What is a true fever in children. How do different thermometer types measure fever. Are high fevers always dangerous. When should parents treat a child’s fever. How long do fevers typically last.

Defining Fever: Accurate Temperature Measurements

Fever is a common concern for parents, but many misconceptions surround this natural bodily response. To properly assess whether a child has a fever, it’s crucial to understand the correct temperature thresholds for different measurement methods.

• Rectal, ear, or forehead temperature: 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher
• Oral temperature: 100°F (37.8°C) or higher
• Armpit temperature: 99°F (37.2°C) or higher

Is feeling warm always indicative of a fever? Not necessarily. Children can feel warm for various reasons, such as intense physical activity, crying, or exposure to hot weather. In these cases, their skin temperature should return to normal within about 20 minutes. However, approximately 80% of children who act sick and feel warm do indeed have a fever. To be certain, it’s best to take their temperature using an appropriate thermometer.

The Beneficial Aspects of Fever in Children

Contrary to popular belief, not all fevers are harmful to children. In fact, fevers play a crucial role in the body’s defense mechanisms. How does fever benefit a sick child? Fevers activate the body’s immune system, helping to fight off infections more effectively. Normal fevers ranging between 100° and 104°F (37.8° – 40°C) are generally beneficial for sick children.

Are high fevers dangerous? Many parents worry that fevers above 104°F (40°C) can cause brain damage. However, this is a misconception. Fevers associated with infections do not cause brain damage. Only extremely high temperatures above 108°F (42°C) pose a risk of brain damage, and such cases are exceedingly rare. These dangerously high temperatures typically occur only in extreme environmental conditions, such as when a child is left in a closed car during hot weather.

Fever-Induced Seizures: Separating Fact from Fiction

Fever-induced seizures are a common concern for parents, but how prevalent are they really? Only about 4% of children are susceptible to seizures triggered by fever. While these seizures can be frightening to witness, they are generally harmless and short-lived, typically stopping within 5 minutes.

Do fever-induced seizures cause long-term harm? Despite their alarming appearance, these seizures do not result in permanent damage. They do not increase the risk of speech delays, learning problems, or seizures without fever. Understanding this can help alleviate parental anxiety surrounding fever-induced seizures.

When to Treat a Fever: Guidelines for Parents

Should all fevers be treated with medication? Contrary to popular belief, not every fever requires treatment. Fevers only need to be addressed if they cause discomfort or make the child feel unwell. Most fevers don’t cause significant discomfort until they exceed 102° or 103°F (39° or 39.5°C).

How much will fever medication lower a child’s temperature? With treatment, most fevers decrease by 2° or 3°F (1° or 1.5°C). It’s important to note that fever-reducing medications won’t necessarily bring the temperature down to normal levels.

Myths About Fever Treatment

1. Myth: Untreated fevers will continue to rise indefinitely.
2. Fact: The brain regulates body temperature, preventing most infection-related fevers from exceeding 103° or 104°F (39.5°- 40°C).
3. Myth: Failure to “break” a fever indicates a serious underlying cause.
4. Fact: Fevers that don’t respond fully to medication can be caused by either viruses or bacteria and don’t necessarily indicate severity.

Duration and Patterns of Fevers in Children

How long do typical childhood fevers last? It’s normal for fevers associated with most viral infections to persist for 2 to 3 days. When fever-reducing medication wears off, the fever may return and require repeated treatment. The fever will typically resolve completely once the body successfully fights off the virus, usually around day 3 or 4.

Is a high fever always indicative of a serious condition? The height of a fever doesn’t necessarily correlate with the severity of the underlying cause. A child’s overall appearance and behavior are more reliable indicators of the illness’s seriousness than the exact temperature reading.

Understanding Low-Grade Fevers and Normal Temperature Variations

What constitutes a true low-grade fever? Many people mistakenly believe that oral temperatures between 98.7° and 100°F (37.1° to 37.8°C) represent low-grade fevers. In reality, these temperatures fall within the normal range. The body’s temperature naturally fluctuates throughout the day, typically peaking in the late afternoon and evening. A genuine low-grade fever ranges from 100°F to 102°F (37.8° – 39°C).

