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A fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature, one of the body’s natural responses to infection. A low-grade fever isn't usually a cause for concern, but a temperature 102°F and above should be treated.
A fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature. It’s a sign of your body's natural fight against infection.
The average normal body temperature is 98.6° Fahrenheit (or 37° Celsius). When you or your child’s temperature rises a few degrees above normal, it’s a sign that the body is healthy and fighting infection. In most cases, that’s a good thing. But when a fever rises above 102°F it should be treated at home and, if necessary, by your healthcare provider if the fever doesn’t go down after a few days. What do I do when my child has a fever?With most cases, a slight fever isn’t a cause for concern with children. A low fever can make a child uncomfortable, it isn’t unusual for them to seem unaffected, still playful and eating and drinking normally, though maybe a bit more tired. Their fever should resolve in a few days. With higher fevers, call your child’s healthcare provider if:
Some children have a frightening side effect to fever called febrile seizures. This happens in 2% to 4% of children under age 5. Some seizures cause jerking movements, or it may look like your child has passed out. When this happens put your child on their side, do not put anything in their mouth and call 911 if the seizure lasts more than five minutes and/or the child’s lips turn blue. If it lasts less than five minutes, notify your healthcare provider and go out and get medical attention right away. What are symptoms of a fever?The main symptoms of a fever include:
A fever has many causes and can be a symptom of almost any illness. Among the most common are: However, if you or your child are experiencing a higher-than-normal body temperature and no other symptoms of illness, don’t assume something is wrong. A person's body temperature changes throughout the day and varies with many normal activities and emotions. For example, stress, excitement, heavy clothing, food, certain medications, a menstrual cycle and exercise can all raise body temperature. Also, children tend to have a slightly higher body temperature than adults.
The best way to measure body temperature is using a thermometer inserted orally, rectally, axillary (under the arm), or by using a special instrument commonly sold in stores that is inserted in the ear and measures the temperature of the eardrum. Can a fever be treated at home?If your fever is mild (less than 101°F), then no medical treatment is required. Simply make sure that you drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol) – and get plenty of rest. For higher temperatures, there are many effective ways to getting your fever under control. The most common way includes medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. If you have a child under age 17 who has a fever, DO NOT give the child aspirin. Aspirin in children may cause Reye's syndrome, a sometime fatal illness. Taking a lukewarm bath (around 98°F) may also help bring the body's temperature down.
If any of the following situations apply, call a doctor as soon as possible:
Any fever in an adult that goes above 105°F (or 40.5°C) and does not come down with treatment is a life-threatening medical emergency and you should call 911.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/31/2019. References
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Information: This page is for adults. For advice about children, see high temperature (fever) in children.
Fever is a rise in body temperature above the normal temperature, usually caused by infection. Normal body temperature is around 37°C (give or take a degree, but this can vary from person to person). There may also be minor fluctuations over the course of the day and night. The fever triggered by a viral or bacterial infection is caused by chemicals produced by the immune system, which reset the body’s thermostat to a higher level. Contrary to popular belief, the severity of fever isn’t necessarily related to the seriousness of the illness – for example, life-threatening meningitis might only cause a small temperature rise. Most cases of mild fever resolve by themselves within a couple of days. A mild fever (up to 39°C) can actually help the immune system to get rid of an infection. In children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years, fever can trigger convulsions. A fever of 42.4°C or higher, particularly in the elderly, can permanently damage the brain. Symptoms of feverThe symptoms of fever can include:
Infection is usually the cause of feverThe cause of fever is usually an infection of some kind. This could include: Self-treatment suggestions for feverSuggestions to treat fever include:
When to see your doctor for fever symptomsYou should always consult with your doctor in the following cases:
You should seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else has the following symptoms:
Diagnosis methodsSince fever is a symptom and not an illness, the underlying cause must be found before specific treatment can begin. Some tests may be necessary if the cause of the fever is not clear after your doctor has taken a medical history and performed an examination. These tests may include:
Treatment optionsTreatment depends on the cause – for example, chronic tonsillitis may require surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy). Fevers caused by viral illnesses shouldn’t be treated with antibiotics, since these drugs have no effect against viruses. In cases of mild bacterial infection, it is usually best to allow your immune system to handle the problem, rather than take antibiotics. Fever in childrenOn average, a child has up to 10 infections per year. Body temperature isn’t a reliable indicator of illness for babies and young children – a child may have a mild temperature according to the thermometer (slightly over 37°C), but seem happy and healthy. See a doctor right away if your child:
If you feel at all worried or concerned at any stage, consult with your doctor. Using a thermometerIf you suspect that your child has a fever, you can use a thermometer to measure their temperature. Remember, though, that body temperature is better used as a guide than a reliable indicator of illness for babies and young children – a child might have a mild temperature according to the thermometer (slightly over 37°C), but may seem happy and healthy. There are several types of reliable thermometers available, which come with instructions on how to use them. They are available from a chemist. If you are in doubt about which one to choose for your child, or have questions about how to use it, ask your pharmacist to explain. Treatment for fever in children
Fever can cause convulsionsA febrile convulsion is a fit or seizure that occurs in babies and children when they have a high fever, usually from an ear infection or a viral upper respiratory infection. The fit can last a few seconds or up to 15 minutes, and is followed by drowsiness. Approximately 3% of otherwise healthy children will have one or more febrile convulsions between the ages of 6 months and 6 years. A febrile convulsion is not epilepsy and does not cause brain damage. There is no way to predict who will be affected or when this will happen. The symptoms of febrile convulsion include:
Convulsions are rarely serious. If your child has a convulsion you should:
Where to get help
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