What is considered a high fever in adults. How to accurately measure body temperature. When should you seek medical attention for a fever. Is 98.6°F still the normal body temperature. What causes fevers without other symptoms.

Understanding Fever: What It Is and Why It Occurs

Fever is a common bodily response that often raises concerns, especially when it occurs unexpectedly. But what exactly is a fever, and why does our body produce it?

A fever is defined as an elevated body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. It’s our body’s natural defense mechanism against infections, working to create an inhospitable environment for pathogens. By raising the internal temperature, our immune system attempts to “kill the germ” causing the infection.

Interestingly, adults can develop a fever without experiencing any other symptoms. This phenomenon often puzzles both patients and healthcare providers. Various factors can trigger such isolated fevers:

• Viral infections (e.g., COVID-19, common cold, flu)
• Bacterial infections
• Inflammatory conditions
• Certain medications
• Autoimmune disorders

In many cases, especially with viral infections, the fever may resolve on its own within a few days without a specific identifiable cause.

High-Grade Fever in Adults: When Should You Be Concerned?

While a slight temperature elevation might not be cause for alarm, a high-grade fever in adults can be more concerning. But at what point does a fever become “high-grade”?

For adults, a high-grade fever is typically considered to be 103°F (39.4°C) or higher. However, it’s not just the number on the thermometer that matters. The duration and accompanying symptoms also play crucial roles in determining the severity of the situation.

When should you seek medical attention for a fever? Consider the following scenarios:

• Your fever persists for several days or keeps recurring
• The temperature doesn’t decrease after taking over-the-counter fever reducers
• You have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or a compromised immune system
• You’re pregnant
• You’ve recently returned from overseas travel
• You have a history of frequent infections
• You’re undergoing chemotherapy
• You’ve been bitten by a tick recently

In these situations, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider promptly. They can assess your overall condition and determine if further investigation or treatment is necessary.

The Myth of 98.6°F: Redefining “Normal” Body Temperature

For generations, 98.6°F (37°C) has been considered the benchmark for normal body temperature. However, recent research suggests this long-held belief might need revision. Why is this the case?

Studies indicate that average body temperatures have been gradually declining over time. The reasons for this shift are multifaceted:

• Lower overall metabolic rates in modern populations
• Reduced rates of chronic infections
• More accurate thermometry techniques

Today, the range for normal body temperature is considered to be between 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C). This wider range accounts for individual variations and daily fluctuations.

Does this mean you should disregard the traditional 98.6°F benchmark entirely? Not necessarily. It’s still a useful reference point, but it’s important to understand that “normal” can vary from person to person and even throughout the day for an individual.

Measuring Fever Accurately: Tips and Techniques

Accurate temperature measurement is crucial for assessing fever. How can you ensure you’re getting the most precise reading possible?

The oral method remains the gold standard for temperature measurement in adults. To maximize accuracy:

1. Wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking anything hot or cold before taking your temperature
2. Keep the thermometer under your tongue for the recommended time (usually until it beeps)
3. Avoid smoking or chewing gum before measurement
4. Use a digital thermometer for more precise readings

Other methods, such as tympanic (ear) or temporal (forehead) measurements, can be convenient but may be slightly less accurate than oral readings. If using these methods, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Fever Management: When to Treat and How

While fever is often a sign that your body is fighting an infection, there are times when managing the temperature can provide comfort and prevent complications. How should you approach fever management?

First, it’s important to remember the adage: “Don’t fear the fever.” In many cases, allowing a low-grade fever to run its course can help your body combat the underlying infection more effectively.

However, if the fever is causing discomfort or is high-grade, you might consider the following management strategies:

• Over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Staying hydrated with water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions
• Resting and avoiding strenuous activities
• Using a cool compress on the forehead or taking a lukewarm bath

Remember, these measures are aimed at providing comfort rather than “curing” the fever. If your temperature doesn’t respond to these interventions or if you have concerns, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider.

Fevers and COVID-19: What You Need to Know

In the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, fever has taken on additional significance as a potential symptom of the virus. How does COVID-19 relate to fevers, and what should you be aware of?

