What defines a fever in adults. How does body temperature vary throughout the day. When should you be concerned about a high fever. What are the symptoms of fever in adults. How to accurately measure body temperature.

Defining Fever: What Temperature Is Considered High?

A fever is generally defined as a body temperature above 100.4°F (38.3°C). However, understanding what constitutes a “high” fever requires considering several factors:

• Normal body temperature varies by individual, typically ranging from 97.7°F (36.5°C) to 99°F (37.2°C)
• Age can affect baseline temperature, with older adults often having lower normal temperatures
• Time of day, activity level, and environmental conditions can cause temperature fluctuations of 1-2 degrees

For most healthy adults, a temperature of up to 102°F is generally safe and manageable. In fact, many can tolerate temperatures up to 103°F or 104°F for short periods without significant issues. However, persistent high fevers or those accompanied by concerning symptoms warrant medical attention.

The Science Behind Fever: How Does Our Body Regulate Temperature?

The hypothalamus, a region in the brain, acts as the body’s thermostat. During illness or inflammation, it can raise the internal temperature setpoint as part of the immune response. This process helps combat pathogens and stimulate the immune system.

Is fever always a sign of infection? While infections are a common cause, fevers can also result from:

• Autoimmune diseases
• Certain medications
• Malignancies
• Physical injuries

It’s crucial to remember that fever itself is a symptom, not a disease. The underlying cause determines the significance and necessary treatment.

Fever vs. Hyperthermia: Understanding the Difference

While often confused, fever and hyperthermia are distinct conditions:

Fever

• Controlled increase in body temperature
• Set by the hypothalamus
• Part of the immune response

Hyperthermia

• Uncontrolled rise in body temperature
• Body unable to dissipate heat effectively
• Often caused by external factors (e.g., extreme heat, dehydration)
• Defined as sustained temperature above 104°F (40°C)

Can hyperthermia be more dangerous than fever? Yes, hyperthermia can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly, as it can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Temperature Ranges: From Normal to Dangerous

Understanding temperature ranges helps in assessing the severity of a fever:

1. Normal: 97.7°F (36.5°C) to 99°F (37.2°C)
2. Low-grade fever: 99°F (37.2°C) to 100.4°F (38°C)
3. Fever (pyrexia): 100.4°F (38°C) to 105.8°F (41°C)
4. Hyperpyrexia: 105.8°F (41°C) to 109.4°F (43°C)
5. Potentially fatal: Above 109.4°F (43°C)

Does a higher fever always indicate a more severe illness? Not necessarily. The cause of the fever, accompanying symptoms, and the individual’s overall health are more important factors in determining severity.

Recognizing Fever Symptoms in Adults

Fever can manifest with various symptoms beyond elevated temperature:

• Muscle aches and weakness
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Chills and sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Fatigue

Are these symptoms always present with a fever? No, the presence and intensity of symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause and the individual’s health status.

Accurate Temperature Measurement: Techniques and Tools

Proper temperature measurement is crucial for accurately assessing fever. For adults, the following methods are recommended:

Oral Temperature

Using a digital thermometer under the tongue provides reliable readings for adults and children over 4 years old.

Temporal Artery (Forehead) Temperature

This method offers fairly accurate results and is less invasive than oral measurements.

Tympanic (Ear) Temperature

While convenient, ear thermometers can produce variable results, especially if an ear infection is present.

Axillary (Armpit) Temperature

This method is less accurate but can provide a quick estimate. Add one degree to the reading for a closer approximation of core body temperature.

Which thermometer type is most accurate for adults? Digital thermometers used orally generally provide the most reliable readings for adults.

Managing Fever in Adults: When to Treat and When to Seek Help

Most fevers in adults don’t require specific treatment beyond rest and hydration. However, there are situations where intervention is necessary:

When to Treat at Home

• Temperature below 103°F with mild discomfort
• No severe symptoms or underlying health conditions

When to Call a Doctor

• Fever persists for more than three days
• Temperature exceeds 103°F (39.4°C)
• Severe headache or neck stiffness
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe abdominal pain
• Skin rashes or bruising

How can you safely manage a fever at home? Stay hydrated, rest, and use over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed. Cool compresses and lukewarm baths can also provide relief.

