How high is too high for a fever in adults. What temperature is considered a high fever. When should you seek medical attention for a fever. Can you have a fever with no other symptoms. Is 98.6 still considered normal body temperature.

Understanding Fever: The Body’s Natural Defense Mechanism

Fever is a common physiological response that often causes concern among adults. But what exactly is a fever, and why does our body produce it? Let’s delve into this fascinating aspect of human biology.

A fever is defined as an elevated body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. It’s the body’s natural way of combating infections by raising the internal temperature to create an environment less hospitable for pathogens. In essence, fever is your immune system’s frontline defense against invaders.

Can you have a fever without any other symptoms? Absolutely. It’s not uncommon for adults to develop a fever with no accompanying signs of illness. This phenomenon often puzzles both patients and healthcare providers alike. In many cases, the underlying cause might be a viral infection that resolves on its own within a few days.

Common Causes of Fever in Adults

• Viral infections (e.g., COVID-19, influenza, common cold)
• Bacterial infections
• Respiratory tract infections (e.g., bronchitis)
• Gastrointestinal infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Autoimmune disorders
• Certain medications

It’s important to note that while fever is generally beneficial in fighting infections, extremely high temperatures or prolonged fevers can be concerning and may require medical attention.

The Fever Threshold: How High is Too High?

When it comes to fevers in adults, there’s often confusion about what constitutes a “high” temperature. Understanding these thresholds can help you make informed decisions about when to seek medical care.

In adults, a temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher is considered a high-grade fever. This level of fever often warrants closer monitoring and potentially medical intervention, especially if it persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Fever Temperature Ranges for Adults

• Normal temperature: 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C)
• Low-grade fever: 99.1°F to 100.3°F (37.3°C to 37.9°C)
• Moderate fever: 100.4°F to 102.9°F (38°C to 39.4°C)
• High fever: 103°F (39.4°C) or higher

Is a high fever always cause for immediate concern? Not necessarily. The body’s response to infection can sometimes result in high temperatures. However, persistent high fevers or those accompanied by severe symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Fever

While fevers are often harmless and self-limiting, there are scenarios where medical intervention becomes necessary. Recognizing these situations can help ensure timely and appropriate care.

When should you seek medical attention for a fever? Consider contacting your healthcare provider if:

• Your temperature reaches 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
• The fever persists for more than three days
• You have a serious underlying health condition (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, cancer)
• You’re experiencing severe symptoms alongside the fever (e.g., difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache)
• You’ve recently returned from travel to an area with endemic infectious diseases
• You’re pregnant
• You have a compromised immune system

Are there any specific circumstances that require immediate medical attention? Yes, if you’re undergoing chemotherapy and develop a fever that lasts more than an hour, it’s crucial to seek medical care promptly. This situation could indicate a serious infection that requires urgent treatment.

Debunking the 98.6°F Myth: What’s a Normal Body Temperature?

For centuries, 98.6°F (37°C) has been touted as the “normal” human body temperature. However, recent research has challenged this long-held belief, suggesting that our understanding of normal body temperature may need an update.

Is 98.6°F still considered the normal body temperature? Not exactly. Modern studies indicate that the average body temperature can range from about 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C). This broader range accounts for individual variations and environmental factors that can influence body temperature.

Factors Influencing Body Temperature

• Time of day (temperatures are typically lower in the morning and higher in the evening)
• Physical activity
• Hormonal changes (e.g., menstrual cycle)
• Age (older adults often have lower baseline temperatures)
• Ambient temperature
• Hydration status

Why has the concept of “normal” body temperature changed? Researchers suggest several factors, including lower overall metabolic rates in modern populations, reduced rates of chronic infections, and more accurate thermometers. This shift underscores the importance of considering individual baselines when assessing fever.

Fever Management: Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Solutions

While high fevers may require medical attention, many low to moderate fevers can be managed effectively at home. Understanding proper fever management can help alleviate discomfort and support the body’s natural healing process.

