What is Fever? Symptoms, Causes, and When to See a Doctor

What is Fever? Symptoms, Causes, and When to See a Doctor

What is fever? Fever is your body’s way of fighting infection. When harmful germs enter your body, your immune system increases your temperature to kill them. This means your body is working properly.

When to see a doctor? If your fever lasts 1 to 3 days, it’s time to see a doctor. Normal body temperature is between 97°F and 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C). If your temperature goes above 103°F (39.4°C) or continues to increase, see a doctor.

Symptoms

• Sweating
• Headaches
• Muscle pain
• Reduced desire to eat
• Fatigue
• Weakness

Serious Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing
• Frequent vomiting
• Dehydration
• Stomach pain
• Muscle cramps
• Confusion
• feeling of loss of balance
• Seizures

Causes: Common Causes of Fever

• Viral infections: cold, flu, COVID
• Bacterial infections
• Heat exhaustion
• Vaccination reactions
• Certain medications

Treatments

• Take paracetamol for a fever over 102°F
• Avoid self-medicating children
• For children, use only medications and dosages recommended by a doctor.
• To comfort a child with a fever, they need rest. Keep them hydrated with water and dress them in comfortable clothes.
• Check their temperature every 4 hours.
• Avoid heavy exercise during a fever.

Remember, fever is usually harmless and goes away on its own. But always listen to your body — when in doubt, see a doctor.

Sources: Information referenced from Healthline and Mayo Clinic (www.healthline.com, www.mayoclinic.org)