Special Considerations: Fever in Newborns and the Elderly

Certain age groups require extra caution when it comes to fever:

Newborns and Infants

Any fever in babies under 3 months old is considered serious and requires immediate medical attention. For infants, rectal temperature measurement is most accurate.

Elderly Individuals

Older adults may not develop high fevers even when seriously ill. Any change in normal temperature accompanied by concerning symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Why is fever more concerning in these age groups? Their immune systems may be less robust, making them more vulnerable to severe infections or complications from fever.

Preventing and Managing Hyperthermia

While fever is a natural immune response, hyperthermia can be dangerous and requires prevention and prompt treatment:

Prevention

• Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather or during intense physical activity
• Avoid excessive sun exposure
• Wear appropriate clothing for the environment
• Take regular breaks during strenuous activities

Treatment

• Move to a cool environment
• Remove excess clothing
• Apply cool, wet cloths to the skin
• Use fans for air circulation
• Drink cool fluids
• Seek immediate medical attention for severe cases

Can hyperthermia be life-threatening? Yes, if left untreated, hyperthermia can lead to heat stroke, a medical emergency that can cause organ damage or death.

Understanding the nuances of fever and hyperthermia empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health. While a temperature of 102.4°F is considered a fever, it’s generally not dangerous for most healthy adults. However, persistent high fevers, accompanying severe symptoms, or fever in vulnerable populations should always be taken seriously. By recognizing the signs, knowing how to accurately measure temperature, and understanding when to seek medical help, you can effectively manage fevers and maintain your overall health.

100, 101 or 102 Degree Fever? Adult Guide to High Temperatures

A fever is defined as a body temperature above 100.4°F (38.3°C).  The normal oral temperature for a resting, healthy adult is about 98.6°F (37°C). However, what is considered a “normal” body temperature can vary by one degree based on age, race, and other factors.  For example,  an individual who is over 70 years old may have a lower normal temp at 96.8°F (36°C). Furthermore, a person’s temperature may increase or decrease by 1 to 2 degrees throughout the day depending on time of day, activity level, the environment (hot or cold), hydration status, or even medications that he/she may be taking.

In general, a fever indicates the presence of inflammation.  It may occur in the presence of an underlying illness such as an infection, malignancy, or even bodily injury.  It may also be associated with certain autoimmune diseases.  Less commonly, certain medications are associated with fevers.  A fever itself, however, is merely a symptom, and not a disease.

A brain structure called the hypothalamus sets body temperature, and produces a fever response.  It can raise the body’s internal thermostat to combat illnesses.  In this way, the hypothalamus responds to an infection or inflammation by helping the immune system to defeat the offending agent.  Although it may not be comfortable, a temperature of up to 102°F is generally safe in adults. In fact, most healthy adults can even tolerate a fever as high as 103°F to 104°F for short periods of time without having any significant problems.  The body temperature usually returns to normal once the illness resolves.  Click here for a list of fever symptoms in adults.

Page Contents

What is the difference Between Fever and Hyperthermia?Ranges in Body TemperaturesSymptoms of FeverHow to Take Your Temperature – Fever in AdultsHow to Take Your Temperature – Fever in ChildrenHow to Take Your Temperature – ThermometersMercury ThermometerDigital ThermometersFever in adults – How to Treat a FeverWhen to Call Your DoctorTreatment of Hyperthermia Fever in Newborns and Children

What is the difference Between Fever and Hyperthermia?

The terms fever and hyperthermia are commonly confused, and are completely different entities. Hyperthermia is defined as a sustained body temperature above 104°F (40°C), and is just another word for overheating.   The hypothalamus functions normally, but the body’s ability to get rid of heat is impaired.  This most commonly occurs during exposure to extreme heat such as when exercising in hot outdoor temperatures.   Insufficient hydration can also increase the risk of hyperthermia.  

Ranges in Body Temperatures

While there are numerous definitions of fever or pyrexia, the CDC defines a fever as a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C). However, it is important to keep in mind that, in the elderly, temperatures below 100.4 may also be indicative of a fever.  The hypothalamus of these individuals is less able to elevate their body temperatures.  It is, therefore, important to take note of any additional concerning symptoms.