How can you manage a fever at home? Here are some effective strategies:

1. Rest: Allow your body to conserve energy for fighting the infection.
2. Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
3. Cool compresses: Apply a damp cloth to your forehead or wrists.
4. Light clothing: Wear breathable, lightweight clothing to help dissipate heat.
5. Over-the-counter medications: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and alleviate discomfort.

Should you always try to lower a fever? Not necessarily. Low to moderate fevers are often beneficial in fighting infections. However, if the fever is causing significant discomfort or is high, reducing it can be helpful.

Cautions When Managing Fever

• Avoid aspirin for fever reduction in children and teenagers due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
• Never use rubbing alcohol to reduce fever, as it can be dangerous when absorbed through the skin.
• Don’t bundle up or overdress when you have a fever, as this can increase body temperature.

Remember, these home remedies are meant for managing mild to moderate fevers. High or persistent fevers should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Fever and COVID-19: What You Need to Know

In the context of the ongoing global pandemic, fever has taken on new significance as one of the primary symptoms of COVID-19. Understanding the relationship between fever and COVID-19 can help in early detection and appropriate action.

Can a fully vaccinated person develop a fever due to COVID-19? Yes, although it’s less common. Breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals have been reported, but symptoms, including fever, tend to be milder compared to those in unvaccinated individuals.

COVID-19 and Fever: Key Points

• Fever is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19, but not everyone with the virus will develop a fever.
• Other symptoms to watch for include cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and shortness of breath.
• If you develop a fever and live in an area with active COVID-19 cases, consider getting tested.
• Vaccinated individuals can still contract COVID-19, but their symptoms are generally milder.

How should you respond to a fever if you suspect COVID-19? If you develop a fever along with other COVID-19 symptoms, it’s advisable to self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider for guidance on testing and further steps.

Special Considerations: Fever in Older Adults

Fever in older adults, particularly those over 65, can present unique challenges and risks. The aging process can affect how the body responds to infections, making fever assessment and management more complex in this population.

Why is fever in older adults a special concern? Older adults may not develop fever as readily as younger individuals when fighting infections. This phenomenon, known as “blunted fever response,” can make it harder to detect serious illnesses early.

Key Points for Fever in Older Adults

• A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher should be considered significant in older adults.
• Other signs of infection, such as confusion, weakness, or loss of appetite, may be more prominent than fever.
• Chronic health conditions can complicate fever management in older adults.
• Dehydration is a significant risk during fevers in older individuals.

How should fever be managed in older adults? Close monitoring, adequate hydration, and prompt medical evaluation are crucial. Even a slight temperature elevation in an older adult should be taken seriously, especially if accompanied by changes in mental status or other concerning symptoms.

The Role of Technology in Fever Monitoring

Advancements in technology have revolutionized how we monitor and track fevers. From traditional mercury thermometers to digital and infrared devices, the options for temperature measurement have expanded significantly.

What are the most accurate methods for measuring body temperature? While rectal temperatures are considered the gold standard for accuracy, oral temperatures taken with digital thermometers are the most common and practical method for adults. Temporal artery (forehead) thermometers have also gained popularity due to their ease of use and non-invasive nature.

Types of Thermometers and Their Uses

• Digital oral thermometers: Accurate and easy to use
• Temporal artery thermometers: Quick and non-invasive, but may be less accurate in certain conditions
• Tympanic (ear) thermometers: Convenient but require proper technique for accuracy
• Axillary (armpit) thermometers: Less accurate but useful for screening
• Smart thermometers: Connected devices that can track and log temperature data over time

How have smart thermometers changed fever monitoring? Smart thermometers, which connect to smartphones via Bluetooth, allow for easy tracking of temperature trends over time. This data can be particularly useful for healthcare providers in assessing the progression of an illness.

When using any thermometer, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for accurate results. Factors like recent food or drink consumption, physical activity, and environmental temperature can influence readings, so consistency in measurement technique is key.

Understanding Fever Patterns: What They Mean

Fever patterns can provide valuable insights into the underlying cause of an illness. While not definitive, these patterns can help healthcare providers narrow down potential diagnoses and guide treatment decisions.

