How high can a fever get before it becomes dangerous. What are the symptoms of a high-grade fever. When should you seek medical attention for a fever. What are common causes of fever in adults. How can you treat a fever at home.

What Is a Fever and How Does It Affect the Body?

A fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, typically triggered by the immune system’s response to infection or illness. While often a sign that the body is actively fighting off pathogens, fevers can sometimes indicate more serious underlying conditions.

The normal body temperature range for adults is between 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C). A temperature above this range may indicate a fever. For adults, a low-grade fever is generally considered to be a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or above, while a high-grade fever is 103°F (39.4°C) or higher.

How Does a Fever Develop?

When the body detects an infection, the immune system increases the production of white blood cells. This process triggers the brain to raise the body’s internal temperature, resulting in a fever. As the body attempts to cool itself, it may cause symptoms such as:

• Shivering
• Muscle contractions
• Reduced blood flow to the skin

Recognizing Fever Symptoms in Adults

Fever symptoms can vary in intensity and may include:

• Sweating
• Chills
• Headaches
• Muscle pain
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Weakness

Most fevers resolve on their own within 1 to 3 days. However, a fever lasting longer than 3 days or recurring over a 14-day period may warrant medical attention, as it could indicate a more serious underlying condition.

When Does a Fever Become Dangerous?

While fevers are generally not harmful on their own, certain circumstances may indicate a need for medical intervention. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of a potentially serious fever.

High-Grade Fever

A high-grade fever, defined as a body temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher, requires immediate medical attention. This elevated temperature can lead to complications and may be a sign of a severe infection or other serious health conditions.

Persistent or Recurrent Fever

A fever that persists for more than three days or keeps returning over a two-week period should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Even if the fever is low-grade, its persistence may indicate an underlying issue that needs addressing.

Accompanying Severe Symptoms

Certain symptoms accompanying a fever may signal a more serious condition:

• Severe headache
• Stiff neck or neck pain
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Skin rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Frequent vomiting
• Confusion or disorientation
• Seizures

Common Causes of Fever in Adults

Fevers can be triggered by various factors, including:

1. Viral infections (e.g., flu, common cold)
2. Bacterial infections
3. Fungal infections
4. Food poisoning
5. Heat exhaustion
6. Severe sunburn
7. Inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
8. Tumors
9. Blood clots

Risk Factors for Serious Fevers

Certain individuals may be at higher risk of developing serious fevers, particularly those with chronic health conditions such as:

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Liver or kidney disease
• HIV or AIDS
• Autoimmune disorders

Additionally, some medications and treatments can increase the likelihood of developing a serious fever, including:

• Antibiotics
• Blood pressure medications
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation treatment
• Immunosuppressants

Home Remedies and Treatment Options for Fever

While most fevers resolve on their own, there are several ways to alleviate discomfort and support recovery:

Hydration and Rest

• Drink plenty of fluids (water, juices, clear broths)
• Get adequate rest to allow your body to fight the infection
• Eat light, easily digestible foods

Comfort Measures

• Use a cool compress on the forehead
• Take a lukewarm sponge bath
• Wear light, breathable clothing
• Maintain a comfortable room temperature

Over-the-Counter Medications

Fever-reducing medications can help manage symptoms:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)

Always follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or underlying health conditions.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Fever

While most fevers are not cause for alarm, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention:

Emergency Symptoms

Seek emergency care if you experience:

• Seizures or convulsions
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe confusion or hallucinations
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe headache or neck pain
• Sudden onset of hives or rash

Non-Emergency but Concerning Symptoms

Contact your healthcare provider if you have:

• A fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
• A fever lasting more than three days
• Worsening symptoms or new symptoms developing
• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Decreased urine output or dark-colored urine

Preventing Fevers and Maintaining Overall Health

While not all fevers can be prevented, certain measures can help reduce the risk of infections that may lead to fevers:

Hygiene Practices

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable
• Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

Lifestyle Habits

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Get regular exercise to boost your immune system
• Ensure adequate sleep and manage stress levels

Vaccinations

Stay up-to-date with recommended vaccinations, including:

• Annual flu shots
• Pneumococcal vaccine (for those at risk)
• Other age-appropriate immunizations

By understanding the nature of fevers, recognizing warning signs, and taking appropriate action, you can effectively manage this common symptom and maintain your overall health. Remember, while most fevers are not cause for alarm, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your symptoms or overall well-being.

