Fever

Fever Blood Test

A fever can be defined as a higher body temperature than normal. 

• For kids: it is a fever when their temperature is higher than 100.4°F (Measured rectally), 99.5°F (Measured orally), or 99°F (Measured under the arm).
• For adults: it is a fever when you have a temperature higher than 100.4°F

98.6° Fahrenheit or 37° Celsius is an average normal body temperature. When your body temperature rises slightly higher than normal, your body is healthy and fighting the infection. However, when the fever rises above 102°F, it shall be treated at home. And after a few days, if the fever does not go down, go to your doctor to seek medications. 

Symptoms of fever:

The common symptoms of fever are as follows:

• Rise in temperature (above 100.4°)
• Shivering, chills
• Hot skin
• Body aching and headache
• Constant sweating
• Fatigue

Causes of fever:

These are among the common causes:

• Strep throat 
• Colds 
• Flu
• Urinary tract infections

A person’s body temperature keeps varying with many normal activities and emotions. For instance, stress, food, heavy clothing, exercise, certain medications, and menstrual cycle – these factors also can increase your body temperature. Also, children usually have a slightly higher body temperature than adults. So, if you experience a higher temperature than usual and there are no other symptoms of illness, do not panic. 

In case fever stays for more than two days or remains higher than 103°F (39.5°C) for more than 2 hours even after home treatment – you must seek medical help. 

Any fever in an adult above 105°F (40.5°C) that does not come down with treatment is a life-threatening medical emergency. In such emergency cases, you must immediately go to the hospital and get medical help.