What to do and when to worry

Cold & Flu

by




Pallavi Mukkamala, MD

Jul
7,
2020

Having a fever can leave you feeling miserable, hot and sweaty — and worried. How high is too high? When is it time to call the doctor? What do these numbers even mean? 

We tend to fear fevers. However, a fever generally means your immune system is doing its job by fighting off infection. A fever is a stimulation of the immune system and is the immune system’s attempt to gain advantage over bacteria or a virus. 

What qualifies as a fever?

Normal body temperature for adults is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit but given that body temperature varies, the normal range is broad. It is very normal for body temperature to range between 98.6-99.9 and these temperatures (even if they are high for you) are less likely to be a true sign of illness.  

Regular body temperatures generally do not exceed 99.9 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, a true fever is when body temperature reaches 100.4 F (38 deg C). 

Parents, it’s easy to panic when your young child spikes a fever but first, take a deep breath. Keep in mind that kids usually spike fevers faster than adults and the temperatures tend to be higher as well; this is because children have an inexperienced immune system. 

At-home fever remedies

Fortunately, for low-grade fevers, there are a few steps you can take to make yourself more comfortable at home.

Rest

Your body needs lots of rest to give your immune system a chance to recover. Keep your body cool by sleeping with light clothing.

Fluids

Fluids are essential since fevers can cause fluid loss and dehydration. For children younger than 1 year old, use oral rehydration products.  

OTC medication

Fever treatment for adults usually depends on the temperature. If the temperature is below 102 degrees and there is minimal discomfort, simple over the counter ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen or aspirin should be adequate.  

OTC medications should be used for children based on age and weight. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce aches and pains, but parents should follow the directions and dose very carefully. Talk to your pediatrician about any medication questions.

When to call your doctor

If your fever reaches higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, come in to see your doctor. Also see your doctor if you have additional symptoms such as:

• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Stiff neck
• Trouble breathing
• Severe pain
• Swelling or inflammation in the body
• Pain with urination
• Any malodorous vaginal discharge

If your child is less than 3 months old and has a fever, seek care immediately. For children older than 3 months old, seek medical care if their fever reaches 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. 

Fever with any of the following symptoms can also be a cause for concern in children:

• Non-blanching dark rashes
• Extreme irritability or lethargy
• Severe pain
• Difficulty moving a part of the body (most importantly the neck)
• Trouble breathing or quick/forceful breathing
• Poor appetite or fluid intake with decreased urine output

If ever in doubt, please reach out to your primary care physician. We can help you evaluate your symptoms and guide you in the right direction so you or your child can get the care you need.

Worried about a fever? Find a doctor near you or schedule a virtual visit today.

Fevers 101: How to treat them, and when to get help

 
A fever is your immune system’s way of changing the battleground to help itself fight. When your body recognizes an invader (like bacteria or a virus), your immune system raises your body temperature as a defense. Your immune system works much better in hotter temperatures, while invaders do worse. Fevers may feel terrible to you, but they help your body destroy invaders and get back to its healthy self.

Fevers defined

Normal body temperatures sit between 97 to 99° F. A fever is a temperature of 100.4° F or higher. There are low-grade fevers and more serious fevers, depending on the sick person’s age.

A serious fever is hotter than:

•    100.4° F in infants younger than one month – go to the ER if this happens
•    102° F in infants older than one month on up to children
•    103° F in adults

For infants one month and younger, a temperature of 100. 4° F or higher requires immediate medical attention. From one month of age and older, most fevers – even serious fevers – do not require immediate medical attention. If your feverish child is making eye contact, responding to your voice, drinking fluids and voiding normally, there’s no need to worry.

When to get medical attention

Most fevers don’t require medical attention. However, any of these symptoms in children or adults, along with a fever, means it’s time to see a doctor. Download the new Nebraska Medicine mobile app to make an appointment, or call 800.922.000.
 

In general, fevers don’t cause harm. Even febrile seizures – convulsion in a child caused by a spike in body temperature – rarely cause any lasting damage. However, the infection triggering the fever certainly can cause long-lasting damage. For example, meningitis can cause very sudden high fevers. Meningitis can cause brain injuries or even death. That’s why it’s important to monitor the symptoms associated with the fever to see if you need medical help.

Which thermometer reading is best

• Mouth: The best choice for home use. Oral readings are accurate and easy to take. Placing an oral thermometer in the armpit is less accurate (and will be about 1 degree lower than a mouth reading) 
• Rectal: Highly accurate, but there’s a risk of injury, especially with infants. Best to leave rectal thermometers to health care professionals
• Forehead: Used for their convenience and speed, no-touch forehead thermometers are the least accurate

Home treatments for fevers

You don’t have to treat a fever, especially if it’s lower than the more serious fevers (listed above in Fevers defined).

A fever is part of your normal immune response. Lowering your body temperature with medication can limit your immune system’s fighting power. However, if you or your child’s symptoms are intolerable, these medications effectively treat a fever:

• Children one to six months old: acetaminophen
• Children six months or older: acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Adults: acetaminophen, ibuprofen and any other over-the-counter NSAID medications

Other at-home remedies can make you feel more comfortable and help with accompanying symptoms:

• Decreasing ambient room temperature
• Using a fan
• Fewer blankets on bed
• Soothing honey or lemon teas
• Cold beverages for sore throat
• Humidifier for cough

Above all, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. A fever is one of the symptoms of COVID-19. Be sure to get tested for COVID-19 before returning to work or other public places.

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