Characteristics, Types, and When It’s Serious

A fever is a common side effect of illness like the flu. It happens when there is a temporary rise in body temperature. A fever is usually a sign that your immune system is busy fighting an infection or other illness.

In babies and toddlers even a slight fever may be a sign of a serious illness. In adults a fever is not usually serious or life-threatening.

However, sometimes a fever in adults can be a warning signal that something is not right. A high or persistent fever might be a sign of a serious health condition.

A fever is normally a short-term rise in temperature that helps your body get rid of illness. A fever begins when your immune system makes more white blood cells to fight an infection. The increase in white blood cells triggers your brain to heat your body up.

This causes a fever. In response, your body tries to cool itself off by tightening up on blood flow to your skin and contracting muscles. This makes you shiver and may cause muscle aches.

Your normal body temperature ranges from 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C). You may have a fever if your temperature rises above this.

Adults typically have a fever if their body temperature increases to 100.4°F (38°C). This is called a low grade fever. A high grade fever happens when your body temperature is 103°F (39.4°C) or above.

Most fevers usually go away by themselves after 1 to 3 days. A persistent or recurrent fever may last or keep coming back for up to 14 days.

A fever that lasts longer than normal may be serious even if it is only a slight fever. This is because a recurrent fever might be a sign of a more serious infection or health condition.

Common fever symptoms in adults include:

• sweating
• chills (shivering)
• headaches
• muscle pain
• loss of appetite
• fatigue
• weakness

Call your doctor immediately if you have a high grade fever — when your temperature is 103°F (39. 4°C) or higher. Get medical help if you have any kind of fever for more than three days. Let your doctor know if your symptoms get worse or if you have any new symptoms.

Serious symptoms

A fever may be a sign of serious illness if you have:

• a severe headache
• dizziness
• sensitivity to bright light
• stiff neck or neck pain
• skin rash
• difficulty breathing
• frequent vomiting
• dehydration
• stomach pain
• muscle cramps
• confusion
• seizures

Other signs that a fever may be serious are:

• pain when urinating
• not urinating enough
• passing dark urine
• passing urine that smells bad

If you have serious fever symptoms, let your doctor know if you have recently traveled to a different country or attended an event that had lot of people. This may help your doctor find out the cause.

Common causes of a fever in adults are:

• viral infection (like the flu or a cold)
• bacterial infection
• fungal infection
• food poisoning
• heat exhaustion
• serious sunburn
• inflammation (from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis)
• a tumor
• blood clots

Some adults may have a higher risk of getting a fever. If you have a chronic health condition or have been treated for a severe illness, you may be more likely to get a serious fever.

Let your doctor know about any fever symptoms if you have:

• asthma
• rheumatoid arthritis
• diabetes
• Crohn’s disease
• heart disease
• sickle cell disease
• liver disease
• kidney disease
• chronic lung disease
• cystic fibrosis
• cerebral palsy
• stroke
• multiple sclerosis
• muscular dystrophy
• HIV or AIDS

Some medications and treatments can also lead to a serious fever, these include:

• antibiotics
• blood pressure drugs
• seizure medications
• DTaP vaccine
• pneumococcal vaccine
• steroids
• chemotherapy
• radiation treatment
• methotrexate
• azathioprine
• cyclophosphamide
• post-transplant medications

A fever is not normally harmful on its own. Most fevers go away within a few hours to days as your body defeats an infection.