Here are some other definitions related to body temperature: 

• Normal: temperatures between 97.7°F (36.5°C) and 99°F (37. 2°C)
• Low-grade fever: temperatures between 99°F (37.2°C) and 100.4°F (38°C)
• Fever (pyrexia): temperatures between 100.4°F (38°C) and 105.8°F (41°C)
• Hyperpyrexia: temperatures between 105.8°F (41°C) and 109.4°F (43°C)
• Temperatures above 109.4°F (43°C) are usually fatal

Symptoms of Fever

Fevers can cause a wide variety symptoms. The most common ones are listed below:

1. 1. Muscle aches
   2. Headaches
   3. Irritability
   4. Chills
   5. Loss of appetite
   6. Sweating
   7. Generalized weakness

Click here for a list of fever symptoms in adults.

How to Take Your Temperature – Fever in Adults

Adults should use a digital thermometer, placing the tip under the tongue.  Forehead (temporal artery) measurements are also fairly accurate.  Readings taken with an ear (tympanic membrane) thermometer can vary, and may be inaccurate if there is an ear infection.  When readings from both ears are compared, the numbers may differ.

Taking a temperature under the armpit is not very accurate, but can be a quick way to take one’s temperature. When doing so, add one degree to know the true core body temperature.

How to Take Your Temperature – Fever in Children

When taking a child’s temperature, the digital thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue if age four or older. Tympanic membrane and forehead models may be used over the age of six months, but expect some variation in readings when using ear thermometers. 

In infants, the most accurate way to take a temperature is rectally.  A fever in infants under age three months can be a sign of a life threatening infection, so taking the temperature correctly is crucial.   

How to Take Your Temperature – Thermometers

Wash your hands with soap and warm water prior to using any thermometer. 

Mercury Thermometer

Because digital thermometers have become very affordable, the use of old glass mercury thermometers should be avoided.

Mercury is poisonous and is released when a glass thermometer breaks.  Furthermore, because it takes some skill to get a proper temperature reading, so they are not as accurate as the latest digital thermometers.

What to Do if a Mercury Thermometer Breaks.

Digital Thermometers

Digital thermometers are affordable, and readily available nowadays.  Because of the digital number displays, they are easy to read.  Click here for thermometer recommendations.

Before each use, make sure that the thermometer is clean and turned on. Again, wash your hands with soap and warm water to prevent the spread of infection. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding appropriate usage for an accurate temperature reading, and always clean the thermometer before putting it away.

Fever in adults – How to Treat a Fever

• Stay hydrated.  In response to a fever, the body sweats in an effort to cool off.  Since sweat contains water, it must be replaced.  Water is the best option for rehydration in most cases.  If there are fluid losses due to vomiting or diarrhea, electrolyte replacement beverages may be ideal.
• Regularly take and record your temperatures.  If taking medication to lower the fever, it should drop within an hour.
• Monitor associated symptoms.  Take your temperature more frequently if your symptoms change (e.g. if you start vomiting)
• Antipyretics.  For fevers that are uncomfortable (e.g. associated muscle aches, headaches) you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These medications help to reset your body’s thermostat, and lower the temperature.
• Do not give aspirin or products that contain it to children or teens under the age of 20. This can potentially cause Reye syndrome, a potentially dangerous condition
• Watch for signs of dehydration.  This can occur if the fever causes you to sweat excessively, or is associated with vomiting or diarrhea.  Signs of dehydration include thirst, dry skin, dry mouth, chills, feeling tired or weak, and dark-colored urine.
• Other fever remedies for adults.

