Fever

Fever is a temporary increase in your body temperature, usually a sign that your body is fighting an infection. A normal body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C), but it can vary slightly. A fever is generally considered a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

Most fevers are not serious and resolve on their own. However, some fevers can indicate a serious condition, especially in infants, young children, and people with weakened immune systems. Understanding when a fever is concerning is important.

Fever itself is a symptom, but it's often accompanied by:

Common Accompanying Symptoms:

• Chills and shivering: Feeling cold despite fever
• Sweating: Especially when fever breaks
• Headache: Common with fever
• Muscle aches: Body aches
• Fatigue: Feeling tired
• Loss of appetite: Not feeling hungry
• Dehydration: If not drinking enough
• Irritability: Especially in children

Fever Characteristics:

• Low-grade: 100.4-101.3°F (38-38.5°C)
• Moderate: 101.4-103.1°F (38.6-39.5°C)
• High: 103.2-104.9°F (39.6-40.5°C)
• Very high: 105°F (40.6°C) or higher

Call Emergency Services (112 in Sweden) if:

• Fever with severe headache and stiff neck
• Fever with confusion or difficulty staying awake
• Fever with difficulty breathing
• Fever with severe abdominal pain
• Fever with rash that doesn't fade when pressed
• Very high fever (105°F/40.6°C or higher)
• Fever in infant under 3 months

For children, seek immediate care if:

• Infant under 3 months with any fever
• Child with fever and signs of dehydration
• Child with fever and severe symptoms
• Fever that doesn't respond to treatment

For mild to moderate fevers:

1. Stay Hydrated:

   • Drink plenty of fluids
   • Water, broth, electrolyte solutions
   • Avoid alcohol and caffeine
   • Watch for signs of dehydration

2. Rest:

   • Get plenty of rest
   • Allow body to fight infection
   • Don't overexert

3. Fever-Reducing Medications (if appropriate):

   • Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Safe for most people
   • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Anti-inflammatory
   • Follow dosing instructions
   • Don't give aspirin to children/teens
   • Don't exceed recommended doses

4. Comfort Measures:

   • Light clothing
   • Light covers
   • Cool compresses on forehead
   • Lukewarm bath (not cold)
   • Keep room comfortable

5. Monitor Temperature:

   • Check temperature regularly
   • Keep track of readings
   • Note pattern
   • Watch for changes

• Very high fever (105°F/40.6°C or higher)
• Fever with severe symptoms
• Fever with confusion
• Fever with difficulty breathing
• Fever in infant under 3 months
• Signs of severe illness

• Fever lasting more than 3 days
• Fever that doesn't respond to treatment
• Fever with other concerning symptoms
• Recurrent fevers
• Questions about fever
• Need for evaluation

• Mild to moderate fever
• Improving with treatment
• No other concerning symptoms
• Following self-care measures
• Not in high-risk group

Evaluating fever may involve:

1. Temperature Measurement:

   • Oral, rectal, ear, or forehead
   • Rectal most accurate for infants
   • Note method used

2. Physical Examination:

   • Check for source of infection
   • Assess other symptoms
   • Check vital signs

3. Blood Tests (if needed):

   • Complete blood count
   • Infection markers
   • Other tests as indicated

4. Other Tests (if indicated):

   • Urine tests
   • Imaging studies
   • Cultures
   • Other tests

Treatment depends on the cause:

Fever Management:

• Medications to reduce fever
• Treat underlying cause
• Supportive care
• Monitor closely

If Infection:

• May need antibiotics (if bacterial)
• Antiviral medications (if viral)
• Other treatments as appropriate

General Approach:

• Treat underlying cause
• Manage symptoms
• Prevent complications
• Support recovery

Prevent fevers by:

• Prevent Infections: Wash hands, avoid sick people
• Vaccinations: Stay up to date
• Healthy Lifestyle: Supports immune system
• Avoid Triggers: If known
• Early Treatment: Of underlying conditions

In fever:

1. Infection or Other Trigger: Body detects problem
2. Immune Response: Body raises temperature
3. Fever Develops: Temperature increases
4. Body Fights: Higher temperature helps fight infection
5. Fever Breaks: Temperature returns to normal

Causes:

• Infections: Most common (viral, bacterial)
• Inflammation: Autoimmune conditions
• Medications: Some medications cause fever
• Heat exhaustion: Overheating
• Other causes: Various conditions

• May have higher fevers
• May have febrile seizures
• Need careful monitoring
• May need different approach
• Watch for dehydration

• May have lower fevers with serious infections
• May have atypical symptoms
• Higher risk of complications
• Need careful evaluation

Generally, 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is considered a fever. However, normal temperature can vary, and the number alone isn't as important as how the person feels and other symptoms.

Not always. Fever helps the body fight infection. Treat if it's causing discomfort or is very high. For children, treat if causing distress or is high.

Oral (mouth), rectal (most accurate for infants), ear, or forehead. Follow thermometer instructions. Rectal is most accurate for infants under 3 months.

Worry if: very high (105°F+), lasting more than 3 days, in infant under 3 months, with severe symptoms, not responding to treatment, or with other concerning signs.

In adults, fever itself rarely causes brain damage. Very high fevers (above 107°F/41.7°C) can be dangerous, but this is extremely rare. In children, febrile seizures can occur but usually don't cause brain damage.