Help yourself feel better with these at-home flu remedies:

• stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as:
  • water
  • juice
  • soup
  • broth
• eat light foods that are easy on the stomach
• rest
• use a cool compress, like a damp towel
• take a warm sponge bath
• dress in light, comfortable clothing
• turn down the temperature in your room

Over-the-counter medications can help ease your fever and symptoms, like headaches and muscle pain:

• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)

You may need treatment from your doctor for more serious causes of a fever. The treatment depends on the cause. Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat serious infections:

• antibiotics
• antivirals
• antifungals

A fever may be a sign of serious illness. A high fever can also cause serious side effects.

Emergency Symptoms

Get emergency medical attention by going to the ER or calling an ambulance if you have any of these symptoms:

• seizure or convulsions
• fainting or loss of consciousness
• confusion
• hallucinations
• severe headache pain
• stiff or painful neck
• difficulty breathing
• hives or a rash
• swelling in any part of the body

A fever in adults is usually not harmful on its own. It is a sign that your body is dealing with an infection or other illness. In some cases a high or long-lasting fever can be a sign of a serious illness. You may need urgent medical treatment.

Do not ignore a fever. Get plenty of rest and fluids to help your body heal. See your doctor if you have a fever that lasts longer than 3 days or if you have other severe symptoms.

If you have a chronic condition or have been treated for a serious illness, let your doctor know if you have any kind of fever.

Fever – normal and high body temperature, fever medicines and more

Key facts

• Fever is a part of your body’s immune response and is usually caused by infection.
• A fever causes a high temperature but can also cause sweating and chills.
• You can take your temperature with a thermometer to check if you have a fever.
• If you or your child has a fever, rest, keep cool and stay hydrated.
• If you experience other symptoms like severe headache, vomiting, confusion or a stiff neck, see a doctor.

Fever is one of the symptoms of COVID-19. Even if your symptoms are mild, get tested for COVID-19 immediately — use the fever Symptom Checker if you’re not sure what to do.

What is a fever?

A fever is when your body temperature is higher than normal. Having a fever can also be called ‘having a temperature’.

A normal temperature is around 36°C to 37°C, although it depends on:

• your age
• what you’ve been doing
• the time of day
• how you take the measurement

What are the symptoms of a fever?

If you have a fever, you will have a high temperature. A high temperature is usually considered to be above 38°C. You may also have other symptoms, such as:

• sweating
• chills
• shivering
• aching muscles and joints

What causes a fever?

Fever is a part of your immune system response. If you have a fever, it is a sign that your body is working hard to get well.

A high temperature is most often caused by a viral infection such as:

• colds and flu
• COVID-19
• gastroenteritis

However, fever can also be caused by bacterial infections, such as:

• ear infections
• throat infections
• pneumonia
• urinary tract infections
• meningitis

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the fever Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

How is fever diagnosed?

Fever is diagnosed by taking your temperature. You can do this yourself. You probably have a fever if your temperature is 38°C or higher.

A doctor can find the cause of your fever by:

• asking questions about your symptoms
• examining you
• perhaps doing some blood tests

Taking your temperature

You can take your temperature quickly and easily using a thermometer.

You can buy a thermometer from a chemist or supermarket. Different types of thermometers measure temperature through different parts of your body, such as:

• touchless forehead thermometers
• in the ear
• under the armpit
• under the tongue
• in the rectum

Make sure the thermometer is clean.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how to use your thermometer.

Digital thermometers

Digital thermometers can measure temperature faster than a glass thermometer.

Ear thermometers

Ear thermometers can be used to measure the temperature of children over 6 months.

Tape thermometers

Plastic tape thermometers, which you hold on your forehead, aren’t an accurate way of taking your temperature.

Mercury thermometers

Mercury thermometers were used in the past. You shouldn’t use mercury thermometers today. They can break, releasing small shards of glass and mercury fumes.

If you break a mercury thermometer, there are steps you can take to stay safe.

