalization or intravenous fluids.

It is important to see a doctor if you have a fever, especially if it is high or if it lasts for more than 3 days. The doctor can determine the cause of the fever and recommend the best course of treatment.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about fever:

Question 1: What is a fever?
Answer: A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. Normal body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C). A fever is usually a sign that your body is fighting an infection.

Question 2: What causes a fever?
Answer: Fevers can be caused by a variety of things, including infections, heatstroke, dehydration, and certain medications.

Question 3: How is a fever measured?
Answer: The most common way to measure a fever is to use a thermometer. Thermometers can be placed in your mouth, under your arm, or in your rectum.

Question 4: What is considered a fever?
Answer: A fever is considered to be present when your body temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

Question 5: What should I do if I have a fever?
Answer: If you have a fever, you should rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter fever-reducing medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If your fever is high or if it lasts for more than 3 days, you should see a doctor.

Question 6: When should I see a doctor about a fever?
Answer: You should see a doctor about a fever if it is high (103°F or higher), if it lasts for more than 3 days, or if you have other symptoms, such as headache, stiff neck, rash, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Question 7: How can I prevent a fever?
Answer: There is no sure way to prevent a fever, but you can reduce your risk by washing your hands frequently, avoiding contact with people who are sick, and getting vaccinated against common infections.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

If you have any other questions about fever, please talk to your doctor.

Here are some additional tips for dealing with a fever:

Tips

Here are some tips for dealing with a fever:

Tip 1: Rest
One of the best ways to treat a fever is to get plenty of rest. This will help your body fight off the infection.

Tip 2: Fluids
It is also important to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or soup. This will help to prevent dehydration.

Tip 3: Over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to reduce fever. However, it is important to follow the directions on the package carefully.

Tip 4: Cool compress
Applying a cool compress to your forehead, neck, or armpits can help to reduce fever. You can also take a lukewarm bath or shower.

Tip 5: Dress in light, loose clothing
Wearing light, loose clothing can help to keep you cool and comfortable.

Tip 6: Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you, which can make a fever worse. It is best to avoid these beverages when you have a fever.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

If you have a fever, it is important to take care of yourself and follow these tips. This will help you to feel better and recover faster.

If your fever is high (103°F or higher), if it lasts for more than 3 days, or if you have other symptoms, such as headache, stiff neck, rash, vomiting, or diarrhea, you should see a doctor right away.

Conclusion

A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. It is usually a sign that your body is fighting an infection. Fevers can be caused by a variety of things, including infections, heatstroke, dehydration, and certain medications.

The most common way to measure a fever is to use a thermometer. A fever is considered to be present when your body temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

If you have a fever, you should rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter fever-reducing medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If your fever is high or if it lasts for more than 3 days, you should see a doctor.

Closing Message:

Fevers are a common symptom of illness, but they are usually not a cause for alarm. However, it is important to see a doctor if you have a fever that is high, if it lasts for more than 3 days, or if you have other symptoms, such as headache, stiff neck, rash, vomiting, or diarrhea.