When to Call Your Doctor

• Fevers above 103°F 
• Persistent fever.  Many viral illnesses, especially the flu, cause fevers of 102°F or higher for three to four days.  If associated with such illnesses, it is worth seeing a doctor for any fever that lasts longer.  For fevers that develop with no other symptoms, one should see a doctor if it lasts more than 48 hours.
• If your fever is associated with: 
  • Shortness of breath, chest pain 
  • Severe cough 
  • Seizures 
  • Confusion 
  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea 
  • Severe headache 
  • Skin rash
  • Sensitivity to bright light and/or neck stiffness (could indicate meningitis – an infection of the lining of the brain, spinal cord)
  • Severe abdominal pain (could indicate diverticulitis, appendicitis, or other abdominal disorder)
  • Pain with urination (could indicate a urinary tract infection)

Treatment of Hyperthermia 

Hyperthermia is different from just a fever.   It is more dangerous.  The body becomes overheated and loses its ability to thermoregulate.  If measures are not taken to cool down the body, it can lead to organ damage and death.  When the body’s temperature rises above 104°F and is associated with other symptoms, it is called heatstroke.  This is a medical emergency and should be treated as such. Call 911. Symptoms may include:

• Confusion 
• Vomiting 
• Slurred speech
• Racing heart
• Rapid breathing 
• Loss of consciousness

Before these symptoms occur, moving indoors to an air-conditioned room can gradually lower the core body temperature to a safe range.  Drinking plenty of cool fluids is also helpful.

Fever in Newborns and Children

Fevers in newborns and children are often treated differently than those seen in adults. Please refer to the following links:

Fever in newborns can be serious, and should not be ignored.

Fever in Young Children (Toddlers) 

Remedies for fever in children

Note that the information in this article is purely informative and should never be used in place of the advice of your treating physicians.

What to Do When Your Child Has a Fever – Children’s Health

Children’s Health

May 18, 2015, 12:00:00 AM CDT
Mar 2, 2023, 10:52:42 AM CST

Know the signs of a fever, how to bring down fever and when to see a doctor

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When your child has a fever, it is a sign that their immune system is fighting off an infection. Reducing the fever will not get rid of the infection, but it can relieve some discomfort and allow for an opportunity to re-evaluate your child’s symptoms.

Learn what temperature is considered a fever for a child, the best ways to reduce fever, and when to see a doctor or go to the emergency room (ER).

What temperature is a fever for a child?

A normal body temperature is about 98.6°F. A temperature of 100.4°F or higher is considered a fever for a child. Look for these signs that your child may have a fever:

• Feels warmer than usual
• Sweating
• Shivering
• Loss of appetite
• General body aches
• Fussiness or irritability

If you suspect your child has a fever, use a thermometer to take their temperature.

Which thermometer is the most accurate?

When choosing a thermometer, consider your child’s age and your comfort level using the thermometer. When calling the doctor’s office, be sure to mention the type of thermometer used, the body area from which the temperature was taken and the exact reading.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to stop using mercury thermometers to prevent accidental poisoning. It is easy to drop and break a glass/mercury thermometer and tempting for children to touch the exposed mercury.

Three recommended types of digital thermometers

• Digital multiuse thermometer: Reads body temperature when the sensor on thermometer’s tip touches the body. It can be used for rectal, oral or under the arm readings. Recommended for infants up to 3 years old (rectal) and 4 to 5 years and older (orally).
• Temporal artery (forehead thermometer): Reads the infrared heat waves released by the temporal artery, which runs across the forehead. Recommended for children 3 months and older.
• Tympanic (ear thermometer): Reads the infrared heat waves released by the eardrum. Readings are obtained by insertion in the ear. Recommended for 6 months and older.

How do you bring down a child’s fever?

If your child has a fever, there are ways to provide relief and help reduce the fever:

• Fluids: Offer plenty of fluids to drink. Prolonged fever can lead to dehydration.
• Sponge bath: Apply a lukewarm sponge bath to help lower your child’s temperature. Do not put your child in cold water or use rubbing alcohol to try to cool them off. Rubbing alcohol, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, can be toxic.
• Dress: Remove unnecessary clothing to make your child feel comfortable. Dress your child in lightweight, breathable clothing.
• Comfort: Cover with a light sheet if your child appears chilled.
• Medicine: Consider using fever-reducing medication such as infant acetaminophen (Children’s Tylenol) or infant ibuprofen (Children’s Motrin). Check the label or call your pediatrician for the correct dosage for your child. Ibuprofen is not safe for infants under 6 months of age. Do not give aspirin to children 18 or younger.

When should you worry about a fever?

