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Fever
 
What is a fever?
Fever is defined as a body temperature that is 1 or more degrees higher than normal. Normal body temperature varies from person to person, by age, by the time of day, and by the part of the body where it is measured. Other factors such as strenuous exercise, medicines, or even excitement can also affect body temperature.

Your temperature can be measured with a thermometer in the mouth, ear, or rectum, or under the armpit. When the temperature is measured in the mouth (orally):
  • A temperature between 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit (F), or 36.1 to 37.2 degrees Celsius (C), is considered normal.
  • A temperature of 100 to 102 degrees F (37.8 to 38.9 degrees C) is usually called a low-grade fever.
  • A temperature of 103 degrees F (39.5 degrees C) or higher is called a high-grade fever.

Generally, oral temperatures of 102 degrees F (38.9 degrees C) or higher are fevers that may be more serious.

Temperatures measured in the ear or rectum are higher than oral temperatures by one half to 1 degree F (about one half degree C), and temperatures measured in the armpit are lower by one half to 1 degree F.

What causes fever?
A fever is a symptom, not a disease. Fever can be a sign that the body is fighting an infection. Fever may occur with viral or bacterial infections such as ear infections, the flu, severe colds, sore throats, pneumonia, stomach viruses, or urinary tract infections. A fever can also be a symptom of other medical problems such as dehydration, a thyroid disorder, or an autoimmune problem.

How is it treated?
Not all fevers mean you have a serious illness or need medicine. Children often have high temperatures, even with minor viral infections. On the other hand, older adults may have a serious infection and not have a fever.

For low-grade fevers below 102 degrees F (38.9 degrees C), get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids, especially water. Dress in light, comfortable clothing. Do not bundle in heavy clothes or blankets. Keep the room cool but not uncomfortable. Bathing or sponging in lukewarm water may also help. Medicines are not needed for a low-grade fever unless your provider recommends them.

Use nonprescription medicines to reduce fever if the temperature is 102 degrees F (38.9 degrees C) or higher and you are feeling uncomfortable. Adults can use acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. Children under 18 years of age should not take aspirin because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. Take the medicine according to the directions on the package or follow your provider's instructions.

Some precautions you should follow are:
  • Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver or kidney disease.
  • If you have asthma, ask your health care provider if it is OK to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
  • Take NSAIDs with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.
  • Do not give ibuprofen to infants under 6 months of age.
  • Do not drink alcohol.

Medicines should reduce fever within 1 to 2 hours. Recheck your temperature to see if the medicine is working. You may need to repeat doses according to the directions until the illness runs its course. To keep track of doses, write down the name of the medicine and when each dose is taken, especially if you are taking more than 1 medicine.

When should I call my health care provider?
Contact your health care provider in the following cases of fever in children:
  • a baby younger than 3 months with any fever
  • a baby between 3 and 6 months with a fever of 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C) or higher
  • a baby between 6 and 12 months with a fever of 103 degrees F (39.5 degrees C) or higher
  • a fever that stays above 103 degrees F (39.5 degrees C) after an hour or two of home treatment
  • a fever that lasts more than 24 to 48 hours in a child less than 2 years old
  • a child who has a fever and is crying a lot, sleeping more than usual, or is not as alert as usual
  • a fever of 105 degrees F (40.6 degrees C) or higher, unless it comes down easily with treatment and the child is comfortable.

Other symptoms of concern with a fever in children are:
  • repeated vomiting
  • being too ill to drink or refusing to drink
  • stomachache
  • severe headache
  • a rash
  • behavior that is different than usual.

Adults should contact their health care provider if they have:
  • a fever of 103 degrees F (39.5 degrees C) or higher
  • a fever of 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C) or higher that lasts longer than 2 days
  • fever and any of the following symptoms:
    • shortness of breath
    • severe headache or a headache that does not go away
    • a very stiff neck and pain when bending the head forward
    • sensitivity to bright lights
    • confusion or drowsiness
    • seizure or convulsion
    • moderate to severe pain
    • redness, swelling, tenderness, or other signs of infection on their skin.

If you are pregnant, call your provider if you have:
  • a fever of 100.5 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher, or
  • a temperature of 100 degrees F (37.8 C) for 3 days.

Also call your provider if a fever is getting worse or not getting better after 2 to 3 days of treatment.




  Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

  HIA File SYM5057F.HTM Release 9.0/2006. Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subdiaries. All Rights Reserved.


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