Why is it important to understand normal temperature variations? Recognizing these natural fluctuations can prevent unnecessary concern and over-treatment of normal body temperature changes. It’s crucial to consider the time of day and recent activities when interpreting temperature readings.

Fever Management: Best Practices for Parents

How should parents approach fever management in children? The key is to remember that fever is often beneficial, helping the body fight off infections. Instead of focusing solely on reducing the fever, parents should prioritize their child’s comfort and monitor for signs of serious illness.

• Ensure adequate hydration
• Dress the child in light clothing
• Maintain a comfortable room temperature
• Offer fever-reducing medication if the child is uncomfortable
• Monitor for signs of serious illness, such as lethargy, severe pain, or difficulty breathing

When should parents seek medical attention for a child with fever? While most fevers are harmless, certain situations warrant a call to the healthcare provider:

• Fever in infants under 3 months old
• Fever lasting more than 3 days
• Fever accompanied by severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe pain, or extreme lethargy
• Signs of dehydration
• Fever in children with underlying health conditions

The Role of Fever in the Immune Response

How does fever contribute to fighting infections? Fever serves several important functions in the body’s immune response:

1. Increases the production and activity of white blood cells
2. Enhances the efficiency of antiviral and antibacterial substances in the body
3. Slows down the reproduction of some bacteria and viruses
4. Boosts the overall metabolic rate, supporting the immune system’s increased energy demands

Understanding these benefits can help parents view fever as a helpful ally rather than an enemy to be suppressed at all costs.

Fever in Special Populations: Considerations for Infants and Immunocompromised Children

Why are fevers in young infants treated more cautiously? Infants under 3 months old have immature immune systems and are more susceptible to serious bacterial infections. Even a low-grade fever in this age group warrants prompt medical evaluation to rule out potentially dangerous conditions.

How should fever be managed in children with weakened immune systems? Children with conditions that compromise their immune function, such as cancer or autoimmune disorders, may require different approaches to fever management. In these cases, even low-grade fevers may signify a serious infection, necessitating immediate medical attention and potentially more aggressive treatment.

Fever and Vaccinations

Is fever a common side effect of childhood vaccinations? Yes, mild to moderate fever is a normal and expected response to many vaccines. This fever is typically short-lived and indicates that the body is mounting an immune response to the vaccine, which is precisely what we want to happen.

How should parents manage vaccine-related fevers? The approach to vaccine-induced fevers is generally the same as for other fevers:

• Monitor the child’s comfort level
• Provide fever-reducing medication if needed for discomfort
• Ensure adequate hydration
• Contact the healthcare provider if the fever is unusually high or prolonged

The Impact of Fever Phobia on Parental Behavior and Child Health

What is fever phobia, and how does it affect parental decision-making? Fever phobia refers to exaggerated fears and misconceptions about fever, often leading to unnecessary anxiety and overtreatment. This phenomenon can result in parents waking children unnecessarily to check temperatures, overusing fever-reducing medications, and making avoidable emergency room visits.

How can healthcare providers address fever phobia? Education is key to combating fever phobia. Healthcare professionals should take time to explain:

• The beneficial aspects of fever
• Appropriate use of fever-reducing medications
• Signs that warrant medical attention
• The importance of focusing on the child’s overall condition rather than fixating on temperature numbers

By providing clear, evidence-based information, healthcare providers can help parents develop a more balanced and less anxious approach to managing their children’s fevers.

The Role of Telemedicine in Fever Management

How has telemedicine changed the landscape of fever management? The rise of telemedicine has provided parents with new options for obtaining medical advice about fevers. Virtual consultations can help parents determine whether a fever requires in-person evaluation or can be safely managed at home.