What are the main types of fever patterns? The most common fever patterns include:

1. Continuous fever: Temperature remains elevated with little fluctuation
2. Remittent fever: Temperature fluctuates but never returns to normal
3. Intermittent fever: Temperature alternates between periods of fever and normal temperature
4. Relapsing fever: Periods of fever alternate with fever-free periods

Can fever patterns indicate specific illnesses? While not always definitive, certain patterns can suggest particular conditions. For example, a relapsing fever might be associated with malaria, while a continuous high fever could indicate bacterial pneumonia.

Factors Influencing Fever Patterns

• Type of pathogen (viral, bacterial, parasitic)
• Individual immune response
• Underlying health conditions
• Medications (some can mask or alter fever patterns)

It’s important to note that fever patterns alone are not sufficient for diagnosis. Healthcare providers consider these patterns alongside other symptoms, physical examination findings, and diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of a fever.

Fever and Sleep: Managing Discomfort at Night

Fevers can significantly disrupt sleep patterns, leading to discomfort and restlessness. Understanding how to manage fever symptoms at night can help ensure better rest and recovery.

How does fever affect sleep? Elevated body temperature can interfere with the natural drop in core temperature that typically occurs during sleep. This disruption can lead to difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, and less restorative sleep overall.

Tips for Managing Fever at Night

• Keep the bedroom cool and well-ventilated
• Use lightweight, breathable bedding
• Stay hydrated by keeping water nearby
• Consider taking fever-reducing medication before bed if advised by your healthcare provider
• Use a cool compress on your forehead or wrists
• Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime

Should you wake up to check your temperature during the night? Generally, it’s not necessary to wake up specifically to check your temperature unless advised by a healthcare provider. However, if you wake naturally and feel particularly uncomfortable, it’s reasonable to check your temperature and take appropriate measures if needed.

Remember, while managing fever symptoms is important for comfort, sleep itself is a crucial part of the recovery process. Creating an environment conducive to rest can support your body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Fever Myths and Misconceptions: Separating Fact from Fiction

Numerous myths and misconceptions surround fevers, often leading to unnecessary worry or inappropriate management. Understanding the facts can help you approach fever with confidence and make informed decisions about care.

What are some common myths about fever? Let’s debunk a few:

1. Myth: Fever is a disease.
   Fact: Fever is a symptom, not a disease itself. It’s the body’s natural response to infection or inflammation.
2. Myth: All fevers are dangerous and must be treated immediately.
   Fact: Most fevers are beneficial and help fight infections. Treatment should focus on comfort rather than lowering temperature at all costs.
3. Myth: The higher the fever, the sicker the person.
   Fact: The severity of illness doesn’t always correlate with the height of the fever. Some serious infections may cause only slight temperature elevations.
4. Myth: Fevers cause brain damage.
   Fact: Typical fevers (under 104°F or 40°C) do not cause brain damage. Much higher temperatures, usually resulting from heat stroke or certain medical conditions, are needed to harm the brain.

Additional Fever Facts

• Fever doesn’t always indicate a contagious illness
• Teething in infants doesn’t typically cause high fevers
• “Starving a fever” is not medically sound advice; proper nutrition supports recovery
• Cold baths are not recommended for reducing fever and can be dangerous

How can you distinguish between fever facts and myths? Always consult reputable medical sources or healthcare providers for accurate information. Be wary of anecdotal evidence or unverified claims circulating on social media or non-medical websites.

By understanding these facts about fever, you can approach temperature elevations with a balanced perspective, knowing when to seek medical attention and when to support your body’s natural healing processes.

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 (High Temperature) In Kids (for Parents)

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

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

What Is a Fever?

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

What Causes Fevers?

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

A few other reasons kids can have a fever:

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

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

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

When Is a Fever a Sign of Something Serious?

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

But a fever can be serious for:

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

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

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

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

What Are the Signs of a Fever?

Kids with a fever might:

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

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

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

The best way to take a temperature:

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

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

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

How Can I Help My Child Feel Better?

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

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

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

Home Care Measures

Medicines

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

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

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

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

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

Staying Comfortable

If your child has a fever:

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

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

Food and Drinks

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

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

When Should I Call the Doctor?

