At what temperature is a fever dangerous in adults. How to accurately measure body temperature. When should you seek medical attention for a fever. What causes fevers in adults with no other symptoms. Is 98.6°F still considered normal body temperature.

Understanding Fever: Definition and Purpose

Fever is a common bodily response that often raises concerns among adults. But what exactly is a fever, and why does our body initiate this mechanism?

A fever is defined as an elevated body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. It’s the body’s natural defense mechanism against infections, working to create an inhospitable environment for pathogens by raising the internal temperature.

Interestingly, fevers can occur without any other accompanying symptoms, particularly in adults. This phenomenon often puzzles individuals, leading to questions about its significance and potential causes.

Common Causes of Fever in Adults

• Viral infections (including COVID-19, common cold, flu)
• Bacterial infections
• Airway infections (e.g., bronchitis)
• Gastrointestinal infections
• Certain non-infectious conditions (e.g., autoimmune disorders)

It’s important to note that viral infections are a frequent culprit behind fevers, often resolving on their own within a few days. This explains why healthcare providers sometimes attribute unexplained fevers to “viral” causes.

High-Grade Fevers: When Temperature Rises

While low-grade fevers are generally manageable at home, high-grade fevers can be more concerning. But what constitutes a high-grade fever in adults?

In adults, a temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher is considered a high-grade fever. These elevated temperatures warrant closer attention and may necessitate medical intervention.

Breakthrough COVID-19 Cases and Fever

With the ongoing pandemic, many wonder about the possibility of fever indicating a breakthrough COVID-19 case in vaccinated individuals. While breakthrough cases can occur, they are relatively uncommon, and symptoms tend to be milder compared to those in unvaccinated individuals.

If you develop a fever and are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, consider the following:

• Assess your recent exposure risk
• Monitor for other symptoms
• Consult with your healthcare provider for guidance
• Consider getting tested for COVID-19 if recommended

Accurate Temperature Measurement Techniques

Proper temperature measurement is crucial for accurately assessing fever. How can you ensure you’re taking your temperature correctly?

The most reliable method for adults is oral temperature measurement. To obtain an accurate reading:

1. Wait at least 30 minutes after consuming hot or cold food and beverages
2. Place the thermometer under your tongue
3. Keep your mouth closed for the duration of the measurement
4. Wait for the thermometer to signal completion (usually with a beep)

Other methods, such as temporal (forehead) or tympanic (ear) measurements, can be convenient but may be slightly less accurate than oral readings.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Fever

Knowing when to consult a healthcare professional about a fever is crucial for managing your health effectively. What are the red flags that indicate you should seek medical attention?

Consider seeking medical care if you experience any of the following:

• A high fever (103°F or higher) that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter fever reducers
• Persistent fever lasting several days or recurring frequently
• Fever accompanied by severe headache, stiff neck, or confusion
• Fever with rash or other unusual symptoms
• You have underlying health conditions that may complicate fever management

Additionally, certain circumstances warrant immediate medical attention, such as:

• Fever during pregnancy
• Recent overseas travel with fever onset
• Fever in immunocompromised individuals or those undergoing chemotherapy
• Fever following a tick bite

Debunking the 98.6°F Myth: Normal Body Temperature Range

For years, 98.6°F (37°C) has been touted as the “normal” body temperature. Is this still considered accurate in modern medicine?

Recent research suggests that the concept of a single “normal” body temperature is outdated. Instead, a range of temperatures from approximately 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C) is now considered normal for adults.

Factors Influencing Body Temperature

• Time of day (temperatures tend to be lower in the morning and higher in the evening)
• Physical activity
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Age (older adults often have lower baseline temperatures)
• Environmental conditions

Interestingly, studies indicate that average body temperatures have been declining over time. Researchers attribute this trend to various factors, including lower metabolic rates, decreased infection rates, and more accurate measuring devices.

Managing Fever at Home: Practical Tips

While some fevers require medical attention, many can be managed effectively at home. What are some practical strategies for fever management?

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
• Rest and avoid overexertion
• Dress in light, breathable clothing
• Use a cool compress on the forehead or neck
• Take over-the-counter fever reducers as directed (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)

Remember, fever is often a sign that your body is fighting an infection. While it can be uncomfortable, it’s generally not harmful in adults with otherwise good health.