What are the benefits and limitations of telemedicine for fever assessment? While telemedicine offers convenience and rapid access to medical advice, it’s important to recognize its limitations. Virtual visits cannot replace physical examinations in certain situations, particularly for young infants or when serious illness is suspected.

Fever and Sleep: Balancing Rest and Monitoring

Should parents wake a sleeping child to check their temperature or administer medication? Generally, it’s best to let a sleeping child rest, even if they have a fever. Sleep is crucial for recovery and allows the body to focus its energy on fighting the infection.

When is it appropriate to wake a child with fever? Consider waking a child if:

• They appear unusually lethargic or difficult to rouse
• They show signs of significant discomfort or pain
• They have a history of febrile seizures and are due for fever-reducing medication
• They haven’t had fluids for an extended period and may be at risk of dehydration

How can parents balance the need for rest with proper monitoring? Set up a comfortable sleep environment that allows for easy monitoring without disturbing the child unnecessarily. This might involve using a room thermometer, dressing the child in light clothing, and periodic gentle checks without waking them fully.

The Role of Diet During Fever

Should children with fever follow any specific dietary guidelines? While there’s no need for a special “fever diet,” it’s important to focus on hydration and comfort. Offer fluids frequently, including water, diluted fruit juices, and electrolyte solutions for children who are vomiting or have diarrhea.

What foods are best for children with fever? If the child has an appetite, offer easily digestible foods such as:

• Soups and broths
• Yogurt
• Fruits and vegetables
• Toast or crackers

Remember that it’s normal for appetite to decrease during illness, so don’t force food if the child isn’t hungry. The priority should be maintaining adequate fluid intake.

Environmental Factors and Fever Management

How does the surrounding environment affect a child with fever? The environment plays a crucial role in managing a child’s comfort during a fever. Aim to maintain a comfortable room temperature, typically around 70-72°F (21-22°C), to prevent overheating or chilling.

What are some environmental strategies for managing fever discomfort?

• Use lightweight, breathable bedding
• Ensure good air circulation in the room
• Offer lukewarm baths or sponge baths if the child finds them soothing
• Avoid overdressing the child, which can trap heat

It’s important to note that environmental measures should focus on comfort rather than actively trying to lower the fever, as the fever itself is helping to fight the infection.

The Impact of Fever on Daily Activities

When can a child with fever return to school or daycare? Most schools and daycares have specific policies regarding fever and attendance. Generally, children should be fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours before returning to school or daycare.

Should children with fever engage in physical activities? It’s best for children with fever to rest and avoid strenuous activities. Physical exertion can raise body temperature further and may delay recovery. Once the fever has resolved and the child feels well, they can gradually return to normal activities.

Long-Term Perspectives on Fever Management

How has our understanding of fever evolved over time? Historically, fever was often viewed solely as a symptom to be suppressed. However, modern medical understanding recognizes fever as an important part of the body’s defense mechanism. This shift has led to more nuanced approaches to fever management, focusing on comfort and monitoring rather than aggressive temperature reduction.

What future developments might we see in fever management? Ongoing research into the immune system and fever response may lead to new strategies for managing fevers. Potential areas of advancement include:

• More sophisticated home monitoring devices
• Improved fever-reducing medications with fewer side effects
• Better predictive models to identify serious underlying conditions
• Enhanced telemedicine tools for remote fever assessment

As our understanding of fever continues to evolve, so too will our approaches to managing this common but often misunderstood bodily response.

Fever – Myths Versus Facts

Many parents have false beliefs (myths) about fever. They think fever will hurt their child. They worry and lose sleep when their child has a fever. This is called fever phobia. In fact, fevers are harmless and often helpful. Let these facts help you better understand fever.

MYTH. My child feels warm, so she has a fever.

FACT. Children can feel warm for a many reasons. Examples are playing hard, crying, getting out of a warm bed or hot weather. They are “giving off heat.” Their skin temperature should return to normal in about 20 minutes. About 80% of children who act sick and feel warm do have a fever. If you want to be sure, take the temperature. These are the cutoffs for fever using different types of thermometers:

• Rectal (bottom), ear or forehead temperature: 100.4° F (38.0° C) or higher
• Oral (mouth) temperature: 100° F (37.8° C) or higher
• Under the arm (Armpit) temperature: 99° F (37. 2° C) or higher

MYTH. All fevers are bad for children.