Call your primary care physician if your child is:

• Younger than 3 months of age with a temperature of 100.4°F or higher
• Age 3 to 6 months with a temperature up to 102°F and appears very lethargic or irritable (also, if the fever is higher than 102°F, without other symptoms)
• Age 6 to 24 months with a temperature above 102°F, lasting more than a day.

If a fever does not respond to acetaminophen or ibuprofen and continues to persist, that is also a good time to seek medical care.

If your child has a fever and you are concerned they may have COVID-19, contact your health care provider for guidance.  See advice for caring for a child with COVID‑19..

When should you take your child to the ER for a fever?

There is no one set temperature that a parent should worry about, as each child’s body can react differently to a fever. While a high fever on its own may not warrant a trip to the ER, there are a variety of other symptoms to watch for. You should visit the ER if your child’s high fever is accompanied by:

• Difficulty breathing
• Unresponsiveness
• Dry lips or sunken eyes
• Excess vomiting
• Dehydration with increased urination

It can be scary when your child spikes a fever. However, fever alone is not a reason to panic. See 5 fever reducing tips from experts @Childrens.

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fever, infection, physician advice, virus

Childrens Health

High temperature – helper or enemy?

• Opinion

Jan 11 2022

An increase in body temperature is a characteristic symptom of many viral and infectious diseases, such as influenza, SARS, chickenpox, etc. In what cases is it worth it, and when should it not be knocked down? What means to use? And what is important to consider when treating children?

Photo: RIA Novosti

An increase in body temperature is one of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor all over the world. In Russia, for example, 8 out of 10 visits to a pediatrician and 30% of emergency calls are related to fever.

Why is the temperature rising?

Fever is the oldest adaptive mechanism. It is caused by special substances – pyrogens, which come from outside or are produced in the body under the influence of a variety of processes, ranging from injuries to infections and tumor division.

An increase in temperature activates the immune system and reduces the growth of microorganisms. Antibodies (immunoglobulins) and immune memory cells, interferons, necessary to fight infection, are produced at high temperatures. Many microbes stop multiplying when you have a fever.

But if t°С reaches 40°С and higher, its protective function is lost and a negative effect on the body appears: metabolism is accelerated excessively, oxygen consumption increases, fluid loss increases and the load on the heart increases sharply, protein denaturation occurs (change their molecules, properties, etc.).

Scientists suggest that in the course of evolution, fever has accelerated the recovery of mammals with mild forms of infection. At the same time, it also provoked the death of hopelessly infected individuals, which could create a threat of an epidemic and extinction of the species.

Before the advent of antibiotics, fever was the main tool in the fight against infections. It is known that doctors at that time successfully treated severe neurosyphilis by infecting patients with Plasmodium vivax malaria, which causes a significant increase in temperature.

Normal and pathological temperature values ​​

There is still no consensus among scientists regarding “normal” body temperature. Someone calls values ​​​​up to 37 ° C, someone up to 37.5 ° C, someone up to 37.7 ° C. Normally, during the day, body temperature can range from 0.25 to 0.5 ° C. The lowest values ​​are fixed at 4 o’clock in the morning, the highest – around 18 o’clock.

There are 3 common ways to measure temperature:

– oral (by mouth)
– axial (in the armpits)
– rectal (through the rectum)

The most reliable is called rectal t ° C. It is typically 0.27–0.38°C (0.5–0.7°F) higher than oral. Armpit temperature is approximately 0.55°C (1.0°F) lower than oral temperature.

A person is considered to have a fever if the oral temperature exceeds 37.5°C or the rectal temperature exceeds 38°C. Hyperpyrexia is a condition when the temperature exceeds 41.1°C. Hypothermia is defined as a rectal temperature of 35°C (95°F) or lower.

Temperatures are also affected by physical activity, age, gender, as well as race and even food intake.

Mechanisms of temperature increase

An increase in body temperature is a whole cascade of complex chain reactions, and we will not dwell on them in detail. We will only note the main links.

Fever is controlled by pyrogens (substances that cause fever) and cryogens (substances that prevent excessive temperature rise). The balance between them determines the severity and course of fever. Pyrogens can enter the body from outside ( exogenous ), and can be produced inside it – endogenous . Exogenous pyrogens are whole microorganisms/particles or toxins. The most studied exogenous pyrogen is a component of the bacterial cell wall called lipopolysaccharide.

