Fever

A fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature and is a part of our body’s natural response to infection. The average normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When your body’s temperature rises a few degrees above normal, it is a sign that your body is fighting infection and is generally not cause for concern. In these cases, a fever is the response you want your body to have since it means that it is healthy enough to fight infection. For this reason it is not always a good idea to try and bring a fever down too quickly. However, a fever that goes above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, is a cause for concern and treatment should be initiated.

Aside from an elevated temperature, chills, aches, a lack of energy and a flush complexion are common symptoms experienced by people with a fever.

What causes a fever?
A fever has many causes and can be a symptom of almost any illness. Among the most common are:

• Colds or flu
• Earaches
• Bronchitis
• Strep throat
• Urinary tract infections
• Mononucelosis

However, if you or your loved are experiencing a higher-than-normal body temperature and no other symptoms of illness, do not assume something is wrong. A person’s body temperature changes throughout the day and varies with many everyday, normal activities and emotions. For example, stress, excitement, wearing extra clothing, food, certain medications, a woman’s menstrual cycle and exercise can all raise body temperature. Also, children tend to have a slightly higher body temperature than adults. 

What is the best way to measure body temperature?
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 the temperature of the eardrum.

Can a fever be treated at home?
If your fever is mild (less than 101 degrees) then no medical treatment is required. Simply make sure that you drink plenty of fluids – no alcohol – and get plenty of rest. For higher temperatures, there are many effective approaches to getting your fever under control. The most common approaches include 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 degrees) may also help bring the body’s temperature down.

When is a fever cause for concern?
If any of the following situations apply, call a doctor as soon as possible:

• A fever is accompanied by a stiff neck, confusion or irritability
• Any time a child under 6 months has a fever
• Whenever a child between the ages of 6 months and a year has a fever that lasts beyond 24 hours.
• A fever remains above 103 degrees longer than 2 hours after home treatment.
• A fever last longer than 2 days.

Any fever that goes above 105 degrees Fahrenheit is a life-threatening medical emergency and 9-1-1 should be called.