FACT. Fevers turn on the body’s immune system. They help the body fight infection. Normal fevers between 100° and 104° F (37.8° – 40° C) are good for sick children.

MYTH. Fevers above 104° F (40° C) are dangerous. They can cause brain damage.

FACT. Fevers with infections don’t cause brain damage. Only temperatures above 108° F (42° C) can cause brain damage. It’s very rare for the body temperature to climb this high. It only happens if the air temperature is very high. An example is a child left in a closed car during hot weather.

MYTH. Anyone can have a seizure triggered by fever.

FACT. Only 4% of children can have a seizure with fever.

MYTH. Seizures with fever are harmful.

FACT. These seizures are scary to watch, but they stop within 5 minutes. They don’t cause any permanent harm. They don’t increase the risk for speech delays, learning problems, or seizures without fever.

MYTH. All fevers need to be treated with fever medicine.

FACT. Fevers only need to be treated if they cause discomfort (makes your child feel bad). Most fevers don’t cause discomfort until they go above 102° or 103° F (39° or 39.5° C).

MYTH. Without treatment, fevers will keep going higher.

FACT. Wrong, because the brain knows when the body is too hot. Most fevers from infection don’t go above 103° or 104° F (39.5°- 40° C). They rarely go to 105° or 106° F (40.6° or 41.1° C). While these are “high” fevers, they also are harmless ones.

MYTH. With treatment, fevers should come down to normal.

FACT. With treatment, most fevers come down 2° or 3° F (1° or 1.5° C).

MYTH. If you can’t “break the fever”, the cause is serious.

FACT. Fevers that don’t come down to normal can be caused by viruses or bacteria. The response to fever medicines tells us nothing about the cause of the infection.

MYTH. Once the fever comes down with medicines, it should stay down.

FACT. It’s normal for fevers with most viral infections to last for 2 or 3 days. When the fever medicine wears off, the fever will come back. It may need to be treated again. The fever will go away and not return once the body overpowers the virus. Most often, this is day 3 or 4.

MYTH. If the fever is high, the cause is serious.

FACT. If the fever is high, the cause may or may not be serious. If your child looks very sick, the cause is more likely to be serious.

MYTH. The exact number of the temperature is very important.

FACT. How your child looks and acts is what’s important. The exact temperature number is not.

MYTH. Oral temperatures between 98.7° and 100° F (37.1° to 37.8° C) are low-grade fevers.

FACT. These temperatures are normal. The body’s normal temperature changes throughout the day. It peaks in the late afternoon and evening. A true low-grade fever is 100° F to 102° F (37.8° – 39° C) .

SUMMARY. Keep in mind that fever is fighting off your child’s infection. Fever is one of the good guys.

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

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Last Reviewed: 07/22/2023

Last Revised: 12/30/2022

Copyright 2000-2023 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Fever & Temperature In Adults: When To Worry

Karen Justiniano, DO, MS, Stamford Health Medical Group

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A friend of mine whose father is 70 years old told me her story. It went something like this:

“My father never gets fevers. Out of nowhere the other day, he developed a 103 temperature with no other symptoms. He is also fully vaccinated against COVID-19. My mother brought him to the emergency room. Did she do the right thing, or would he likely have been fine if he stayed home and let the fever run its course?”

As a physician who cares for a variety of people with a variety of conditions, I have to say of course she did the right thing! When in doubt or when concerned, seeking medical attention is the smart thing to do.

But the longer answer is a little more complicated than that. It all starts with breaking down the purpose of a fever, and when you should truly worry. Please note—fevers in infants or young children are sometimes a different story—what you are about to read relates to adults only.

What is a fever and why do we get them, and sometimes with no other symptoms?