Fever is indeed one of the common symptoms of COVID-19, often accompanied by other signs like cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. However, it’s important to note that not everyone with COVID-19 will develop a fever, and not every fever is indicative of COVID-19.

Can fully vaccinated individuals still develop a fever due to COVID-19? While breakthrough infections are possible in vaccinated individuals, they tend to be less severe. Fever, if present, is often milder compared to infections in unvaccinated people.

If you develop a fever and are concerned about COVID-19, especially if you live in an area with active cases, it’s advisable to:

• Self-isolate as a precautionary measure
• Contact your healthcare provider for guidance
• Consider getting tested for COVID-19
• Monitor your symptoms closely

Remember, vaccination remains one of the most effective tools in preventing severe COVID-19 infections and reducing the risk of complications.

Special Considerations: Fevers in Different Populations

While this article primarily focuses on fevers in adults, it’s crucial to recognize that fever management can vary significantly for different populations. How do approaches differ for specific groups?

Infants and Young Children

Fevers in infants, especially those under 3 months, require immediate medical attention. For young children, parents should consider factors beyond just the temperature reading:

• Is the child’s breathing labored?
• Are they drinking less or producing less urine?
• Are they crying inconsolably?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it’s best to consult a pediatrician regardless of the fever’s degree.

Elderly Individuals

Older adults may not always develop high fevers even when fighting serious infections. A slight temperature elevation in an elderly person could be more significant than a higher fever in a younger adult. Additionally, older individuals may be more susceptible to complications from prolonged fevers.

Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV, may need to seek medical attention for even low-grade fevers. Their bodies might struggle to fight infections effectively, making early intervention crucial.

Understanding these nuances can help in providing appropriate care and knowing when to seek medical help for different populations.

Beyond Temperature: Other Signs of Illness to Watch For

While fever is often a primary concern, it’s essential to consider it in the context of other symptoms. What other signs might indicate a more serious condition?

Even without a high fever, the following symptoms warrant medical attention:

• Severe headache, especially if accompanied by neck stiffness
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Unusual skin rashes, particularly if they don’t blanch under pressure
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Severe abdominal pain

These symptoms, with or without fever, could indicate various conditions ranging from meningitis to appendicitis. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical evaluation.

Remember, your body often provides multiple signals when something is amiss. Paying attention to the full spectrum of symptoms, not just temperature, can provide a more comprehensive picture of your health status.

The Role of Fever in Different Medical Conditions

While we often associate fever with infectious diseases, it’s important to recognize that elevated body temperature can be a symptom of various medical conditions. How does fever manifest in different health scenarios?

Autoimmune Disorders

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause recurrent low-grade fevers. These fevers are often accompanied by other symptoms such as joint pain or skin rashes.

Cancer

Certain types of cancer, particularly lymphomas, can cause persistent or intermittent fevers. These are often referred to as “B symptoms” when accompanied by night sweats and unexplained weight loss.

Medication-Induced Fever

Some medications can cause drug fever as a side effect. This type of fever typically resolves when the medication is discontinued.

Endocrine Disorders

Conditions affecting the thyroid or adrenal glands can sometimes lead to temperature dysregulation, including fever.

Understanding the diverse causes of fever can help in recognizing when a temperature elevation might be indicative of an underlying condition rather than a simple infection. This knowledge can guide more informed discussions with healthcare providers and potentially lead to earlier diagnosis of non-infectious causes of fever.

Fever Myths and Misconceptions: Separating Fact from Fiction

Despite our growing understanding of fever, many myths and misconceptions persist. Let’s address some common misunderstandings about fever:

Myth: Fever is always harmful and must be treated aggressively

Fact: Mild to moderate fevers are often beneficial, helping the body fight infections. Aggressive treatment isn’t always necessary unless the fever is causing significant discomfort or is dangerously high.

Myth: The higher the fever, the more serious the illness

Fact: The severity of an illness doesn’t always correlate with the degree of fever. Some serious infections may cause only a slight temperature elevation, while less concerning viral infections can sometimes produce high fevers.