Under the action of exogenous pyrogens, endogenous cytokines are produced, which include interleukins, interferon gamma, ciliary neurotropic factor and tumor necrosis factor. These substances are secreted by neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes.

Cryogens include anti-inflammatory cytokines, hormones and many other substances. They show their antipyretic properties by suppressing the synthesis of pyrogens and increasing heat transfer. Cryogens are responsible for protecting the body from the devastating effects of uncontrolled fever.

To be or not to be: treat fever or not?

Despite the fact that fever is one of the oldest mechanisms, the study of fever and the advisability of using antipyretic drugs is still ongoing.

Researchers have recently found that suppressing fever with acetaminophen (paracetamol) delays recovery from chickenpox and malaria. By the way, it should be emphasized that it is with chickenpox and other herpesvirus infections that the use of ibuprofen is not recommended , because this is associated with the risk of frequent skin complications.

The use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in children and adults with lower respiratory tract infections increased complications, including empyema (pus in the lungs) and prolonged hospitalization. In another study involving patients with sepsis, it was found that the best survival was recorded in patients with the highest temperature during the first 24 hours.

In a recent observational study of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, the presence of fever (above 39°C) was found to be associated with better survival. However, another study involving COVID-19 showed a positive association between fever and other severe symptoms.

As you can see, it is impossible to say about the unequivocal benefit or harm of fever, each case of the disease is individual.

How to deal with fever in adults and children?

If the patient’s condition allows, then you can start with physical methods of cooling : wet the gauze with water at room temperature and wipe the body. Plentiful warm drink, peace, airing of rooms.

Do not rub the skin with alcohol, vinegar, badger, goose or other fat. Especially in children! Their skin is supplied with blood much more intensively than an adult, and through it chemically active substances are absorbed into the blood. Those. alcohol is absorbed through the skin and poisons the body.

Why does alcohol seem to lower the temperature? When we apply alcohol to the skin, it begins to actively evaporate and carries away heat. The temperature of the upper layer of the skin decreases. But the internal temperature of the body does not decrease.

Vinegar, being an acid, in addition to the effects listed above, forms a film on the skin, preventing it from breathing, and can cause burns. There is no need to explain about rubbing with fat / oils – these actions lead to the opposite process: they increase t ° C.

! Sad personal experience. Relatives had a case when an infant fell ill and began to have a strong temperature. It was in the village. Of course – grandmothers-healers, all the cases. They began to rub the child with pork and lamb fat. The temperature increased, the child soon died.

As for medication methods to reduce fever, the current medical community suggests using the following recommendations (Mayo Clinic):

– Children under 3 months of age : when t 9002 5 above 38° C (100. 4 ° F) Seek medical attention even if the child has no other complaints.

– Children 3-6 months : at t up to 38.9°C (102 ° F) give the child more fluids. Medicines are not needed. Seek medical attention if baby behaves unusually, is lethargic or irritable, or if temperature is above 38.9°C.

– Children 6–24 months : if t rises above 38.9 ° C, the child should be given acetaminophen (paracetamol). From 6 months and older, ibuprofen can be used. Aspirin should not be given to children! A doctor should be seen if the fever does not respond to treatment or lasts longer than one day.

– Children 2-17 years old : until reaching 38.9 ° C, we monitor the child’s condition and give more to drink. If above 38.9 ° C: if the child is uncomfortable, give him paracetamol or ibuprofen in dosages by weight (!). A visit to the doctor is necessary if the fever does not respond to treatment or lasts longer than 3 days.

– Adults 18 years and older : if t does not rise above 38.9 ° C, it is recommended to rest and drink more fluids. A doctor should be consulted if a fever is accompanied by a severe headache, neck stiffness, shortness of breath, or other unusual symptoms. At a temperature of 38.9°C You can take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin if the fever causes significant discomfort. Do not delay seeing a doctor if the temperature is not treatable, is consistently 39.4 ° C or higher, or lasts more than 3 days.

Please note that the temperatures above are from rectal and oral thermometers. However, these recommendations are not intended for people who are immunocompromised, taking chemotherapy drugs, or who have recently had surgery.

Attention: children!

What is important to know about fever in children?