Fever is an elevated body temperature which means your temperature is 100.4 degree F or higher. A fever is the body’s way of fighting an infection by naturally raising your body’s temperature to “kill the germ.” The medical community likes to say that fever is a “good thing,” in most cases.

And yes, it’s completely possible for adults to develop a fever with no other symptoms, and for doctors to never truly find the cause. Viral Infections can commonly cause fevers, and such infections include COVID-19, cold or the flu, airway infection like bronchitis, or the classic stomach bug.

That’s why you often hear the word “viral” as an explanation because these types of infections often go away on their own after a few days.

What is considered a high fever in adults?

A high-grade fever in adults is 103 degrees F or higher.

Is it possible that a fever could be a sign of a “breakthrough case” of COVID-19 even if the person is fully vaccinated?

Yes, but not highly likely. Breakthrough cases of COVID-19 in fully vaccinated people have been reported, but symptoms tend to be milder than in non-vaccinated people, including fever.

First, make sure you are taking your temperature the right way. Taking your temperature by mouth is the most accurate method, and wait at least 30 minutes after you eat or drink anything hot or cold. Get medical attention for your fever if:

• Your temperature is high and has not gone down after taking Tylenol or Advil
• Your temperature lasts several days or keeps coming back
• You live in an area where people have COVID-19
• You have serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, lupus, or sickle cell anemia. (Non-infections like these can cause fever as well.)

You should also seek medial attention if you have a fever and you:

• Are pregnant
• Recently returned from travel overseas
• Get infections often
• Are on chemotherapy, in which case you should seek medical attention immediately if the fever lasts for more than one hour.
• Have recently been bitten by a tick

Is 98.6 still considered “normal” body temperature?

Yes and no. You’ve probably always heard that the average body temperature is 98.6, but the truth is there’s a much wider range—from about 97 to 99 degrees F.

So why is 98.6 suddenly a myth after all these centuries? Research suggests body temperatures are falling overall. Doctors have a few ideas about why this is, including lower metabolic rates, lower rates of infection and more advanced thermometers.

A couple of helpful reminders:

1. As the saying goes, “Don’t fear the fever.” A fever is your body’s first line of defense in fighting off an infection.
2. If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and have developed a high-grade fever, please call your doctor right away.

Fever ✅ Information for Patients from Experts Sanmedekspert

Fever in a child or adult is always a serious cause for concern. Why it appears when you need to urgently see a doctor, and when you don’t need to knock it down, how to properly reduce it at home – these and many other questions are answered by experienced specialists of our clinic.

The most optimal temperature for biochemical processes in the human body is from 36.5 to 37.2°C. If the thermometer shows deviations of 1 – 1.5 ° C up or down, then it means that the body has failed. An elevated temperature is called up to 39°С, and high – from 39°С.

Types of temperature:

• Norm – from 35°С to 37°С. This indicator directly depends on many factors: time of measurement, gender, age of the person.
• In case of hyperthermia, the temperature is above 37°C. This condition is due to a violation of the mechanisms of thermoregulation: an excess of heat from outside or, conversely, difficult heat transfer. For example, clothes that are too warm, heat stroke, sunstroke, burns, physical activity, etc.
• Fever (fever) is a protective reaction of the body to the appearance of foreign agents in it:

1. fungal infection,
2. viruses,
3. bacteria,
4. pathological process – for example, damage to the nervous system, hemorrhage, inflammation, trauma, etc.

In fever, thermoregulatory mechanisms are preserved. There are mild fever (38 – 38.5 ° C), moderate (38.6 – 39.5 ° C) and high (above 39.5 ° C). Temperatures above 40.5 – 41°C are a serious danger to life.

Causes of fever

• Colds.
• Viral and bacterial infections.
• Rheumatism.
• Inflammatory processes in the internal organs.
• Eruption of milk teeth in children.
• Overeating.
• Physical overload.
• Period before menses in women, etc.

Is it true that fever is good for you?