Fever in Special Populations: Considerations and Precautions

Certain groups of people may need to approach fever management differently. Who are these special populations, and what precautions should they take?

Older Adults

Older adults may not develop fevers as readily as younger individuals, even when fighting infections. A slight temperature elevation in an older adult could indicate a significant illness. If you’re caring for an older adult with a fever:

• Monitor temperature regularly
• Watch for other symptoms like confusion or lethargy
• Consult a healthcare provider promptly, especially if the fever persists

Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV, may be more susceptible to infections and complications from fever. For this group:

• Any fever should be taken seriously and reported to a healthcare provider
• Follow specific guidelines provided by your doctor for fever management
• Be vigilant about infection prevention measures

Pregnant Women

Fever during pregnancy can potentially affect fetal development, especially in the first trimester. Pregnant women experiencing fever should:

• Contact their obstetrician or midwife immediately
• Avoid taking fever-reducing medications without medical approval
• Monitor fetal movement and report any changes

Understanding Fever Patterns: What They Mean

Fevers can follow different patterns, each potentially indicating various underlying causes. What are some common fever patterns, and what might they signify?

Continuous Fever

A continuous fever remains elevated throughout the day and doesn’t fluctuate more than 1°C (1.8°F). This pattern is often seen in:

• Lobar pneumonia
• Typhoid fever
• Urinary tract infections

Intermittent Fever

An intermittent fever alternates between periods of fever and normal body temperature within a 24-hour period. This pattern may indicate:

• Malaria
• Septicemia
• Certain viral infections

Remittent Fever

A remittent fever fluctuates more than 1°C (1.8°F) during the day but never returns to normal. This pattern is common in:

• Infective endocarditis
• Brucellosis
• Some viral infections

Understanding these patterns can help healthcare providers diagnose underlying conditions more accurately. However, it’s important to note that fever patterns alone are not diagnostic and should be considered alongside other symptoms and diagnostic tests.

The Role of Fever in Immune Response

While fever can be uncomfortable, it plays a crucial role in the body’s defense against pathogens. How exactly does fever contribute to immune function?

Fever enhances the immune response in several ways:

• Increased body temperature can inhibit the growth of some pathogens
• Higher temperatures boost the production and activity of white blood cells
• Fever stimulates the release of certain proteins that help coordinate immune responses
• Elevated temperatures can make the body less hospitable for some viruses and bacteria

This understanding has led to the medical adage, “Don’t fear the fever.” In many cases, allowing a low-grade fever to run its course can be beneficial for recovery.

The Debate on Fever Reduction

Given the immune-boosting effects of fever, there’s ongoing debate in the medical community about when and if to reduce fevers. Some argue that routinely suppressing fevers might prolong illness duration. However, reducing high fevers can provide comfort and prevent potential complications.

The current consensus among healthcare providers is to treat fever if it’s causing significant discomfort or if the patient has underlying health conditions that make fever potentially dangerous.

Fever and Dehydration: A Critical Connection

One of the often-overlooked aspects of fever management is the increased risk of dehydration. Why does fever increase the risk of dehydration, and how can you prevent it?

Fever can lead to dehydration through several mechanisms:

• Increased sweating as the body tries to cool itself
• Faster breathing, which increases water loss through respiration
• Decreased appetite and fluid intake due to illness

To prevent dehydration during a fever:

1. Drink plenty of clear fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty
2. Consume electrolyte-rich beverages to replace lost minerals
3. Eat hydrating foods like soups, fruits, and vegetables if you can tolerate them
4. Monitor urine color – pale yellow indicates good hydration

Staying well-hydrated during a fever not only prevents complications but can also help your body fight the underlying infection more effectively.

Post-Fever Recovery: Returning to Normal

As your fever subsides, you may wonder how quickly you can return to your normal activities. What should you consider during the post-fever recovery period?

Key points for post-fever recovery include:

• Listen to your body and rest as needed
• Gradually increase activity levels
• Continue to stay hydrated
• Eat nutritious foods to support your recovery
• Monitor for any returning symptoms

It’s important to remember that even after your fever breaks, your body may still be fighting an infection. Give yourself time to fully recover before resuming strenuous activities or returning to work, especially if you’ve had a high or prolonged fever.

