What Everyone Should Know About Fevers

A fever is usually a sign that something is going on in your body. Many people believe fevers are bad but they play a key role in helping your body fight off infections.

Signs and Symptoms

Body temperature above its normal range is a fever. The average temperature is 98.6 F, though this may be slighter lower or higher in many people. This makes it hard to officially say what constitutes a fever. However, a significant fever is usually 103 F and higher. These fevers may cause hallucinations, confusion, irritability and convulsions.

Depending on what's causing your fever, other signs and symptoms include: sweating, shivering, headache, muscle aches, lack of appetite, dehydration and general weakness.

Children younger than age 5 may experience fever-induced seizures (febrile seizures). Febrile seizures occur when a child's temperature rises or falls rapidly. This results in a brief loss of consciousness and convulsions. Fortunately, most children do not experience any lasting effects. Febrile seizures are often triggered by illnesses such as rosella, a viral infection that causes a high fever, swollen glands and a rash.

Causes

Once a fever starts, your body will try to elevate its temperature. You will feel chilly and may shiver to generate heat. As your body reaches its higher temperature, you will eventually feel hot. When your body begins to return to normal, you may sweat, which is your body's way of getting rid of the excess heat.

A fever is likely the cause of a viral or bacterial infection. Rarely, a malignant tumor or some forms of kidney cancer may also cause a fever.

Certain medications can cause fevers. Immunizations such as the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP) or pneumococcal vaccines given to infants and children may also cause fevers.

The cause of a fever may not always be possible to detect. Having a temperature higher than 100.0 F for a few weeks without your doctor being able to find the cause may be a diagnosis of fever of unknown origin. Thankfully, most reasons for a fever can be found and treated.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Remember that fevers by themselves are no cause for alarm. Yet there are certain circumstances when seeking medical advice is critical for your baby, your child or yourself.

For infants.Fevers in infants are greater cause for concern than in adults. Call your baby's doctor if your baby:

Is younger than 2 months of age and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F or higher.

Is older than 2 months of age and has a temperature of 102 F or higher.

Is a newborn that has a lower-than-normal temperature - under 95 F rectally.

Has a fever and unexplained irritability.

Fever persists longer than one day.

For children. Children often tolerate fevers quite well. If your child acts normally with a fever, there is no great cause for concern. Call your doctor if your child:

Is listless or irritable.

Vomits repeatedly.

Has a severe headache or stomachache.

Has any other symptoms causing significant discomfort.

Has a fever after being left in a very hot car.

Fever persists longer than one day in a child younger than age 2 or longer than three days in a child age 2 or older.

For adults. Call your doctor if you have:

Temperature more than 104 F.

Fever for more than three days.

Severe headache.

Severe swelling of your throat.

Unusual skin rash.

Unusual eye sensitivity to bright light.

Stiff neck and pain when you bend your head forward.

Mental confusion.

Persistent vomiting.

Difficulty breathing or chest pain.

Extreme listlessness or irritability.

Abdominal pain or pain when urinating.

Any other unexplained symptoms.

Treatment

Medical treatment is dependent on the cause of your fever. Doctors normally prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections. Viral infections are best treated with rest and plenty of fluids.

Tylenol or ibuprofen is often suggested by doctors to lower a very high fever. Adults may use aspirin but do not give this to children because it could trigger a fatal disorder known as Reye's syndrome.

Prevention

The best prevention is reducing your exposure to infectious diseases. The most effective way to do this is frequent hand washing.

Teach children to wash hands often by showing them to cover both the front and back of each hand with soap, and rinsing thoroughly under running water. Also, teach them not to touch their faces - the main way viral infections are transmitted.

Resources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fever/DS00077/DSECTION=1
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fever/DS00077/DSECTION=2
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fever/DS00077/DSECTION=3