A fever is your immune system's response to unwanted viruses or bacteria entering your body. Your body temperature rises to help your infection-fighting antibodies ward off germs, which creates fever symptoms.
While most fevers can be treated at home, there are signs in adults and children that require a trip to Schneck Primary Care or, in some cases, Urgent Care. Let's discuss what normal fever symptoms look like and when those symptoms are considered serious.
To be considered feverish as an adult, your internal temperature need to be 100.4 degrees or higher. The same goes for children and newborns, too; however, if you are checking their temperature orally, 100 degrees can also be considered a fever.
Normal body temperature is around 98.4 degrees. However, it can vary from person to person and change throughout the day, anywhere from 97-99 degrees.
Fevers are typically caused by infection. That can be viral, like the fly, or bacterial, such as certain STIs or strep throat. Fever may also be caused by inflammation or cancer. Some medical interventions may cause a temporary fever as well, such as prescription meds and antibiotics or vaccines.
As mentioned previously, normal body temperature can fluctuate throughout the day. This is normal, and as long as your temperature is staying within the normal range (97-99 degrees), it's nothing to worry about. Eating and working out may affect body temperature, as it normally rises after these activities. The time of day is a factor, too, as your internal temp may be lower in the morning and higher in the afternoon and evening.
However, when body temperature rises during a fever, your body is actively fighting whatever bug is infecting it. Your immune system is creating an environment that's uncomfortable for the unwanted germ, essentially cooking it out. Simultaneously, your white blood cells, the cells that fight infection, are more efficient in heat, so they can ward off the infection more quickly.
When Should I Treat a Fever at Home vs. Go To the Doctor
Most of the time, fever symptoms don't warrant a doctor visit and can be treated at home. Those typical, non-urgent fever symptoms in adults and children older than two years are:
These symptoms can be subsided by taking over-the-counter cold and flu medicine and pain relievers, taking vitamin C and zinc, drinking plenty of water, and getting plenty of sleep.
When is a fever dangerous? Symptoms vary in urgency depending on whether they are occurring in adults, children, or babies/toddlers. Look at the chart below to determine if the symptoms you or your child are experiencing need to be addressed by a doctor.
In Adults | In Children | In Infants or Toddlers |
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Note: Fever is common for children, so a high temperature isn't always cause for concern. Pay closer attention if they're showing these symptoms to determine if they need to visit the doctor. |
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Schneck Primary Care has the knowledge and resources to treat fevers in adults, children, and babies. Fever symptoms can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, life-threatening. Our team is here to help. If you're looking for relief from your fever and want to get back to a normal body temperature, contact us today.