When to Return to Work or School

The decision to return to work or school after a fever depends on several factors:

• You’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications
• Your other symptoms have significantly improved
• You feel well enough to perform your usual tasks
• You’re following any specific guidelines provided by your workplace, school, or local health authorities

If you’re unsure, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice on when it’s safe to return to your regular activities.

Understanding fever, its causes, and proper management can help you navigate this common health occurrence with confidence. Remember, while fever can be concerning, it’s often a sign that your body is effectively fighting an infection. By knowing when to manage fever at home and when to seek medical attention, you can ensure the best possible care for yourself and your loved ones.

Fever & Temperature In Adults: When To Worry

Karen Justiniano, DO, MS, Stamford Health Medical Group

Looking for a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?

Let us help you find the right doctor for your needs.

Explore Your Options

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 (High Temperature) In Kids (for Parents)

All kids get a fever from time to time. Usually, a fever isn’t dangerous or bad for kids. It can even be a good thing because it can help the immune system fight infection.

Still, parents might be unsure about how to handle a fever at home and when to call the doctor. Here are some tips.

What Is a Fever?

In general, a fever means the body’s temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Different ways of measuring a temperature — rectal, armpit, ear, forehead, mouth — get a slightly different number, so the number that means a child has a fever is a little different too. 

What Causes Fevers?

Fevers in kids are usually caused by an infection. A fever helps the body by stimulating the immune system to fight the infection. Doctors also think the higher temperature makes it harder for the germs to grow.

A few other reasons kids can have a fever:

Overdressing: Infants, especially newborns, may get fevers if they’re overdressed, wrapped in a blanket, or in a hot environment because they don’t regulate their body temperature as well as older kids. But because fevers in newborns can be a sign of a serious infection, even infants who are overdressed must be checked by a doctor if they have a fever.

Immunizations: Babies and kids sometimes get a mild fever that lasts about a day after getting vaccinated.

A child who is teething might have a slight rise in body temperature, but it’s probably not the cause if the temperature is higher than 100°F (37.8°C).

When Is a Fever a Sign of Something Serious?

In most healthy kids who are acting well, a fever isn’t serious.

But a fever can be serious for:

• Infants younger than 3 months: If an infant younger than 3 months has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, call your doctor or go to the emergency department right away. 
• Kids with some health conditions: If your child has an ongoing health issue, make sure you know if the doctor should be called for fever.

A fever is probably not serious if your child is 3 months or older and:

• is still interested in playing
• is drinking well
• is alert and smiling
• has a normal skin color
• looks well when their temperature comes down

Don’t worry too much about a child with a fever who doesn’t want to eat. This is common with infections that cause fever. For kids who still drink and urinate (pee) normally, not eating as much as usual is OK.

What Are the Signs of a Fever?

Kids with a fever might:

• feel warm
• act differently (they might be fussy or cranky, or quieter than usual)
• breathe a little faster or have a faster heart rate than normal
• have a headache
• have chills or sweating
• have red or flushed skin

For any of these signs, take your child’s temperature to know if they really have a fever.

If your child feels warm or is acting unwell, use a digital thermometer to confirm a fever. Different ways of taking the temperature are more accurate than others at measuring the true body temperature.

The best way to take a temperature:

• for kids 3 years old and younger: a rectal temperature
• for kids 4 or older who can cooperate: an oral temperature (by mouth)
• for any age: under the armpit (axillary) and temporal artery (forehead) are easiest but less accurate. Tympanic (in the ear) is OK for kids 6 months and older.

It’s a fever when a child’s temperature is at or above one of these levels:

• rectal (in the bottom), tympanic (in the ear), or temporal artery (across the forehead): 100.4°F (38°C)
• oral (in the mouth): 100°F (37.8°C)
• axillary (under the arm): 99°F (37.2°C)

How Can I Help My Child Feel Better?

No treatment is needed if a child is still playing and drinking normally and doesn’t have pain. 

Treating a fever with medicine isn’t needed if a child is still playing and drinking normally and doesn’t have pain. Give medicine only when a fever causes a child discomfort or keeps them from drinking.

