Fever

Body temperature rises temporarily when your immune system fights off infection. This rise in temperature is called a fever. It's your body's way of responding to germs.

Most often, a fever is not a problem for children or adults. It's a normal part of the body's defense against illness. However, for babies, even a slight fever could signal a more serious illness. This is why it's important to watch for any signs of illness in infants and seek medical advice if needed.

Fevers typically disappear on their own within a few days. Over-the-counter medicines can help lower a fever if it's making someone uncomfortable. But if a fever isn't causing discomfort, it might not need to be treated. It's important to focus on providing comfort and hydration if there are no other worrying symptoms.

People's body temperatures naturally fluctuate a bit, both between individuals and throughout the day. Doctors have usually considered a temperature of 98.6°F (37°C) as average. If a mouth thermometer shows a temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher, it's often a sign of a fever.

A fever can have various related symptoms, depending on its cause. These can include:

• Sweating: Your body may try to cool itself down by sweating.
• Chills and shivering: Your body may feel cold even while running a fever. This is your body's attempt to generate heat.
• Headache: Fevers often cause headaches.
• Muscle aches: Fevers can make your muscles feel sore.
• Loss of appetite: A fever can make you feel less hungry.
• Irritability: You might feel more irritable or restless than usual.
• Dehydration: Fever can increase your body's need for fluids, so it's important to drink plenty of water. Not drinking enough can lead to dehydration.
• General weakness: Fevers can make you feel tired and weak.

A fever isn't always a problem that needs a doctor's visit. However, there are situations where a fever warrants a call to your doctor, especially for babies and children.

Your body's temperature is like a seesaw – it's always trying to balance how much heat it makes and how much it loses. A part of your brain called the hypothalamus acts like the thermostat, constantly adjusting this balance. Even when you're feeling fine, your temperature naturally goes up and down a little throughout the day, usually lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon.

If you get sick, your body's immune system kicks in. The hypothalamus then raises your temperature to help fight the infection. This triggers your body to make more heat, like when you shiver, and to hold onto the heat you already have, such as when you put on a blanket.

A slight fever, usually under 104°F (40°C), is often a sign that your body is working hard to fight off a common illness like the flu. These fevers are often a good sign that your immune system is doing its job and are usually not dangerous.

However, a fever could also be a sign of something more serious. There are several reasons why your body temperature might be higher than normal:

• Viruses: Common cold viruses, flu viruses, and others
• Bacteria: Infections from bacteria
• Heat exhaustion: Your body overheating from being in the heat for too long
• Inflammation: Some conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis (where the lining of your joints gets inflamed), can cause fever
• Cancer: In some cases, a cancerous tumor can cause a fever
• Medications: Certain medicines, like antibiotics or those for high blood pressure or seizures, can sometimes cause a fever
• Vaccines: Some vaccines, like the DTaP, pneumococcal, or COVID vaccines, can sometimes cause a temporary fever.

If you're concerned about a fever, it's always best to talk to a doctor to figure out the cause and get the best treatment.

Young children, from about six months to five years old, are more likely to have a seizure when they have a fever. This is called a febrile seizure. About one in three kids who have one febrile seizure will have another, often within a year.

These seizures can be scary. A febrile seizure might involve losing consciousness, shaking in their arms and legs, their eyes rolling back, or their body becoming stiff. However, most of the time, these seizures don't cause any lasting problems.

If your child has a seizure:

• Place them on their side or tummy on the floor. This helps them breathe more easily.
• Clear away any sharp objects nearby. You don't want them to hurt themselves.
• Loosen any tight clothing. This will help them breathe better.
• Hold your child gently to comfort them. Don't try to restrain them.
• Do not put anything in their mouth. This is important, as it can be harmful. Don't try to stop the seizure.
• Call 911 or your local emergency number if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or if your child doesn't seem to wake up afterward. Prompt medical attention is crucial in these situations.
• If it's your child's first febrile seizure, seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room or urgent care center.

