Fever

What is a Fever?
A fever is a temporary increase in your body temperature, often due to an illness. It is a sign that your body's immune system is fighting an infection.

Normal Temp: 98.6°F (37°C)
Fever: Generally 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

For adults, a fever is usually just uncomfortable. For infants, however, even a slightly elevated temperature can indicate a serious infection.

Symptoms

Depending on the cause, symptoms may include:

• Sweating and Shivering (chills).
• Headache.
• Muscle aches.
• Loss of appetite.
• Dehydration.
• High Fever (103°F+): May cause hallucinations, confusion, or irritability.

When to See a Doctor

Fever guidelines vary by age. Use these rules to decide when to call for help:

1. Infants

⚠️ INFANT DANGER ZONES
Call the doctor immediately if:

• Under 3 months: Rectal temp is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• 3 to 6 months: Temp is 102°F (38.9°C) or higher.
• 6 to 24 months: Temp is above 102°F (38.9°C) for more than one day.

2. Children

Call the doctor if the child:

• Is listless, irritable, or has poor eye contact.
• Has a fever that lasts longer than 3 days.
• Has a fever after being left in a hot car (seek emergency care).
• Has a severe headache or stomachache.

3. Adults

Seek medical attention if:

• Temperature reaches 103°F (39.4°C) or higher.
• Fever lasts more than 3 days.
• You have a stiff neck, confusion, or difficulty breathing.

Causes

Fever occurs when the hypothalamus (the body's thermostat) shifts your normal temperature upward to kill off invaders. Common triggers:

• Viral Infection: Flu, cold, COVID-19.
• Bacterial Infection: Strep throat, pneumonia, UTI.
• Heat Exhaustion: Extreme sunburn or overheating.
• Immunizations: Vaccines (DTaP, Pneumococcal) can cause mild fever.

Complications: Febrile Seizures

In some children (ages 6 months to 5 years), a fever can induce a seizure. This involves loss of consciousness and shaking limbs.

What to do:

• Lay the child on their side or stomach on the floor.
• Remove sharp objects nearby.
• Loosen tight clothing.
• Do NOT put anything in their mouth.
• Call emergency help if it lasts longer than 10 minutes.

Treatment

For low-grade fevers, treatment isn't always needed. The fever helps the body fight the infection.

1. Over-the-Counter Meds

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin): Effective for lowering fever and reducing aches.
• Note: Dosing for children is based on weight. Follow instructions carefully.

⚠️ WARNING: NO ASPIRIN FOR CHILDREN
Never give Aspirin to children or teenagers recovering from viral infections (like flu or chickenpox). It is linked to Reye's Syndrome, a rare but fatal condition causing liver and brain damage.

2. Home Care

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water, juice, or broth to prevent dehydration.
• Rest: Activity raises body temperature.
• Coolness: Keep the room cool and wear light clothing.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.