While kids have a fever, keep an eye on them, help them to rest, and keep offering fluids to drink. They need to drink a little extra to make up for the fluids they lose from sweating.

Home Care Measures

Medicines

If your child is uncomfortable from a fever or not drinking fluids well, you can give one of these medicines:

• acetaminophen (such as Tylenol or a store brand)
  or
• ibuprofen (such as Advil, Motrin, or a store brand). Do not give to children under 6 months old.

Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often. If you don’t know the recommended dose or your child is younger than 2 years old, call the doctor to find out what to use and how much to give.

• If your child has any medical problems, check with the doctor to see which medicine to use.
• Unless instructed to by a doctor, never give aspirin to a child. Such use is linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

Do not give any medicine for fever to infants younger than 3 months old unless instructed to by a doctor.

Staying Comfortable

If your child has a fever:

• Have them wear lightweight clothing and stay covered with a light sheet or blanket. Heavy clothes and blankets can keep the body from cooling, which can make your child uncomfortable.
• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature — not too hot or too cold.
• Make sure they get plenty of rest. Staying in bed all day isn’t necessary, but a sick child should take it easy.
• They should stay home from school or childcare until their temperature has been normal for 24 hours.

Lukewarm sponge baths to lower a fever generally are not recommended. In fact, sponge baths can make kids uncomfortable from shivering. Never use rubbing alcohol (it can cause poisoning when absorbed through the skin) or ice packs/cold baths (they can cause chills that can raise body temperature).

Food and Drinks

Offer plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration because fevers make kids lose fluids faster than usual. Oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyle, Enfalyte, or store brands) are a good choice. You also can give water, soup, ice pops, and flavored gelatin. Avoid drinks with caffeine, including colas and tea, which can make dehydration worse by making kids pee more often.

Let kids eat what they want (in reasonable amounts), but don’t force it if they don’t feel like eating much.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

The temperature that should trigger a call to the doctor depends on a child’s age, the illness, and whether they have other symptoms. You might ask if your doctor has specific guidelines on when to call about a fever.

In general, call the doctor if your child is:

• younger than 3 months old with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• 3 months or older with a temperature higher than 102.2°F (39°C)
• any age but has a health problem like cancer or sickle cell disease and has a fever

Also call if a child 3 months or older has a fever and:

• refuses fluids or seems too ill to drink enough
• has lasting diarrhea or repeated vomiting
• has any signs of dehydration (peeing less than usual, not having tears when crying, less alert and less active than usual)
• has a specific complaint (like a sore throat or earache)
• still has a fever after 2–3 days
• has a rash
• has pain while peeing

Get emergency care if your child shows any of these signs:

• crying that won’t stop
• extreme irritability or fussiness
• sluggishness and trouble waking up
• a rash or purple spots that look like bruises on the skin (that were not there before your child got sick)
• blue lips, tongue, or nails
• in an infant, the soft spot on the head seems to be bulging out or sunken in
• stiff neck
• severe headache
• limpness or refusal to move
• trouble breathing that doesn’t get better when the nose is cleared
• leaning forward and drooling
• seizure
• moderate to severe belly pain

What Else Should I Know?

All kids get fevers, and in most cases they’re back to normal within a few days. For older babies and kids, the way they act can be more important than the reading on your thermometer. Everyone gets a little cranky when they have a fever. This is normal and should be expected.

But if you’re ever in doubt about what to do or what a fever might mean, or if your child is acting ill in a way that concerns you even with no fever, always call your doctor for advice.

Medically reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD

Date reviewed: November 2022

what to do, what temperature is considered high and why it is dangerous, causes and symptoms

Fever, fever – this is what we call an increase in body temperature. This is the most important defense mechanism of the human body and one of the main symptoms of infection. Most often, we encounter a fever with colds and flu. High temperatures cause some discomfort, but it helps to cope with the disease faster. We will tell you why adults have a fever, when it is necessary to bring down the temperature, and in what cases it is not worth it.

Why the temperature rises

¹

Body temperature can rise for various reasons: due to overheating, inflammation, hormonal imbalance. The processes of heat transfer in the human body are regulated by a small part of the brain – the hypothalamus. The temperature rises with any physical or chemical impact on it.