Myth: Fever can cause brain damage

Fact: Fever alone doesn’t cause brain damage. Only extremely high fevers (above 107.6°F or 42°C) pose this risk, and such temperatures are exceedingly rare and usually caused by extreme environmental conditions rather than illness.

Myth: You should always use antibiotics for a fever

Fact: Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Many fevers are caused by viruses, against which antibiotics are ineffective. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Dispelling these myths can lead to more appropriate fever management and reduce unnecessary anxiety. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on managing fevers and underlying conditions.

Technological Advances in Temperature Monitoring

As technology continues to evolve, new methods for monitoring body temperature are emerging. How are these innovations changing the landscape of fever detection and management?

Wearable Devices

Smart watches and fitness trackers are increasingly incorporating temperature sensors. While not as accurate as medical-grade thermometers, these devices can provide continuous monitoring and alert users to significant temperature changes.

Non-Contact Infrared Thermometers

These devices have gained popularity, especially in public health screenings. They offer quick readings without physical contact but may be less accurate than traditional methods in certain conditions.

Smartphone-Connected Thermometers

These devices sync with smartphone apps to track temperature over time, making it easier to share data with healthcare providers and identify patterns.

Thermal Imaging Cameras

While primarily used in industrial and security applications, thermal imaging technology is being explored for mass fever screening in public spaces.

While these technologies offer convenience and new possibilities for temperature monitoring, it’s important to remember that they should complement, not replace, traditional methods and professional medical advice when it comes to managing fevers and diagnosing illnesses.

As we continue to advance our understanding of fever and develop new tools for its detection and management, the fundamental principles remain: listen to your body, monitor your symptoms holistically, and seek medical attention when in doubt. Fever, while often a cause for concern, is also a testament to the remarkable ways our bodies work to keep us healthy.

Fever & Temperature In Adults: When To Worry

Karen Justiniano, DO, MS, Stamford Health Medical Group

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is considered a high fever in adults?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is 98.6 still considered “normal” body temperature?

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

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

A couple of helpful reminders:

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

Fever 101 – A guide to kid’s fevers

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Posted: May 09, 2022

Fever in children can be a scary thing for parents, often causing them to wonder if a trip to the emergency room is necessary. Le Bonheur Pediatrician Ruth Patton MD, of Pediatric Consultants, shares the advice she often gives parents when their child feels feverish.

“Don’t panic,” says Dr. Patton. “Know that fever is the body’s natural reaction to infection.

Dr. Patton offers three important questions to ask yourself when your child has a high temperature:

1. Is your child’s breathing labored?
2. Is your child drinking less or experiencing decreased urine output?
3. Is your child crying inconsolably?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, it’s best to call your pediatrician’s office, no matter your child’s degree of fever.

Dr. Patton stresses that if you have an infant younger than 2 months with a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you need to call your pediatrician immediately. Fever in newborns does require an exam, as newborns have immature immunity and are more susceptible to serious illness.

Even if your child does not show signs of serious illness, a fever can make him or her uncomfortable. To make your child as comfortable as possible, you can provide temporary relief by administering a dosage of acetaminophen or ibuprofen if he or she is 6 months or older. Most children with a temperature lower than 101 degrees Fahrenheit may not need medication, but if you notice that your child is uncomfortable, it won’t hurt to give them an over-the-counter medicine. You should also keep your child dressed in light clothing, keep the house at a comfortable temperature, offer plenty of fluids and make sure they rest.

Knowing your child’s normal behavior and the symptoms that are accompanying the fever is the most important information for you to consider. As long as you don’t notice any of the three red flags, a trip to the doctor’s office probably isn’t necessary. Just remember to monitor your child closely. If the fever has not reduced after 24 hours on medication, call your child’s pediatrician.

What temperature is a fever?

100.4 degrees Fahrenheit measured rectally, orally, temporally (forehead) or tympanically (ear).

What ‘is’ a fever?

Fever is the body’s natural defense against infection.

When should I call the doctor?

Call your pediatrician if you have an infant younger than 2 months with a rectal temperature of 100.4F or if your child is experiencing any of the following:

• Labored breathing
• Inconsolable crying
• Decreased drinking or urine output

You should also call your doctor if you have a child with a temperature higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit or temperature does not respond to medication.