– We focus not so much on the numbers of the thermometer, but on the well-being of the child. If the child is lethargic, weak, apathetic, it is clear that he is clearly ill, then we lower the temperature, even if it is not higher than 37.5-38°C.

— Do not forget that children have an increased metabolism, and with fever it only intensifies. They lose more fluid (with fever, shortness of breath, sweat), appears risk of dehydration . Therefore, we give a plentiful warm drink. But we do not force you to eat: the body is fighting the disease, it is not up to the digestion of food. Even if he loses weight during the illness, it’s okay – he will catch up when he recovers.

— Our task is gradual decrease in temperature! Do not expect that after giving an antipyretic at 39 ° C, in half an hour you will see 36.6 on the thermometer. The norm is a decrease of at least 0.5 ° C in half an hour. No need to try to give the drug in large doses to bring down immediately from 39up to 36.6. Otherwise you will get side effects!

– When repeated administration of an antipyretic, it is important to observe the interval. Paracetamol can be taken every 4 hours , ibuprofen every 6 hours . According to some other sources, the interval is even stricter – paracetamol after 6 hours, ibuprofen after 8.

– These are convulsions against the background of an increase in temperature. This is a benign condition, it should not be scared, although it looks scary. It passes by itself and does not cause consequences for the brain, does not lead to epilepsy and other complications. This is just a feature of the reaction of the body. It is important to note the time of the beginning and end, put the child on its side (do not put anything in your mouth !!) and if this is the first time, then call an ambulance.

– There are red and white forms of fever. With red, we see a child with red cheeks, hot arms and legs. It is well reduced by antipyretics. With white fever, vasospasm occurs, the child is pale, the skin is marbled, cold to the touch, the hands and feet are also cold.

In this case, antipyretics may not be effective, and then a doctor should be called. You can not wrap up the patient, dress warmly, but you can warm him from the inside with warm liquids, rub his heels (dry!). It is also believed that white fever is the stage preceding the red one, and soon such a child will become hot and ruddy.

— There are different forms of preparations for children: suppositories, tablets, syrups. Suppositories are more suitable for babies, but they are ineffective at temperatures above 39.5 ° C and with white fever. In this case, it is better to give syrup.

– Remember that only two antipyretics are allowed for children – paracetamol and ibuprofen . You can not give aspirin – it provokes Reye’s syndrome, from which the mortality rate is 40%. It is impossible analgin – inhibits hematopoiesis and causes agranulocytosis, a life-threatening condition. Nimesulide (nise) is also banned – causes toxic hepatitis.

Antihistamines are useless in case of fever, they do not increase the effect of antipyretics in any way and, moreover, old antihistamines cause side effects from the nervous system – up to hallucinations.

— I repeat that with chickenpox and other herpesvirus infections the use of ibuprofen is not recommended because it is associated with a frequent risk of skin complications.

— We do not prescribe antibiotics ourselves , even if the temperature persists for more than 3 days. This is an outdated opinion, and now it is not relevant. In most cases, the temperature is caused by SARS, it can last up to a week, but does not require antibiotics. Otherwise, grow mutant bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

— And most importantly : when giving antipyretics to children, we focus not on age, but on weight!

Dosage by age is written on many packages – forget about it. It will be correct to calculate the dose precisely by weight, because at the same age different children weigh differently, and, accordingly, a different dose will be required.

And now we will try to teach you how to calculate the dose for a child! Let’s take two main drugs: ibuprofen and paracetamol . It’s the only antipyretics allowed in children. .

Single dose of Ibuprofen – 8-10 mg per kg of body weight, paracetamol – 10-15 mg per kg of body weight. To make it easier to calculate, let’s take the average value of two drugs – this is 10 mg / kg of body weight.

Let’s look at the example

A child is 2 years old, he weighs 12 kg.

So, 10 mg of the drug is multiplied by 12 kg of the child’s body weight: 10 x 12 = 120 mg. This is a single dose of , that is, we have to give so much for one times.

Since children at this age need syrup, it is often written on the packaging: in 5 ml of syrup – 100 mg of the drug.

Here you need to make the following calculation: 1) 5 ml – 100 mg, therefore 1 ml – 20 mg. 2) The previous single dose (120 mg) is divided by these 20 mg, in this case 120:20, we get 6 ml.