An increase in body temperature associated mainly with infections is called a fever. It develops when biologically active substances, cytokines, act on the hypothalamus. The immune system releases them into the blood in response to the inflammatory process. The production of cytokines is also enhanced by the waste products of microbes.

Fever is one of the main symptoms of an acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI). But it is also a protective reaction of the body, aimed at fighting the virus. When the temperature rises, the immune system synthesizes more leukocytes, which destroy or inactivate pathogenic microbes, and interferons, natural antiviral substances.

What temperature is considered high

^2.3

A temperature above 37˚C measured in the armpit is considered elevated. When measuring temperature in the oral cavity, a temperature of more than 37.2˚C is considered elevated, and in the rectum – more than 37.8˚C.

Types of fever:

● Subfebrile – 37.5–38˚C. Accompanies a chronic or easily flowing acute infection.

● Febrile – 38-39˚C. A frequent companion of most acute inflammatory processes – infectious and non-infectious.

● Pyretic (high) – 39-41˚C. This is one of the signs of a moderate flu. High fever is accompanied by symptoms that worsen well-being.

● Hyperpyretic (critically high) – more than 41˚C. It occurs in a severe form of influenza, causes life-threatening disorders of body functions.

What symptoms accompany fever

^{4, 5}

Subfebrile temperature is accompanied by weakness, feeling of weakness, headache, drowsiness, chills. At a temperature of 38˚C, the skin becomes hot, the cheeks turn red, the patient feels intense heat, dry mouth. Lips dry out and crack. With pyretic fever, nausea and vomiting may join. Hyperpyretic temperature is often accompanied by a disorder of consciousness, delirium.

Fever increases blood pressure and heart rate. An increase in temperature by one degree increases the pulse by 10-15 beats per minute.

What diseases occur with fever

⁶

The most common cause of fever in adults is acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI):

● Coronavirus, rhinovirus infection. This is SARS, affecting mainly the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity and pharynx. Symptoms: runny nose, redness and sore throat, sneezing, coughing. The temperature is subfebrile (37–38˚С) or febrile (38–39C).

● Influenza. Influenza viruses can immediately affect the lower respiratory tract and cause a deep chest cough. Infection is most often accompanied by severe intoxication, which is manifested by headache, aching throughout the body, and severe weakness. The temperature can reach pyretic (39-41˚C) and hyperpyretic (over 41˚C).

● Respiratory syncytial virus infection. It often affects the trachea and bronchi, in a quarter of the patients it leads to pneumonia. Symptoms are similar to the flu, with the difference that intoxication is less pronounced, signs of inflammation of the lower respiratory tract come to the fore – a deep cough with pain behind the sternum.

● Parainfluenza. The virus infects the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx. The infection is accompanied by a runny nose, bouts of painful coughing, hoarseness, and sometimes a short-term loss of voice.

● Adenovirus infection. Runs with severe runny nose, sneezing, conjunctivitis. The eyes turn red, watery, there is pain and burning in the area of ​​​​the eyeballs and eyelids. Unlike other acute respiratory viral infections, adenovirus infection is often infected in spring and summer.

Other causes of fever:

● any infectious disease of a viral, bacterial, parasitic nature;

● non-infectious inflammations: acute pancreatitis, aspiration pneumonitis;

● allergic and autoimmune diseases: reaction to vaccination, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus;

● diseases of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands;

● oncological diseases: malignant tumors of internal organs, leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis;

● neurological pathologies: traumatic brain injury, cerebral hemorrhage;

● thermal (solar) stroke;

● psychogenic: prolonged emotional stress, neuroses, hysteria.

When temperature rise is dangerous

Fever poses a threat to health with a strong rise in temperature, when the thermometer shows 40˚C or more. This condition leads to dehydration, disruption of vital organs, and significantly increases the risk of thrombosis.

For healthy adults, an increase in temperature during SARS by 3˚C from the norm (36.6˚C) is not dangerous. However, for some people, even a febrile temperature can be harmful. At risk:

● Elderly people. After 65 years, it is more difficult for the body to adapt to an increase in temperature due to the age-related decrease in the ability to thermoregulate, the acquisition of chronic diseases.

