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.
The best way to measure body temperature is using a digital thermometer.
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).
For adults, a fever is when patient temperature is higher than 100.4°F.
For kids, a fever is when their temperature is higher than 100.4°F (measured rectally),99.5°F (measured orally), or 99°F (measured under the arm).
when a fever rises above 102°F it should be treated at home and, if necessary, by your physician if the fever doesn’t go down after a few days.
In children -
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 physician.
Patient child fever lasts more than five days.
It’s higher than 104°F.
The fever is not reduced by medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. (Do not give a child under 17 aspirin due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.)
You are concerned that the child isn’t behaving in their usual way, or anything else makes you uncomfortable with their fever or illness.
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 child has passed out. When this happens put your child on their side, do not put anything in their mouth then get medical attention.
Symptoms of fever-
Elevated temperature (above 100.4°).
Chills, shivering, shaking.
Body aches and headaches.
Fatigue (tiredness).
Intermittent or constant sweating.
Flushed complexion or hot skin.
CAUSES-
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 infection.
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.
CARE AND TREATMENT -
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.
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 physician as soon as possible:
A fever accompanied by a stiff neck, confusion or irritability.
A fever remaining above 103°F (39.5°C) longer than two hours after home treatment.
A fever lasting longer than two days.
High fever accompanied by rash.
Photophobia (irritated by light).
Dehydration (less amount of urine, sunken eyes, no tears).
Seizures.
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 physician.
References-
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