What should I do if my child has a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit but is acting normally?

If your child is not exhibiting any of the behavioral red flags, give your child a dosage of acetaminophen or ibuprofen if he or she is at least 6 months old. Continue to monitor your child’s behavior and call the doctor if the fever has not gone down after 24 hours with medication.

What type of thermometer and method gives the most accurate temperature reading?

A digital thermometer administered rectally will give you the most accurate temperature.

Authored by:

Ruth Patton, MD

Le Bonheur Pediatrician

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Safety instructions: who can infect the inhabitants of the Kama region with mouse fever and how to avoid it – December 8, 2017

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From +8 ˚С to +38 ˚С. Forecasters told about the weather in Perm and the region for a week with renal syndrome, better known as mouse fever.

Six people were hospitalized with mouse fever this year in Chaikovsky

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One person died from it in Chaikovsky, five more were hospitalized, but now they are recovering. The editors of 59.ru learned from the specialists of the Perm Regional Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital what kind of disease it is, how it is treated and what to do to avoid infection.

Murine fever (also known as hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, HFRS) is a disease characterized by damage to small vessels. It is caused by a virus that was first isolated from the lungs of mouse-like rodents. It is distributed in a certain area. The spread of infection is typical for summer and autumn.

The virus has now been found in more than 80 species of mammals on four continents of the globe. In the European part of Russia, including Perm, the bank vole is the source of infection.

Hemorrhagic fever can affect people of all ages, most often between the ages of 18 and 50. Most of the patients are men.

The virus is released into the environment in the saliva and feces of rodents. Human infection occurs mainly by inhalation of the dried excrement of infected rodents. Transmission is also possible by contact: through damaged skin and mucous membranes, in contact with rodents or infected objects. Infection is possible through the use of non-thermally processed products contaminated with secretions of infected animals.

How not to get infected

“There is no transmission of infection from person to person,” notes Maria Viktorovna Ivanova, an infectious disease specialist at the Perm Regional Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital.

Symptoms and course of illness

Symptoms develop suddenly and rapidly. The incubation period lasts from 4 to 49 days, more often – two to three weeks. The main symptom is a sharp increase in body temperature, which in the first days reaches 39.5-40.5 degrees. The fever can last up to 12 days.

Unlike SARS, the maximum temperature level occurs during the day and even in the morning, not in the evening.

Other symptoms: headache, aches in the body, limbs and joints, weakness, lack of appetite, thirst, poor sleep. There are “fog before the eyes” and dull pain in the lower back.

The next stage is characterized by a decrease in temperature, but the patient does not feel better. The lower back constantly hurts, the amount of urine excreted decreases. A rash may appear on the chest, inner surface of the shoulders, armpits. In severe infections, hemorrhages are possible. During this period, you need to be wary of complications in the form of renal and adrenal insufficiency.

Further, the patients feel better, urination is restored, although at first the patients excrete a large amount of urine (up to 10 liters per day). After one or two days, renal functions are restored. By the fourth week of illness, the amount of urine excreted returns to normal. A few months later, a slight weakness persists.

The recovered organism recovers within a period of one to three years.

After infection develops persistent immunity.

— Self-treatment is not allowed. At the first symptoms, it is necessary to urgently seek medical help, – explained Maria Viktorovna Ivanova.

If you ask for help – in most cases, recovery. Consequences are possible in the form of hypertension (persistent increase in blood pressure) and chronic pyelonephritis (kidney disease of an infectious and inflammatory nature).

Personal hygiene is important.

If there are mice in the house, you need to fight them, protect food from them and, if we are talking about the household, hay, feed.

Wet cleaning should be carried out in summer cottages, during which it is advisable to wear gloves on your hands and a mask on your face.

Recall that in the fall of this year, builders from Tchaikovsky were hospitalized with suspected mouse fever. In November, one of the infected people died. Rospotrebnadzor of Prikamye told 59.ru how to protect yourself from infection.

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Photo: archive 59.ru

Valeria Smirnova

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Ukraine: surge of nationalism or pre-election fever?

November 14, 2012, 13:11

The day before, the Central Electoral Commission /CEC/ of Ukraine completed summarizing the official results of the elections to the Verkhovna Rada, held on October 28th.

