Overheating in hot weather tin can cause an unusually high trunk temperature. In most cases, withal, fevers are an allowed reaction.

A raised temperature assists the immune system as it attempts to fight off infection from viruses, leaner, and another pathogens.

Fevers tin exist scary, particularly in young children, who tend to spike very high temperatures. Parents frequently worry about any trunk temperature higher than 98.6°F.

Because torso temperature can vary past a caste or two, most doctors ascertain a fever as a temperature that exceeds 99.5ºF when measured orally. Armpit temperatures indicate a fever at 99ºF or higher. Rectal temperatures are nearly a caste warmer than oral temperatures, so a rectal fever begins at about 100.4°F.

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Fevers may be defined past body temperatures, measured orally, of 99.5ºF and above.

Fevers themselves do not cause the harm; it is the underlying disease that causes the biggest problem. Myths about brain injuries due to fevers have convinced many people that all fevers need treatment but that is not the case.

In people that practice not have any health issues, fevers do not necessarily demand to be treated. In fact, treating a fever to enable a person to get back to their usual activities is unwise. Doing and so can boring the body'south ability to fight the infection.

Some research suggests that the fevers that ofttimes develop afterward a child has been given a vaccination actually support immunity. The report continues that fevers don't mean that a child is sick, so a medico should be consulted before whatever treatment for the fever is given.

If a fever is causing discomfort in the form of chills or muscle aches, people should consider home treatment. Children who have a fever simply who seem happy and keep playing probably don't need handling.

Over-the-counter fever medications, such equally ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen tin lower fevers. Caregivers should consult a physician before using whatsoever over-the-counter drug on a child under the age of 2. These medications can produce serious side furnishings.

Aspirin should not be prescribed to children or teenagers to reduce a fever. Although rare in older teenagers, younger children can develop a life-threatening condition called Reye syndrome.

To avoid any possible side furnishings from over-the-counter drugs, there are a number of nonmedical options that can be taken to safely suspension a fever. These options include:

  • Avoiding wearing also many layers, even when cold.
  • Drinking plenty of cool, clear fluids. H2o and electrolyte drinks are particularly helpful. Caregivers should avert giving children big quantities of sweetened drinks, including juice.
  • Trying cool compresses on the head.
  • Resting and avoiding going to work or school. People are probably contagious if they have a fever. Pushing also hard can tiresome recovery time and brand people feel worse. They should not have drugs so that they can go about their usual activities.

Fevers may be scary, but they help the immune system mount a stiff defense. People should treat their fever as a sign that they need to take it like shooting fish in a barrel for a few days. Doing so helps them chop-chop feel better.

People should call a md about a fever if:

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A doc should be consulted if a fever lasts longer than 3 days.

  • Information technology rises higher up 105°F
  • The fever lasts longer than three days, or remains loftier in spite of home treatment
  • The fever is accompanied past a rash
  • The fever is associated with intense hurting or swelling in any area of the body, which suggests an infection

People should seek emergency medical care for a fever if:

  • A child experiences a seizure for the commencement time, or a seizure that lasts longer than v minutes
  • The person or their kid has a weakened immune organization
  • The fever is accompanied by confusion or loss of consciousness
  • The fever is accompanied by a quickly spreading rash or a wound with streaks, which suggests a serious tissue infection
  • The fever is accompanied by signs of dehydration, such as very night urine or urinating less than three times a twenty-four hours
  • The child is under 3 months quondam

Fevers in young babies and other vulnerable populations

Babies under 3 months former take underdeveloped allowed systems. They are also poorly equipped to manage a fever. If a infant is younger than three months sometime, they should not receive fever-lowering medication. Caregivers should call a medico or go to the emergency room, since a fever can signal a dangerous infection.

Some babies and immature children experience seizures during a fever. Although they are frightening, febrile seizures typically cause brain damage only when they exceed 30 minutes in length.

Typical fever management strategies tin can help children experience better, but they won't prevent delirious seizures. Instead, caregivers should keep the kid every bit safe every bit possible during the seizure by:

  • Placing the kid on their side on a flat, protected surface to minimize the run a risk of injury
  • Monitoring the child to ensure they exercise not choke
  • Timing the seizure and contacting emergency services if the seizure exceeds five minutes

If a child experiences a febrile seizure, they should see a pediatrician. A physician may recommend treatment with phenobarbitol or a similar drug if the child lives in a remote region where emergency services are inaccessible, or if the child has a history of very long seizures.

Some other groups also demand firsthand medical attention for a fever. Prompt care is needed if:

  • The person with the fever has cancer or another life-threatening affliction
  • The person with the fever has HIV or AIDS, or takes drugs that suppress their immune arrangement
  • Their doctor has said that they have a status that makes fevers dangerous

Fevers occur with a wide range of symptoms and ailments. Most doctors consider symptoms when working out how serious a fever is.

Some of the most mutual causes of fevers include:

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A sinus infection may exist 1 common crusade of a fever.

  • Sinus infections
  • The common cold
  • Localized infections, such as in the pare, urinary tract, ears, or gums
  • Influenza (the flu)
  • Immune reactions to childhood vaccinations
  • Gastrointestinal infections

Less frequently, a fever tin can signal a chronic affliction or life-threatening condition such as meningitis. Autoimmune conditions, such as arthritis, colitis, and lupus sometimes cause fevers.

A person that has an unexplained fever that persists for several weeks must talk to a md as information technology may point cancers, such as leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

A blood clot deep in the veins can cause a fever, but is commonly accompanied by symptoms, such as localized hurting, redness, and swelling.