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

In general, call the doctor if your child is:

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

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

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

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

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

What Else Should I Know?

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

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

Medically reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD

Date reviewed: November 2022

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.

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due to what disease and what to do

Fever is often one of the symptoms of the disease: at the same time, cough, runny nose, diarrhea, nausea or other signs may appear, by which doctors or we ourselves unambiguously diagnose the disease. But what does it mean if the temperature rises without symptoms?

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temperature

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Fever in children and adults

A temperature of 35.6 to 37.2 is considered normal, and most accept the “gold standard” of 36.6 as normal. Temperature fluctuations occur throughout the day and this is completely normal. To better understand the issue, also read why there is a low body temperature.

But when and why should you worry? An elevated temperature in adults is a temperature above 38 degrees that persists for some time. Most often, the temperature itself does not require special treatment, but it can cause severe weakness and discomfort – in this case, doctors recommend not to endure and accept it. Also, if there are no contraindications, you can try to bring down the temperature without medication.

In addition, the following signs should be cause for concern:

• temperature that does not drop and rises over time;
• breathing problems and chest pain;
• severe pain or swelling;

In this case, it is better to consult a doctor or call an ambulance.

Often, children have a slightly higher temperature than adults, and therefore they usually do not bring it down until the thermometer shows 38.5. However, it is important to monitor whether the temperature is rising and how quickly it happens – too high a temperature can provoke convulsions and other complications. You need to be especially careful if …

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• … the child has a fever without symptoms and it is difficult for him to eat and drink;
• …there is great weakness;
• …the temperature cannot be brought down, it rises again and again.

How do you know if the temperature is too high?

Adults often themselves understand that their temperature has risen, focusing on their own feelings. Additional signs – cold symptoms or symptoms of an intestinal infection will only confirm suspicions. However, if a high temperature has risen without symptoms, many believe that it just seems to them, because otherwise the state of health can be quite acceptable.

To be sure, of course, you should use a thermometer, but here are a few signs by which you can suspect a fever even without a thermometer.

Touch the forehead

A method that most mothers are familiar with. They touch their forehead with their lips or the back of their hand. This approach works best if you need to detect the temperature in someone, and not in yourself. The person himself may not notice the rise in temperature in this way.

In other cases, deviations from the normal temperature will most likely be quite obvious, but, of course, this method cannot be called very accurate.

Pinch the skin on the arm

One of the signs that accompany high fever is dehydration. Fluid loss can be deadly for young children and should therefore not be tolerated. The simplest test for dehydration is to gently pinch the skin on your arm. If the crease is quickly smoothed out and the skin takes on its original appearance, then everything is ok. With dehydration, straightening will not occur instantly, but will take some time.

However, dehydration is far from being the only and not obligatory sign of fever.

Look at the face

An increase in temperature in children and adults is most often accompanied by reddening of the skin. On the face, especially on the cheeks, the color change will be especially noticeable. If you or your loved ones suddenly have reddened cheeks – and we are not talking about allergies – it may be a high temperature.

Pay attention to the color of the urine

Another sign associated with high fever and dehydration is a change in the color of the urine. Urine becomes more concentrated and darker in color, so orange or brown urine is also one of the common effects of fever.

Why you get a fever without symptoms: 5 possible causes

You can actually have a fever without obvious reasons. To describe this condition, a special term “fever of unknown origin” was coined, which is used in cases where the temperature rises above 38.3 degrees, but no other signs of the disease are observed. In order to establish the cause of fever without symptoms, you need to consult a doctor, take tests and undergo a series of examinations. Here are just some of the reasons that can cause fever in children and adults

Coronavirus infection

Coronavirus symptoms without fever include weakness, cough, trouble breathing, change or loss of smell, decreased appetite. But another situation is also possible: a fever without symptoms with covid will be the only sign indicating that something is going wrong in the body. Obvious signs of the disease may appear after a few days or not at all.

Common cold

Yes, colds caused by adenoviruses can often occur without typical cold symptoms – cough, runny nose, headache.