• Get any people or animals out of the room.
• Clean the spill using gloves.
• Pick up any broken glass with paper towel.
• Scrape up any mercury using cardboard.
• Place waste into zip lock bags or a sealable container.
• Keep the waste stored until you can take it to a household hazardous waste disposal facility.
• Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 if anyone is exposed to mercury.

If you have a mercury thermometer, don’t throw it in your household bin.

How is fever treated?

If you have a high temperature there are several things you can do to help manage your condition.

Keep hydrated

It’s important to stay well hydrated. Try to drink plenty of clear, non-alcoholic fluids, such as:

• water
• juice
• cordial

Keep cool

Wear lightweight clothing, and avoid using bedding such as blankets, doonas and quilts. These can make you too hot and increase your temperature. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature.

Avoid taking cold baths or sponging. This can actually make you feel more uncomfortable.

Rest

If you have a fever, you should rest and avoid heavy activity until your symptoms go away. If your fever doesn’t go away, or you are concerned, see your doctor.

Fever in children

If you are caring for a sick child, learn more about fever and high temperature in children here or view this infographic.

Medicine

Don’t take medicines for fever unless you are experiencing discomfort.

If you’re experiencing discomfort, you can consider pain relief medicines such as:

• paracetamol
• ibuprofen

Before taking any medicine, you should check that it’s safe to take them:

• with any medical conditions that you may have
• with any other medicines that you are taking
• if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Infographic: fever in babies and children

To check this, read the information leaflet inside the medicine packet. You can also ask a pharmacist.

When should I see my doctor?

Adults with a fever should see a doctor straight away if they have symptoms such as:

• a severe headache
• sensitivity to bright light
• an unusual skin rash
• a stiff neck
• vomiting
• confusion
• drowsiness
• difficulty breathing
• abdominal (tummy) pain
• hallucinations
• seizures or muscle spasms

If your child has a fever, see a doctor right away if they:

• are under 3 months
• are getting sicker
• seem dehydrated or won’t drink
• are vomiting
• are drowsy or unresponsive
• have difficulty breathing
• seem very distressed

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Can fevers be prevented?

If your fever doesn’t go away, or you experience other symptoms mentioned above, you can prevent further complications by seeking medical attention.

Lowering or preventing a fever won’t help treat the cause of your fever.

Resources and Support

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

High temperature

High temperature (fever, hyperthermia) is a normal and healthy reaction of the body to an infection – bacterial or viral. Actually, fever is a symptom of a disease, not a disease. An increase in body temperature helps kill the virus or bacteria causing the infection.

High body temperature is considered if it is 38°C or higher. An area of ​​the brain called the hypothalamus regulates body temperature. If body temperature rises above or falls below 37°C, the hypothalamus begins to regulate temperature.

The degree of fever may not indicate how serious the condition is. With a minor illness, such as a cold, a fever may rise, and with a very serious infection, there may be little or no temperature at all. Along with fever, other symptoms are also important.

High temperature symptoms

Light (subfebrile) temperature 37.1-37.9

At a light temperature, a blush appears, fatigue is felt, the body is warm to the touch. There may be a headache. Typically, a person with a mild fever can perform normal daily activities.

Moderate (febrile) temperature (38° to 38.9°C)

High (pyretic) temperature (39° to 41°C)

At moderate and high temperatures, the heat of the skin is felt to the touch, chills or trembling appear. Because of the feeling of weakness, I want to lie down.

Excessive (hyperpyretic) temperature (41°C or higher)

With excessive temperature, severe weakness is felt, it is difficult for a person to move, appetite disappears. Quite quickly, especially in children, dangerous signs of dehydration appear: rare urge to urinate, pale skin, dry lips, etc.

Causes

Common conditions that can cause a high body temperature include:

• acute respiratory infections,
• influenza and influenza-like conditions,
• gastroenteritis,
• ENT infections (sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis, etc.),
• kidney or urinary tract infections,
• infectious childhood diseases such as chicken pox, scarlet fever, rubella (rubella), whooping cough and rheumatic fever,
• heat stroke,
• teething in infants can cause mild low-grade fever, etc.