Why is the correct dosage important?

!When I worked in the ER, children came in with a fever, and in most cases we gave them only the correct dosage, and the temperature dropped.

But there have also been cases of overdose of antipyretics. The reason was just in giving the wrong dose: the mother gives the dose according to age, as it is written on the package, but the child is large, the dose is small, there is no effect. Mom again gives the drug, not maintaining the interval, and already the total dosage exceeds the norm, an overdose occurs. And if she knew that it was necessary to calculate by weight, she would immediately give the correct dose and would not have to go to the hospital.

To summarize

— An increase in body temperature is primarily a defense mechanism, so do not rush to bring it down right away. But you need to focus on well-being: if it allows, up to 38.5 ° C can be tolerated. If you or your child feel bad, then do not delay, give an antipyretic.

– Consider the characteristics of the child’s body, dosage by weight, individual response, use only approved drugs.

– If the temperature has returned to normal and you feel better, but after a few days the temperature rises again and worsens, then consult a doctor.

– Do not self-administer antibiotics, even if the temperature persists for more than three days.

– Be aware of the correct dosage of antipyretics.

And be healthy!

The views of the authors of the publications do not necessarily reflect the views and positions of TRT in Russian.
We welcome any suggestions and are open to cooperation. To contact the editors, use the feedback form.

• children
• degrees
• Coronavirus
• Immunity
• adults

Pediatrician, blogger, author of the Buduvrachom project

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What to do with a temperature without symptoms of the disease > Rubric in Samara

The temperature, which is not much different from the norm, but is already a sign of ill health, in medicine is usually called subfebrile.

In this situation, the thermometer may show 37.0 – 37.5°C for a long time. Sometimes the indicators can reach 37.9 ° C. If no other symptoms bother a person, doctors will have to conduct a series of additional tests to understand the cause. Prolonged subfebrile temperature is a special subject of study in therapeutic practice. Patients with such complaints come to the appointment quite often. According to statistics, in 70 – 80% of cases, protracted subfebrile condition occurs in young women with signs of asthenia, in those who suffer from increased fatigue, weakness, irritability, nervousness, have sleep disturbances and other psychopathological disorders. If the fever persists for more than a month or two, then a comprehensive examination is necessary.

Causes

Increased body temperature is caused by certain proteins – pyrogens. They can enter the body from the external environment or be produced spontaneously inside it. These proteins have a connection with the hypothalamus, activate the immune system and affect the general well-being of a person.

In some cases, subfebrile temperature may indicate that an infection has occurred with a disease. In others – about a malfunction in the body. Also, sometimes there are congenital pathologies that cause an increase in temperature.

Disorder of thermoregulation can serve as one of the signs of vegetovascular dystonia. With such a disease, a temperature often appears without symptoms of a cold. A person complains of heaviness in the head, weakness, pain. The heat in the body is abruptly replaced by chills. Cold palms and feet may indicate the local nature of thermoregulation failures. In most patients with dystonia, fever can persist for up to several months.

There are cases when subfebrile condition causes an increase in the number of simple microbes, which in normal times are not dangerous. This is due to a weakened immune system. The reason for the increase in temperature can also be autoimmune processes, when the body’s defenses mistakenly begin to attack healthy tissue.

— In case of any increase in temperature, you should contact your local doctor. The specialist will first prescribe a general blood and urine test. Based on their results, he will decide on further examination and treatment. In general, absolutely any stress, including emotional stress, can affect the increase in body temperature. Oleg Fatenkov, chief therapist of the Samara region

In addition, doctors say that often a temperature of 37.0 – 37.5 ° C is a sign of an allergy of a latent or overt course. If the indicator reaches 38 ° C and lasts for a long time, then this can be a sign of serious diseases: bronchitis, sinusitis, tuberculosis, latent infections, tumor processes.

Subfebrile condition can also be caused by changes in temperature, stress, hormonal imbalance, and taking certain medications.

What to do?

In any case, a visit to a specialist is necessary. Do not try to bring down the temperature at home with drugs without the advice of a doctor.

Usually low-grade fever does not require taking antipyretics.