● People with chronic diseases of internal organs: kidneys, cardiovascular, nervous system. Fever increases the load on these organs and can lead to an exacerbation of the disease.

What to do when the temperature is high

⁷

Fever helps to defeat the infection faster. With ARVI without fever, the infection takes longer, is accompanied by a pronounced deterioration in well-being, and is more often complicated. Therefore, it is worth suffering malaise for 2-3 days and not bringing down the temperature, provided that the body temperature does not exceed 38.5˚C. To make it easier to transfer the condition, avoid any physical activity, drink plenty of fluids, do not wrap yourself in blankets and excessively warm clothes that impair heat transfer.

But there are times when it is better to bring down the temperature:

● The thermometer reads over 39˚C.

● The rise in temperature is accompanied by a strong deterioration in the condition: loss of strength, poor sleep, nausea, vomiting.

● The patient is at risk.

Fever above 40˚C in adults requires emergency medical attention.

Non-drug methods. Wiping with a damp cloth or a weak vinegar solution will help to reduce the temperature. It is recommended to drink more warm drinks, such as tea with raspberry jam. Raspberries contain natural salicylates – substances that reduce fever. Drink should be moderately warm. Excessively hot or cold drinks and foods should be avoided.

Antipyretics. If non-drug treatments do not help, take an antipyretic medication. The safest drugs are paracetamol-based, which can be taken even by small children and pregnant women. Paracetamol is included in most combined anti-cold complexes, which additionally relieve nasal congestion and symptoms of intoxication in acute respiratory viral infections.

Antivirals. Lowering the temperature is not an end in itself in the treatment of SARS. Antiviral therapy should fight the causative agent of the infection. To do this, develop specific antiviral drugs that prevent the reproduction of the virus and infection of healthy cells. In the treatment of colds and flu, enisamium iodide has proven itself well. Its use reduces the acute clinical manifestations of viral intoxication. ⁸

Enisamia iodide at a dosage of 500 mg is part of the drug Nobasit ^® Forte ⁸ . Nobasit ^® Forte begins to act within 2 hours after taking the tablet ^8. In addition to the direct antiviral effect, enisamia iodide has a pronounced anti-inflammatory activity ^{9, 10} . The combined action leads to a 3-fold decrease in the severity of fever and other symptoms of intoxication (headache and muscle pain), starting from the second day of treatment ¹¹ . Also Nobasit ^® Forte helps to reduce the duration of the disease. ⁸

Briefly about the main

● Elevated is defined as a temperature above 37˚C measured in the armpit. If it is caused by an infection, this temperature is called a fever.

● The most common cause of fever in adults is SARS. Other causes – infections, non-infectious inflammation, heat stroke, stress, malignant tumors – are much less common.

● Fever brings recovery closer, but often it greatly affects well-being: it is accompanied by weakness, headache, body aches. In the elderly and people with common chronic diseases, fever often causes dangerous complications.

● Cool down in healthy adults should be above 38.5˚C and in at-risk people above 38˚C. If the temperature rises above 40˚C, it is worth calling an ambulance.

● First, try to bring down the temperature with home remedies – cool body wraps, tea with raspberry jam. If that doesn’t help, take an antipyretic medicine.

● Antipyretics will ease the fever but will not speed up recovery. To defeat the infection as soon as possible, take antiviral drugs, for example, Nobasit ^®
Forte.

¹ Tatochenko V.K., Uchaikin V.F. Fever // Pediatric pharmacology – 2006 – https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/lihoradka

² Fugol D.S. An increase in body temperature in children and approaches to its correction // BC – No. 24, 2013 – https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=20603056

³ Vasilenko V.V. Measurement of body temperature // RMJ. – No. 29, 2008, S. 1948. https://www.rmj.ru/articles/istoriya_meditsiny/Izmerenie_temperatury_tela/

⁴ Dvovetsky L.I. Fever: to treat or not to treat // BC – No. 14, 2003 – https://www.rmj.ru/articles/obshchie-stati/Lihoradka_lechity_ili_ne_lechity/

⁵ Cheshik S.G., Vartanyan R.V. Respiratory syncytial viral infection: clinic, diagnosis, treatment // Children’s infections – No. 1, 2004 – https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/respiratorno-sintsitialnaya-virusnaya-infektsiya-klinika-diagnosti…

⁶ Kalyuzhnaya L.I., Zemlyanoy D.A. Heat transfer disorders and fever // Pediatrician – T.6, No. 1, 2015 – https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/narusheniya-teploobmena-i-lihoradka

⁷ Didkovsky N.A., Tanasova A.N. Fever. breast cancer. 2003; 4:189.