Light heat activates the body’s defenses. As soon as the “invasion of the enemy” occurs, all organs begin to release pyrogen proteins into the blood. They, in turn, trigger an increase in temperature and the production of antibodies and interferon protein, which kill harmful microorganisms. By artificially lowering the temperature with drugs, we interfere with the immune system to fight the infection.

It has been proven that at a temperature of 38 – 38.5°C the following processes occur in the body:

• the production of antibodies to the pathogen and interferon increases;
• significantly slows down the reproduction of viruses and bacteria;
• the liver more effectively neutralizes toxic waste products of pathogenic microorganisms, and the kidneys excrete them faster with urine;
• there is an increased activity of enzymes;
• bactericidal properties of blood serum and lymph increase.

A slight fever, although unpleasant in its symptoms, helps to recover faster. By knocking it down, we expose ourselves to even greater danger. After taking an antipyretic, a person will, of course, feel much better, but an undefeated infection will remain inside, continue to spread quietly throughout the body and can provoke serious complications to the kidneys, such as pyelonephritis or cystitis.

How to help the body with a fever?

• Do not raise the temperature artificially.

Do not take a hot bath, do not steam your feet, do not put mustard plasters and alcohol compresses, do not drink alcohol, hot milk, tea, coffee, do not wrap yourself in blankets.

• Drink plenty of fluids.

Drink should be plentiful and warm, it can be at room temperature, and always unsweetened. Best of all – mineral water with lemon, lingonberry or cranberry juice. The blood becomes more liquid, toxic substances are excreted faster, the body does not suffer from dehydration. Sugary drinks are dangerous because water will come out with sweat, and glucose will become an additional food source for pathogens.

• Sweat properly and stay in bed

Intense sweating is a natural thermoregulatory mechanism during fever. Evaporating from the skin, sweat cools the body and prevents it from overheating. Wrapping the patient in several blankets and insulated pajamas, we prevent the sweat from evaporating. A person with a fever should be dressed in cotton clothing and lie under a light, thin blanket. Linen should be changed as it gets wet.

• Cleanliness and fresh air.

The room must be clean and well ventilated. As a rule, a sick person breathes through his mouth, which means that, together with moist, stale air, an infection will quickly penetrate into his lungs. The air temperature in the room should be approximately 22°C – 24°C. It is extremely important that there are no drafts.

• Do not wipe your body with vodka or alcohol.

Alcohol vapors evaporate very quickly and cause severe hypothermia and severe chills. It is best to wipe the body with a sponge dipped in warm water, or put the patient in a cool bath for a while.

• Food should be light

All fried, salty, fatty, spicy foods and alcohol should be excluded from the diet during illness. The best choice is low-fat broths, juices, fruit drinks, fresh and boiled fruits, vegetables.

How to bring down the temperature correctly and in what cases should it be done?

You need to start lowering the temperature if it is above 38-38. 5°C, lasts more than 3-5 days or the thermometer approaches 40°C. You can do this in the following ways:

• the patient should drink plenty of warm, unsweetened liquids;
• cold compresses applied to the forehead, neck, wrist, armpits and groin areas, as well as cool foot baths and wet sheet wraps, work well;
• wiping should be done as follows: moisten a towel in warm water, first wipe your face with it, and then hands, body and legs;
• A cooling bath will help reduce the temperature and flush out toxins. First, the patient is placed in a warm bath, then cold water is gradually added to it up to a temperature of 30 ° C;
• Antibiotics can only be prescribed by a doctor. Before his arrival, you need to take antipyretics.

When do you need to urgently call an ambulance?

• The thermometer shows above 39.5°C.
• Fever is accompanied by abdominal pain (especially in the elderly and children), vomiting, weakness, limited movement, visual disturbances, or severe neck muscle tension (the person cannot tilt the chin to the chest).
• Children under the age of 10 have a very dry, barking cough. In combination with temperature, this symptom indicates an inflammatory narrowing of the larynx (false croup).
• If the temperature rises above 38°C very quickly, within 1-2 hours. This is especially dangerous if a child under 6 years of age is sick, and he has already experienced convulsions during heat – in this case, even a small temperature of 37.5 ° C is fraught with serious consequences.
• Mild fever is dangerous for people with convulsive readiness and cardiovascular disease.

