Understanding Fever: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

A fever is a temporary increase in your body temperature, often due to an illness. It's a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. While a fever can be uncomfortable, it's usually not a cause for serious concern unless it's very high or accompanied by other troubling symptoms.

What Causes a Fever?

Fevers are most often caused by infections, such as:

• Viral infections: Flu, common cold, chickenpox
• Bacterial infections: Strep throat, urinary tract infections, pneumonia
• Parasitic infections: Malaria

However, infections aren't the only cause. Other potential causes include:

• Certain medications
• Heat exhaustion
• Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Vaccinations, such as the flu shot

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Fever

The most obvious symptom is, of course, a higher-than-normal body temperature. What's considered "normal" varies slightly from person to person, but generally, a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) is considered a fever. You might also experience:

• Chills
• Sweating
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability

In children, a fever can sometimes cause seizures, known as febrile seizures. While scary, these are usually harmless and don't cause long-term problems.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most fevers can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medications. However, there are times when you should seek medical attention. For adults, consult a doctor if:

• Your temperature is 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
• The fever lasts more than a few days
• You have a severe headache, stiff neck, or other unusual symptoms
• You have difficulty breathing or chest pain
• You are confused or disoriented
• You have a seizure

For children, it's generally recommended to seek medical advice sooner. Contact a doctor if:

• Your child is under 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Your child is between 3 and 6 months old and has a temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher
• Your child is older than 6 months and has a temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
• Your child seems unusually lethargic or irritable
• Your child has a seizure
• Your child has other symptoms, such as a rash, stiff neck, or difficulty breathing

Treating a Fever at Home

The primary goal of treating a fever is to make you or your child more comfortable. You can try:

• Resting and drinking plenty of fluids
• Taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Wearing lightweight clothing
• Taking a lukewarm bath or sponge bath

It's important to follow the dosage instructions on any medication carefully, especially when giving it to children. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers, as it can cause Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition.

The Body's Natural Defense

It's important to remember that a fever is often a sign that your body is doing its job. By raising your body temperature, your immune system can more effectively fight off infections. So, while it's important