After vaccination, the temperature may also rise slightly – this is considered a variant of the norm.

Fever diagnosis

Despite the fact that the temperature is easy to measure with a thermometer, the cause of its rise can only be determined after clarifying all the symptoms and previous conditions.

Treatment of fever

Elevated body temperature is part of the immune system’s response to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Helps the body fight infection. However, very high temperatures can sometimes lead to complications.

The most common treatments for fever include over-the-counter over-the-counter medications. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin because it has been linked to a condition called Reye’s syndrome.

To reduce elevated body temperature at home contribute to:

• drink plenty of water (water, compotes, juices, rehydrating drinks, etc.),
• bed rest,
• keeping the room cool,
• lightweight clothing that does not warm the body.

Treatment of fever in a child

Usually, parents care for their child at home, and pediatricians recommend starting measures to lower the temperature if it has risen to 38.5 ° C. It is safe to alternate between ibuprofen and paracetamol at the age-appropriate dose. In addition to taking children’s pharmaceutical antipyretics in a dosage appropriate for the age and weight of the child, you should:

• undress the child to the underwear,
• do not wrap, do not cover with a warm blanket;
• give the child plenty of fluids;
• regularly check the child’s condition at night;
• offer the child light food.

Do not wipe or splash the child with cold water.

Call your pediatrician immediately if your child:

• is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C,
• age 3 to 6 months, and temperature 39°C or more,
• if, in addition to high fever, there are other signs of illness, such as rash, etc.,
• high temperature persists for more than 5 days,
• high temperature in a child is not reduced by paracetamol or ibuprofen,
• showed signs of dehydration – infrequent urination, sunken eyes and no tears if the child cries.

Fever in an adult

Many causes can cause a high temperature in adults, but most often it means that an infectious agent has entered the body. However, a high temperature can also be caused by non-infectious causes, so it is important to monitor all your symptoms and if the high temperature persists for more than 3 days, you should consult a general practitioner. In addition to establishing the objective cause of the fever, the therapist will recommend an antipyretic.

Temperature at elevated pressure

The simultaneous increase in body temperature and blood pressure often occurs suddenly, without any prerequisites. The most serious diseases that high blood pressure and body temperature can indicate are vegetative disorders, kidney disease, and thyroid dysfunction. In such cases, you should consult a general practitioner.

Author

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Memo to citizens traveling to countries affected by yellow fever

In recent years, Russians have been increasingly traveling abroad on business and tourist trips. It should be noted that in different countries of the world there is a risk of contracting such a particularly dangerous infection as YELLOW FEVER.

Preparing for a trip

Before you go on a trip, you should consider whether your health condition allows you to stay in a particular country. Before the trip, you must undergo a medical examination and obtain a doctor’s opinion. With special attention to the recommendations of physicians should be treated suffering from chronic diseases, pregnant women and parents with young children.

Yellow fever is a particularly dangerous viral infection that is common in countries with favorable natural conditions for the existence of a carrier – a mosquito of the genus Aedes aegypti. The incubation period is 3 to 6 days.

The disease is characterized by high fever, hemorrhages on the skin (hemorrhagic rash), damage to the kidneys, liver, which lead to the development of jaundice and acute renal failure. The course of the disease is extremely severe and in most cases ends in death.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified countries that are not affected by yellow fever, where there are natural foci and human cases are recorded.

According to WHO requirements, when traveling to these countries, a preventive vaccination must be made, which is the only way to prevent this dangerous disease.

Vaccination is carried out once, no later than 10 days before departure. The vaccinated person is issued an international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. Immunity after vaccination lasts for 10 years, after which, if necessary, re-vaccination is carried out. Without an international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever, entry into countries affected by this disease is prohibited.

Preventive vaccinations against yellow fever in Krasnodar are carried out at the SKIB, 204 Sedina Street. tel: 8 (905) 472 – 68 – 23

Annex No. 1
to the letter of Rospotrebnadzor
dated March 19, 2012 No.