If fever is accompanied by weakness, pain in the joints and muscles, blurred vision, consciousness, headache, convulsions, shortness of breath, you should immediately consult a doctor. Also, be sure to make an appointment if you have a slightly elevated temperature for more than 7 days.

What body temperature is considered normal?

Body temperature is individual for each person and depends on different characteristics of the body, however, in some cases, a low or high temperature may indicate serious problems. This was told to Izvestiya by the head of the polyclinic department of the MEDSI Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Otradnoye, a therapist-oncologist Natalia Tolstykh.

According to the specialist, body temperature can be influenced by such indicators as metabolic characteristics, the work of the endocrine glands or the autonomic nervous system. At the same time, for each person during the day, the temperature fluctuates within small limits, remaining in the range from 35.5 to 37.2 degrees for a healthy person.

The temperature may also vary depending on the activity (with high activity, the temperature may rise slightly) and the time of day. Normal daily temperature fluctuations are 0.5–0.7 degrees. When a person falls asleep, all processes in the body slow down and the body temperature drops slightly, getting closer to 35-36 degrees, Tolstykh explained.

“It is important to understand that lower (compared to the population norm) body temperature, that is, less than 35. 5 degrees, may be an individual feature of some people, and does not always indicate the presence of diseases. Low body temperature, or the so-called hypothermia (below 35.2 degrees), can be caused by hypothermia, intoxication, problems with the endocrine system (reduced thyroid function – hypothyroidism, or adrenal insufficiency) “- said the oncologist.

Hypothermia also occurs in severe infections among the elderly, with hypothermia. Often the temperature can be lowered within a few days after a person has had an infection – the so-called asthenic trace.

“This is a signal that the body has coped with the infection, but is still weak and there is a risk of getting sick again,” the expert explained.

In addition, exposure to heat and cold, physical activity, consumption of spicy foods and/or heavy meals, and pregnancy (up to 37.4 degrees are common) can cause slight changes in temperature.

“37.1–38 degrees is the so-called subfebrile temperature. It may persist for up to two weeks after infection with fever. In the absence of other symptoms, this condition does not require additional examination and treatment. Quite often, colds occur in an erased form, and the detection of temperature is an accidental finding, ”added Tolstykh.

Speaking of elevated temperature, she emphasized that such a reaction of the body is its response to the introduction of a pathogenic microorganism. With good tolerance, fever up to 38.6 is better not to bring down the intake of antipyretics, since bacteria and viruses reproduce worse at elevated ambient temperatures, the doctor recommended, specifying that this concerns a healthy young body without concomitant pathology.

However, there are exceptions to this general rule. Body temperature should be treated more carefully in some cases.

“Firstly, in the pathology of the cardiovascular system (in particular, coronary heart disease, heart failure), an increase in temperature causes a high load on the heart, an increase in heart rate, therefore, in such cases, the temperature drop threshold can be reduced to 38 degrees. Secondly, with a non-infectious cause of fever (paraneoplastic, that is, tumor diseases, fever, fever in rheumatoid diseases), it makes no sense to withstand high temperatures, ”the specialist said.

According to Tolstoy, children usually tolerate temperatures up to 39 degrees, but the doctor noted that there are people who are sensitive to febrile convulsions, that is, their development when the body temperature rises.

Usually we are talking about a fever above 40 degrees, but convulsions individually can develop at a temperature of 39 degrees or even lower. In such cases, it is important to remember this feature of the child and prevent such an increase in temperature.

“At a temperature of 41 degrees and above, the protein begins to denature everywhere, in fact, the body is boiling – such a temperature is life-threatening,” the expert draws attention. In this case, the temperature must be lowered – antipyretics, cooling with a cold blanket and rubbing will help.