⁸ Instructions for medical use of Nobasit® Forte LP-006416.

⁹ Zyryanov S.K., Butranova O.I., Gaidai D.S., Kryshen K.L., Pharmacotherapy of acute respiratory infections caused by influenza viruses // Therapeutic archive – 2021, (1): pp. 17-27.

¹⁰ Kareva E.N., Fedotcheva T.A., Semeikin A.V., Kochina N.A., Krasnoshchok E.V., Shimanovsky N.L. Enisamia iodide – influence on the key components of the inflammatory process in acute respiratory viral infections // Therapeutic archive – 2022; 94 (11): pp. 1233 – 1238

¹¹ Lioznov D.A., Karnaukhova E.Yu., Zubkova T.G., Shakhlanskaya E.V., Evaluation of the effectiveness of the ARVI treatment regimen, including etiotropic (enisamia iodide) and symptomatic therapy // Therapeutic archive No. 3 – 2020.

About the product
Download manual

What to do at 40°C

Fever is one way the immune system fights infection ^1.2 . An increase in temperature begins with the entry of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens into the body. Next, a chain of reactions starts ^3.5 :

• Under the influence of pathogens, the body produces special substances – pyrogens ³ .
• Pyrogens enhance the production of mediators (mediators) of inflammation – prostaglandins ³ .
• Prostaglandins act on the hypothalamus – the part of the brain that controls the body’s thermoregulation ^3.5 .
• As pyrogens make the hypothalamus seem to have a low temperature, it begins to rearrange itself ⁵ . The thermoregulation center changes its “settings” so that the set point is above the norm ⁵ .
• After the restructuring of the hypothalamus, the muscles and skin vessels receive new “commands” ³ . To warm the body, the brain triggers small muscle contractions (shivering) to generate heat and constricts the blood vessels of the skin to save it. At this stage, a person feels cold – a feeling of chill familiar to almost everyone ^{3. 5} . In addition, muscle and joint pain, known as body aches, may also result from the action of prostaglandins ⁴ .

What causes a temperature of 40 °C?

Temperatures below 40°C are most commonly associated with infection ^1.14 , and not necessarily severe. Such high values ​​​​on the thermometer can also be observed with a cold, or, scientifically, with an acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) ^14.15 . In the ARVI group, high fever is usually caused by adenoviruses and influenza viruses ^7.14 .

The flu starts abruptly, the state of health worsens suddenly. The first symptoms may be a temperature of 38-40 ° C, chills, weakness, eye pain and cough. Runny nose with influenza is less common and not at the onset of the disease, but at the end of the first day ¹⁴ . Flu fever lasts an average of 4 days ¹⁴ .

When infected with adenoviruses:

• the nasal cavity, mucous membrane of the eye, tonsils, pharynx are affected ⁶ ;
• symptoms appear slowly ⁶ ;
• The most disturbing thing is a severe runny nose and nasal discharge ¹⁵ ;
• lymph nodes may be enlarged ⁶ ;
• cold lasts up to 2 weeks ⁶ .

In a child, a temperature of 40 °C can also be a manifestation of herpangina. It is caused by enteroviruses, not herpes viruses, as many people mistakenly believe. With herpangina, bubbles form in the pharynx, which then burst, and in their place small ulcers appear that provoke a sore throat. Because of them, the child usually refuses to eat ⁸ .

As for bacteria, in case of a cold, they usually do not act independently, but join the viral disease ² . A bacterial infection may be suspected if a high temperature persists for more than 7 days ⁹ .

Temperature 40 °C without cold symptoms

It also happens that a high fever is not accompanied by cold symptoms. A possible cause of this condition is overheating (hyperthermia). In contrast to fever, when overheated, an increase in temperature up to 40 °C is associated with environmental conditions, and not with the effect of pyrogens on the hypothalamus ^3.