If the seizure is short and your child seems to be recovering well, see your pediatrician as soon as possible for a check-up.

Preventing fevers often comes down to preventing the germs that cause them. Here's how:

Get Vaccinated: Getting shots for illnesses like the flu and COVID-19 helps your body build defenses. This means your body is better prepared to fight off these germs if you are exposed.

Follow Health Rules: Following guidelines like wearing masks and staying a safe distance from others helps limit exposure to sick people. This is especially helpful in crowded places.

Wash Your Hands: Frequent handwashing is super important. This means washing your hands:

• Before you eat or prepare food.
• After using the bathroom.
• After being around lots of people.
• After touching animals.
• After traveling on public transport.
• Really, anytime your hands might have germs on them!

Proper Handwashing Technique: Make sure your children (and you!) wash their hands thoroughly. This means using soap and water, lathering up the front and back of both hands, and rinsing completely under running water.

Carry Hand Sanitizer: If soap and water aren't available, hand sanitizer is a great alternative. Keep it with you and use it often, especially when you're out and about.

Don't Touch Your Face: Viruses and bacteria often enter your body through your nose, mouth, and eyes. Try to avoid touching these areas as much as possible.

Cover Your Mouth and Nose: When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow. This prevents spreading germs to others. Turning away from others when possible is also a good idea.

Avoid Sharing Items: Don't share cups, water bottles, or utensils. Each person should have their own to prevent the spread of germs.

By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick and developing a fever.

Doctors use several methods to evaluate fevers. A fever, especially in very young babies (under two months old), can signal a serious problem, potentially requiring a hospital stay for tests and treatment.

If a fever lasts for more than three weeks, either constantly or in repeated episodes, and doctors can't find a clear reason, it's called a fever of unknown origin. This often means you'll need to see specialists in different medical areas for more detailed examinations and tests.

To figure out what's causing the fever, doctors will:

• Ask questions: They'll ask about your symptoms (like aches, chills, or other problems) and your medical history (like past illnesses or allergies).
• Do a physical exam: This involves checking your overall health, like listening to your heart and lungs, checking your temperature, and looking for other signs of illness.
• Collect samples: Sometimes, they'll take a sample from your nose or throat to check for infections that affect your breathing system.
• Order tests: If needed, based on your answers and the physical exam, doctors might order blood tests, X-rays (like a chest X-ray), or other tests to pinpoint the cause of the fever.

Sometimes a low-grade fever isn't a problem and might even help your body fight off illness. Your body temperature slightly rising can help your immune system fight off the germs causing your sickness. However, a fever that's uncomfortable or high could need treatment.

If you have a fever that's uncomfortable or above 102°F (38.9°C), your doctor might suggest over-the-counter medicine like acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil or Motrin). Always follow the directions on the medicine label, or ask your doctor for the right dose. Taking too much acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be harmful to your liver and kidneys, and very large doses can even be deadly. Important note: never give aspirin to children, as it can cause a serious condition called Reye's syndrome.

These medicines usually bring down your temperature, but you might still have a mild fever. It can take about 1 to 2 hours for the medicine to work. If your fever doesn't get better, even after taking the medicine, call your doctor.

Your doctor might prescribe other medicines depending on what's causing your illness. Treating the underlying cause of the illness will often help reduce symptoms like fever.

Babies, especially those under two months old, might need to be checked in the hospital. A fever in a very young baby could mean a serious infection. This kind of infection might need medicine given directly into a vein (IV) and close monitoring.

Feeling feverish? Here are some ways to make yourself or your child more comfortable:

• Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of fluids helps your body get rid of heat and replaces the water you lose when you sweat. Good choices include water and clear broth. If you're an infant under six months old, stick to breast milk or formula.

• Get some rest. Your body needs rest to heal, and being active can raise your temperature. Try to relax and conserve energy.

• Keep cool. If you aren't shivering, put on light clothing. Lower the thermostat in your room to a comfortable temperature. Cover yourself with only a sheet or a light blanket to help regulate your body temperature.