A total of 445 deputies were elected to parliament on party lists and in single-mandate constituencies, including 185 from the Party of Regions, 101 from Batkivshchyna, 40 from the UDAR party, 37 from Svoboda, and 32 from the Communist Party. , apparently, 43 self-nominated candidates elected to parliament also have to play.

Voting results by regions show the already traditional East-West opposition, although there have been serious changes compared to the 2007 early parliamentary elections.

The main surprise for political scientists is 10.44% of the votes for the nationalist association “Svoboda”. The party not only won 2.13 million votes across the country, but also won in a single region – Lviv. Thus, Ukrainian nationalists practically repeated the success of the People’s Movement of Ukraine party in the 1998 elections.

What raised the nationalist sentiments of Ukrainians to new heights? According to many observers, nationalism in the western regions of Ukraine has been steadily declining over the past 5 years. At the household level, this can be evidenced by preferences in the choice of radio stations in public transport, taxi drivers and in general without exception switched to the Russian-language retro repertoire. The fact that the majority of the able-bodied population of the western regions have been working for years did not add to the popularity of the nationalists, and if in “bad” Russia Western Ukrainians work mainly in the oil and gas industry, then in “hospitable” Europe, labor migrants from Ukraine specialize in the most non-prestigious professions from janitors and nurses to the service sector is not quite legal properties.

At the same time, in the central regions of the country, a generation has grown up that does not operate with the concepts of a “common past”, but is prone to the tendencies of isolation cultivated by national propaganda. Along with this, one cannot discount the Russian-speaking East, Crimea and Transcarpathia, which is permanently loyal to Russia.

For some time, all these directions were able to be brought together . .. sport. The European Football Championship 2012 played an important unifying role in the country. Indeed, football in the modern world is more than football. The country not only overcame the difficulties of preparing for the championship, the very holding of which in Ukrainian cities was in doubt, but also adequately hosted this global sporting event. These real achievements had a much greater ideological weight than the slogans of the time of Tymoshenko’s premiership, such as “Out of practice … Out of Ukraine!” /She works… She is Ukraine/.

However, this delicate balance was disturbed by the discussion of the law on the Russian language. As a result, everyone was dissatisfied with the law. Opponents of the law – by the fact of its adoption, supporters – by the emasculation of the final version. Outrage was carefully fueled on social networks, especially among young people. The slogans “Move with my tongue, lick with my tongue!”, “One language! One nation! One Ukraine!” placed thousands of young people on their personal pages. On the wave of cultural and linguistic contradictions, the electorate of nationalists grew in layers of Internet-active youth.

As far as the All-Ukrainian Association “Svoboda” is concerned, this is not a new phenomenon. The party has won a high percentage in local council elections in Lviv and Ternopil regions since 2009. The local medium-sized business, ideologically emerging from the student anti-communist unrest of the early nineties, actively invested in the development of the party. The hryvnia, invested in the already ready ideological soil, gave an excellent harvest. It must be said that the growth of the party’s popularity was facilitated not only by disputes over the status of the Russian language, but also by the results of the work shown at the local level. On the other hand, the improvement in the results of the VO “Svoboda” in the central regions and in Kiev (17.33%) can be explained by the protest voting of voters who are dissatisfied with both the general situation in the country and the course of the election campaign.

Be that as it may, for the next five years Svoboda will become one of the brightest and most scandalous events in Ukrainian politics.

Against the background of the phenomenal breakthrough of the nationalists, the enviable constancy in the political predilections of the inhabitants of the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine went unnoticed. But it is this region that, from election to election, shows results that are opposite to the western region as a whole. Nothing has changed and this time, the “Party of Regions” received more than 30% of the vote here. Neither the bewitching charm of neighboring Europe, nor the neighborhood of primordially nationalist regions has power over Transcarpathia. Some experts see the key to unraveling this political enclave of the “regionals” in the Ruthenian minority, unrecognized by the Ukrainian authorities, whose number, according to some sources, reaches 700 thousand people. Rusyns consider themselves a special East Slavic people along with Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians.