What is considered a fever in adults and children. How to recognize fever symptoms. When does a fever require medical attention. What are the main causes of fever. How to diagnose and treat fever at home and when to see a doctor.

Understanding Body Temperature and Fever

The human body typically maintains a core temperature of around 98.6°F (37°C), but this can fluctuate throughout the day. A fever occurs when the body’s temperature rises above this normal range, usually as a response to infection or other health issues. But what exactly constitutes a fever, and when should you be concerned?

Normal Temperature vs. Fever

A normal body temperature can vary slightly from person to person and throughout the day. Generally, temperatures between 97°F (36.1°C) and 99°F (37.2°C) are considered normal. A fever is typically defined as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. However, the severity of a fever is categorized as follows:

• Low-grade fever: 100.4°F to 102.2°F (38°C to 39°C)
• Moderate-grade fever: 102.2°F to 104°F (39°C to 40°C)
• High-grade fever: Above 104°F (40°C)

Recognizing Fever Symptoms

Fever is often accompanied by various symptoms that can help you identify when your body is fighting an infection. Common fever symptoms include:

• Sweating or chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Irritability

Are these symptoms always indicative of a fever? Not necessarily. Some individuals may experience a fever without any other symptoms, while others might have these symptoms without an elevated temperature. It’s important to use a thermometer to confirm a fever.

Fever in Children: Special Considerations

Fever in children can be more concerning than in adults, particularly for infants and young toddlers. Parents should be aware of the following guidelines:

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Child’s Fever

Contact a healthcare provider if your child:

• Is younger than 3 months and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Is 3-6 months old with a temperature above 102°F (38.9°C)
• Is older than 6 months with a temperature above 103°F (39.4°C)
• Has a fever lasting more than 3 days
• Appears listless, unresponsive, or unusually irritable
• Shows signs of dehydration
• Has other concerning symptoms like severe headache, stiff neck, or difficulty breathing

Febrile Seizures in Children

Some children between 6 months and 5 years may experience febrile seizures, which are convulsions triggered by high fevers. While frightening, these seizures are generally harmless and don’t indicate epilepsy. If your child has a febrile seizure:

1. Place the child on their side or stomach on a safe, flat surface
2. Remove any nearby objects that could cause injury
3. Loosen tight clothing
4. Do not try to stop the seizure or put anything in the child’s mouth
5. Time the seizure and seek medical attention if it lasts longer than 5 minutes

Causes of Fever

Fever is typically a sign that your body is fighting an infection or responding to an underlying condition. Common causes of fever include:

Infections

• Viral infections (e.g., flu, common cold, COVID-19)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., strep throat, urinary tract infections)
• Parasitic infections
• Fungal infections

Other Medical Conditions

• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
• Certain cancers
• Heat exhaustion
• Medications (e.g., antibiotics, blood pressure medications)
• Vaccinations

Can stress cause a fever? While stress can affect your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections, it doesn’t directly cause fever. However, severe stress or anxiety can sometimes lead to a slight increase in body temperature.

Diagnosing a Fever

Accurately diagnosing a fever involves more than just feeling your forehead. Here’s how to properly measure body temperature:

Types of Thermometers

• Digital thermometers: Most accurate and versatile
• Infrared thermometers: Quick and non-invasive, but may be less accurate
• Mercury thermometers: No longer recommended due to safety concerns

Proper Temperature Taking Techniques

1. Oral (mouth): Place the thermometer under the tongue and close the mouth for about 30 seconds
2. Rectal (for infants): Gently insert the thermometer about 1/2 inch into the rectum
3. Axillary (armpit): Place the thermometer in the armpit, pressing the arm against the body for about 1 minute
4. Temporal (forehead): Swipe the thermometer across the forehead according to manufacturer instructions

How accurate are forehead thermometers? While convenient, forehead thermometers can be affected by environmental factors and may be less accurate than oral or rectal temperatures. They’re best used as a quick screening tool rather than for definitive diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Fever

In most cases, fevers don’t require specific treatment and will resolve on their own as the body fights off the underlying cause. However, there are ways to manage symptoms and promote comfort:

Home Remedies

• Rest: Allow your body to focus energy on fighting the infection
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Dress comfortably: Wear light clothing and use breathable bedding
• Cool compresses: Apply a damp cloth to the forehead or wrists
• Lukewarm baths: Can help reduce body temperature, but avoid cold baths

Over-the-Counter Medications

Fever-reducing medications can help lower temperature and alleviate discomfort:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Aspirin (not recommended for children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome)

Always follow dosage instructions carefully and consult a healthcare provider before giving medication to children.

When to Seek Medical Attention

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

Adults

• Temperature above 103°F (39.4°C)
• Fever lasting more than 3 days
• Severe headache or neck stiffness
• Confusion or decreased consciousness
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent vomiting
• Skin rashes or bruising
• Recent travel to an area with endemic infectious diseases

Children

• Any fever in an infant under 3 months
• Fever above 102°F (38.9°C) in a child 3-6 months old
• Fever above 103°F (39.4°C) in a child over 6 months
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, decreased urination)
• Seizures
• Unusual lethargy or irritability

Preventing Fevers and Infections

While not all fevers can be prevented, you can take steps to reduce your risk of infections that may lead to fever:

• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently and thoroughly
• Stay up-to-date on vaccinations
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals
• Cook foods thoroughly and practice food safety
• Use insect repellent and take precautions in areas with mosquito-borne illnesses

Is it possible to build immunity to prevent fevers? While you can’t become immune to fevers themselves, strengthening your immune system can help your body fight off infections more effectively, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of fevers.

Understanding Fever Myths and Facts

There are many misconceptions about fevers that can lead to unnecessary worry or inappropriate treatment. Let’s clarify some common myths:

Myth: Fever is a disease

Fact: Fever is a symptom, not a disease itself. It’s your body’s natural defense mechanism against infections.

Myth: All fevers are dangerous and need to be treated immediately

Fact: Most fevers are beneficial and help the body fight infections. Treatment should focus on comfort rather than immediately lowering the temperature.

Myth: Fevers can cause brain damage

Fact: Typical fevers (under 106°F or 41.1°C) do not cause brain damage. Only extremely high fevers, usually associated with heat stroke, pose this risk.

Myth: Bundling up will “sweat out” a fever

Fact: Overdressing or bundling can actually increase body temperature and discomfort. Dress comfortably and keep the environment cool.

Myth: Feed a cold, starve a fever

Fact: Proper nutrition and hydration are important for recovery from any illness, including those that cause fever.

Are there any benefits to having a fever? Yes, fever actually plays a crucial role in fighting infections. It creates an inhospitable environment for many pathogens and enhances immune system function. However, comfort measures and medical attention are still important for high or prolonged fevers.

The Role of Fever in Different Medical Conditions

While fever is most commonly associated with infections, it can also be a symptom of various other medical conditions. Understanding these relationships can help in recognizing potential underlying issues:

Autoimmune Disorders

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease can cause recurrent or chronic low-grade fevers. These fevers are often accompanied by other symptoms specific to the disorder.

Cancer

Some cancers, particularly lymphomas and leukemias, can cause fever. This is often accompanied by other symptoms like unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and fatigue.

Medications

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

Travel-Related Illnesses

Fever in someone who has recently traveled to tropical or subtropical regions may indicate diseases like malaria, dengue fever, or yellow fever.

Post-Surgical Fever

Fever can occur after surgery due to the body’s response to tissue injury or, less commonly, due to post-operative infections.

How can you differentiate between these causes of fever? The pattern of the fever, accompanying symptoms, and the patient’s medical history and recent activities are all important factors in determining the cause. When in doubt, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis.

Technological Advances in Fever Monitoring

As technology continues to evolve, new tools are emerging to help monitor and manage fevers more effectively:

Wearable Temperature Monitors

Devices that can be worn continuously to track body temperature over time, alerting users to fever onset.

Smart Thermometers

Connected devices that can track temperature readings over time and share data with healthcare providers.

Thermal Imaging Cameras

Used in public spaces for mass fever screening, though they have limitations in accuracy and individual diagnosis.

AI-Powered Diagnostic Tools

Artificial intelligence algorithms that can help predict the likelihood of specific infections based on fever patterns and other symptoms.

Are these technologies replacing traditional methods of fever management? While these innovations offer new possibilities for monitoring and early detection, they should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, professional medical advice and traditional diagnostic methods.

Understanding fever – its causes, symptoms, and appropriate management – is crucial for maintaining health and knowing when to seek medical attention. While fever can be uncomfortable, it’s often a sign that your body is effectively fighting an infection. By recognizing the signs of fever, knowing how to measure it accurately, and understanding when it requires medical intervention, you can better manage this common health occurrence. Remember, when in doubt about a fever, especially in young children or individuals with compromised immune systems, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

What Is Considered a Fever? Symptoms & Treatment

It’s relatively common knowledge that the normal body temperature is 98.6° F (37° C), but your core body temperature actually varies by a degree or so throughout the day. For instance, your body temperature will be slightly lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon into the evening. However, certain factors may cause your body temperature to dive below what’s considered normal or spike to pyrexia, more commonly known as a fever.

Unlike hypothermia, an emergency condition that develops when your body temperature reaches 95° F (35° C) or lower, a fever is fairly common and, in most cases, not very dangerous. Developing an elevated body temperature—whether it’s a high or low grade fever—is usually your body’s response to infection. Luckily, fevers typically last only a few days and there are several treatment options that can help you feel more comfortable.

What Is a Fever?

The normal human body temperature is 98. 6° F (37° C), but other factors, including illness, certain medications, and specific medical conditions, can cause your temperature to rise. A fever is your body’s natural response to fighting an infection.

Any temperature between 98.6-100.4° F (37-38° C) is considered a low-grade fever, while any temperature above 103° F (39.4° C) is considered a high-grade fever. Unlike a significantly lower-than-normal body temperature, having a higher temperature isn’t necessarily dangerous.

One factor that differentiates what is considered a low or high body temperature is age. For adults and children, 95.1-96.9° F (35-36° C) is low and 100.4-103° F (38-39.4° C) is high, but neither case is necessarily an emergency. However, if a baby less than three months old experiences a temperature in either range, it may indicate a serious infection that requires immediate medical care.

This easy-to-read chart shows what various body temperatures mean and when to seek care. The measurements in this chart were made by mouth with the thermometer under the tongue.

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Fever in Children

When adults develop a fever, they usually feel uncomfortable, but there’s typically no cause for concern, although an exception to this rule arises when an adult is undergoing chemotherapy treatment or has any condition which impairs the body’s ability to fight infections. When infants, toddlers, and children develop fever symptoms, they are more likely to need medical care.

If your toddler or child has a fever, but is still responsive, eating, drinking fluids, and playing, there’s no cause for concern. However, if your infant, toddler, or child experiences the following, you should either call your doctor or seek immediate care:

• More Irritable than usual
• Vomiting repeatedly
• A fever lasting more than three days
• Appears listless and unresponsive

Complications in children

Although fevers in children are quite common, some children between the ages of six months and five years may experience complications, such as febrile seizures or convulsions. Luckily, most children who experience fever-induced convulsions suffer no lasting effects and are not thought to be at higher risk of developing seizures or epilepsy later in life.

If your child has a seizure resulting from a fever, do the following:

• Lay your child on the floor on his or her side or stomach
• Clear the vicinity of any sharp objects
• Loosen any tight clothing
• Do not try to stop the seizure yourself
• Hold your child in place to prevent injury

Fever symptoms generally cause discomfort because your body is working to fight off an infection.

When you develop pyrexia, the most common symptoms you might experience include sweats, shivers, and headaches. Other common fever symptoms include:

• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Dehydration
• Lethargy

What Causes a Fever?

Your body’s internal thermostat is controlled by a small area in your brain called the hypothalamus. When your hypothalamus sets your internal body temperature higher than usual, this results in a fever. Usually the hypothalamus will reset this internal thermostat to normal within a few days. Although infection (which can be caused by either bacteria or viruses) is more often than not the cause of your fever, other causes include:

• Heat exhaustion
• Inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Malignant tumors
• Drugs for high blood pressure and/or seizures
• Specific immunizations, such as diphtheria, tetanus, and pneumococcal vaccines

Diagnosing a Fever

Unlike many other illnesses, diagnosing a fever is something you can do at home. You should only seek medical attention if your high fever lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by any concerning symptoms.

Taking a temperature

The most obvious indication of a fever is a body temperature that’s higher than normal. The best way to measure your temperature is to take it using a thermometer. There are several different types of thermometers, but the most popular is a digital one, which you can use orally, rectally or axillary (under your armpit). Regardless of which type of thermometer you use, always be sure that the batteries aren’t expired as that may skew the results.

Other types of thermometers include a tympanic thermometer, which measures the temperature inside of the ear by reading the infrared heat. Most pediatricians use this method to take babies’ temperature if they’re three months or older.

Here’s how to use a digital thermometer:

• Make sure your hands and the thermometer are clean.
• Do not eat or drink anything for at least five minutes before you take your temperature because the food/drink may skew the results.
• Place the thermometer tip under the tongue, into the anus (using a petroleum jelly), or into your armpit and wait about 40 seconds. Most thermometers will beep when they have an accurate reading.
• Remove the thermometer and clean it with soap and water or with alcohol. Afterwards, be sure to rinse it.

Treatments for Fever

If you have a low-grade fever (up to 100.4° F and 38° C ), the best treatment may be letting the fever run its course. Having a slightly elevated body temperature can help get rid of the illness-causing microbes that are responsible for your cold, flu, or other viral infection. In cases of a high fever, there are a number of actions you can take to help lower your body temperature.

How to break a fever

As previously mentioned, having a fever isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. However, in some cases, breaking your fever, or reducing your body’s temperature, can be helpful in making you feel more comfortable. Some of the most common ways to break a fever include:

• Over-the-counter medications: There are a variety of over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, that can help break your fever. However, taking too much of these medications or using them regularly over a prolonged period of time can cause liver and kidney damage. Children should never take aspirin, as it can cause a potentially fatal disorder called Reye’s syndrome.
• Antibiotics or antivirals: Depending on what’s causing your fever, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic for a bacterial infection and an antiviral for a viral infection. Taking either, as directed by your doctor, can help break your fever.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of non-alcoholic or caffeinated fluids to counteract the dehydration associated with fever.
• Let your body rest: Getting ample rest and staying cool can also help lower your fever.

What to eat when you have a fever

While your body and immune system need nutrients to fight off infection, your illness may be accompanied by nausea or lack of appetite. In that case, do not force yourself to eat. In fact, you should only eat if you are able to keep down food and if you feel hungry. Although the best thing you can do for a fever is to drink plenty of fluids, eating chicken soup has proven helpful as well. Other helpful foods include:

• Greek yogurt: If you can tolerate dairy, greek yogurt is an excellent food to eat when you have a fever because it contains a lot of probiotics, which help your immune system.
• Coconut water: Coconut water is naturally rich in electrolytes and potassium.
• Fruits with vitamin C: Most fruits are at least 80% water, making them an excellent source of hydration. Fruits containing vitamin C, such as oranges, can also help improve your immune response.
• Protein-rich foods: Foods including beans, nuts, lean meat, and poultry are high in protein, which your immune system needs in order to produce antibodies and fight off an infection.

Fever Prevention

The most effective way to prevent a fever is to avoid contracting an infection. While that’s not always possible, you can take the following steps to minimize your exposure to germs and diseases:

• Wash your hands: Wash your hands often with an antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer: If you’re traveling and water and soap aren’t immediately available to you, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol will help kill any germs.
• Avoid touching your face: Even if you wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, you may still be at risk, so avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth to prevent contracting an infection.

When to See a Doctor

Just because you have a fever doesn’t mean you need to pay a visit to the doctor. However, if you have a fever of 103° F (39.4° C), you should call your doctor, especially if your fever is accompanied by any of the following:

• Severe headache
• Skin rash that worsens quickly
• Sensitivity to light
• Stiff neck and/or pain when you bend your head forward
• Mental confusion
• Consistent vomiting
• Difficult breathing and/or chest pain
• Abdominal pain and/or pain when urinating
• Convulsions and seizures
• Severe sore throat or difficulty swallowing
• You are undergoing chemotherapy or other treatments for cancer or have any underlying chronic condition which suppresses your immune system

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How K Health Can Help

While most fevers you can handle at home, sometimes you may need to speak to a doctor to make sure nothing more serious is going on. Did you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app? Download K to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

What temperature is considered a fever?

Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Last updated on Jan 28, 2022.

A fever occurs when your brain sets your body temperature higher than normal. Normal body temperature can change during the day based on activity level, hormone levels and whether you are sleeping or awake. Normal body temperature is usually 37 degrees Celsius (37°C) or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (98.6°F), although it can be about a half degree Celsius higher or lower for some people and that’s normal for them.

A fever is defined as a body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.

Your normal body temperature is regulated or set by an area of your brain called your hypothalamus. Fever occurs when your body’s defense system — your immune system — reacts to an infection or illness, triggering your brain to raise your body temperature. This helps your immune system fight off the illness or infection, but a very high temperature can be dangerous.

Fever is not the same as hyperthermia, which means your body temperature goes up due to the outside temperature. Hyperthermia is not caused by your brain and immune system. An example would be heat stroke.

Fever grades in adults

In an adult, a fever may be elevated, high or very high:

• An elevated body temperature is between 37. 5°C and 38°C (99.5°F to 100.4°F).
• A fever is 38°C to 39.5°C (100.4°F to 103.1°F).
• A high fever is 39.5°C (103.1°F).
• A very high fever is above 41°C (105.8°F ).

Fever in babies and children

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), normal temperature in children varies with a child’s age, time of day and level of activity.

Fever is defined as a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F).

• A fever that requires a call to the pediatrician right away would be 38°C (100.4°F) or higher for a baby under 3 months old.
• A fever above 40°C (104°F) requires a call to the doctor at any age.

How to measure fever

To take your temperature, a digital thermometer is recommended instead of a mercury thermometer, especially in children, because mercury from a broken thermometer may be toxic.

There are three types of digital thermometers. There are many variations, so it is important to read and follow the thermometer instructions carefully. They all must be turned on and they will beep to tell you when to read them:

• A digital multi-use thermometer can be used to take a rectal, oral (mouth) or axillary (armpit) temperature in adults and children. In general, oral and armpit temperatures have not shown to be as accurate as rectal. Oral use is not recommended for children under age 4, according to the AAP, and AAP notes that rectal use is best, especially for infants and children under 3 months. Always clean the thermometer before and after use, and do not use a thermometer orally that has been used rectally. Do not take an oral temperature for 30 minutes after a hot or cold drink.
• A temporal or forehead artery thermometer reads your temperature from a blood vessel under the skin of your temple or forehead. You will need to check the instructions to find out how far away from your skin to hold it. If you have been in hot or cold temperatures, you should adjust to normal temperature before taking a reading.
• A tympanic digital thermometer measures heat inside your ear canal. This type can be used for anyone except babies.

When and how to treat a fever

Since ancient times, fevers have been associated with illness. It was not until the invention of the thermometer that normal temperature and fever temperatures were defined. Over time, the definitions have gone up and down slightly.

At this time, there is a debate on when to treat a fever.

• Some experts say a fever is a sign that your immune system is working and anything other than a very high fever should be left to run its course.
• Others fear that fever may be damaging to your body and should be treated. Very high fever may damage body cells, especially brain cells.

There are no guidelines for when to treat a fever. Treatment may depend on the cause and other symptoms, but most experts agree that a very high fever should be treated.

• The usual treatment for adults is an over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin. Rest and drinking lots of fluid are also recommended because fever can lead to fluid loss and dehydration.
• The AAP recommends acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but not aspirin for treating fever in children. (Aspirin in children can raise the risk of a harmful condition called Reye’s syndrome.)
  • For children over age 2, follow the label directions according to age or weight to give the right dose.
  • For children under age 2, call your pharmacist or pediatrician to find the correct dose.
  • Children should also drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
  • Using ice packs or alcohol rubs to reduce fever is not recommended.

When to call your doctor for fever

For children, call the doctor if:

• A child less than 3 months old has a fever over 38°C (100.4°F). Always call for any child with a fever 40°C (104°F) or higher.
• A fever occurs with other symptoms, including headache, stiff neck, trouble breathing, rash, severe sore throat or ear pain, or persistent vomiting
• A fever lasts more than 24 hours in a child under 2 years old
• A fever causes a seizure
• A fever lasts more than 3 days in a child over 2 years old

For adults and older children, call if a fever is 104°F (40°C) or higher or if there are symptoms that include seizure, stiff neck, confusion, trouble breathing or any severe pain.

References

1. U.S. National Library of Medicine Bookshelf. How is body temperature regulated and what is fever? InformedHealth.org. 2020. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279457/. [Accessed January 24, 2022].
2. U.S. National Library of Medicine Bookshelf. Physiology of Fever. StatPearls. August 2021. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562334/. [Accessed January 24, 2022].
3. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Fever Without Fear. April 2016. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/Fever-Without-Fear.aspx. [Accessed January 24, 2022].
4. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). How to take your child’s temperature. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/How-to-Take-a-Childs-Temperature.aspx. [Accessed January 24, 2022].
5. Wise J. Rectal thermometer should be used for accurate temperature reading, analysis finds. BMJ 2015;351:h6125. https://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h6125.full
6. Geneva II, Cuzzo B, Fazili T, Javaid W. Normal Body Temperature: A Systematic Review. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2019 Apr; 6(4): ofz032. https://dx.doi.org/10.1093%2Fofid%2Fofz032.
7. Ray JJ, Schulman CI. Fever: suppress it or let it ride? J Thorac Dis. 2015 Dec; 7(12): E633-E636. https://dx.doi.org/10.3978%2Fj.issn.2072-1439.2015.12.28.
8. U.S. National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus. Fever. December 2016. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/fever.html. [Accessed January 24, 2022].

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Medical Disclaimer

High temperature in a child can cause febrile convulsions

09/12/2022 09/12/2022 health

First of all, it is important to know that fever is a sign of the immune system. Against the background of a temperature of 38-39 degrees, more favorable conditions are created for the production of their own protective antiviral interferons.

High fever in infants up to 3 months

If the temperature rises in infants up to 3 months, you should immediately call an ambulance. If the child is older, you can more calmly observe his condition and act according to the situation.

In infants, the body temperature is normal, as usual, up to 37, but during physiological stress it can rise to 37.5, and this is also the norm. An increase above 38 requires observation. Physiological temperature rises up to 37.5 can occur in a baby after eating, defecation, crying, screaming, sleeping, due to too hot clothes. So the temperature needs to be measured outside of these situations. The child needs to be unwrapped, aired for five minutes and only then the temperature is measured.

How to control the temperature?

• Provide a cool room temperature and 50-60% humidity.
• Give the child plenty to drink: at elevated temperatures, fluid is lost excessively through sweating and breathing.
• It is useful to bathe a child, as water procedures have an antipyretic effect. The water should be warm: two degrees lower than the body temperature, for example, if the child has a temperature of 39, then the water should be 37 degrees. You can take a shower or bath as many times as you like at any body temperature, the child can be in the water as long as he wants, then he needs to be allowed to dry himself in a cool, ventilated room. It is at the moment of evaporation of liquid from the surface of the body that the main decrease in temperature occurs. This kind of physical cooling reduces the need for antipyretic drugs.

When should the temperature be reduced with drugs?

Children of the first year of life: from about 38.5 degrees

Children from one year and older: 39-39.5

The main guideline is the child’s well-being. If the child does not tolerate temperature well and does not feel well, then it is possible to give an antipyretic at lower temperatures. With good tolerance, it is advisable not to bring down the temperature below the numbers indicated above. The main thing is to give the child more water, maintain the microclimate and observe.

Safe and effective antipyretics

Two drugs are considered safe: Ibuprofen and Paracetamol (active ingredients are indicated). The dosage is selected by weight.

Ibuprofen : 10 milligrams per kilogram of weight, so if the child weighs 10 kg, he should be given 100 milligrams of ibuprofen. If there are 100 milligrams in 5 milliliters of ibuprofen syrup, 5 milliliters should be given. Can be given every 8 hours (at least 6), i.e. 3 times a day (maximum 4)

Paracetamol : 15 milligrams per kilogram of weight, that is, if the child weighs 10 kilograms, then we give 150 milligrams of paracetamol. If the syrup has 120 milligrams in 5 milliliters, then you need to give about 6 milliliters. Can be given every 6 hours: 4 times a day.

It is advisable to limit yourself to taking one of the drugs. Only in the most extreme cases, when the child is ill with a rapidly rising and difficult temperature, for example, with roseola, can the drugs be alternated every 4 hours.

The drug should work within one and a half hours. A success is considered to be a decrease in temperature by at least a degree. It is not necessary to bring down the temperature to normal. To enhance the effect during these one and a half hours, you can do water procedures.

Fever without additional symptoms and urinalysis

In the first days of illness, if there is a fever but no other symptoms, it is better to take the child to the doctor and take a urinalysis so as not to miss a urinary tract infection. If the urinalysis indicators are good, the child is examined, urinary tract infection and signs of a complicated course of a viral disease are excluded, you can safely observe. With many infections, it sometimes happens that catarrhal symptoms: runny nose, sore throat, cough, do not appear from the first day of the disease.

What not to do?

Do not run to take a blood test during the first two days of fever. Changes in the blood take time, so the test results can only be misleading.

Profebrile convulsions

Febrile seizures occur in 1 in 20 children when the temperature rises to 38-39 degrees in children from 6 months (sometimes earlier) to 5-6 years: more often between the ages of 12 and 24 months. Such convulsions are usually short (1-2 minutes) and end on their own. After the “exit” from convulsions, the child may be lethargic, drowsy, disoriented, and experience a headache.

Despite the frightening picture, febrile convulsions do not harm the child, do not impair the intelligence and development of the baby. Their appearance is not equal to epilepsy, although the risk of developing this disease in this case is slightly higher.

Seizures may occur due to severe fever during infection or after vaccination. They appear in the first hours of the disease and may be its first symptom. May recur, most often in the first year after the attack. The chance is higher if the parents have had seizures.

Seizure treatment and prevention

If the attack ended on its own, no special treatment is required. An anticonvulsant medication may be needed to treat a prolonged seizure. Preventive therapy is not needed. Previously, it was believed that if convulsions occurred at least once, it is necessary to bring down the temperature already from 37.5. Today, this postulate has been refuted: lowering the temperature cannot prevent convulsions in a child prone to them.

What to do if an attack has already developed?

• Don’t panic
• Place the child on a hard surface with the head turned to the side
• Uncover the child and fan it so that the fever subsides
• Be close, make sure that the child is not injured
• Try to film the attack on video, fix or remember everything that happens: the child’s posture, the position of the limbs, facial expressions, eye movement, consciousness, the duration of the attack
• Call ambulance

Never

• Do not put a spoon or other object into the mouth to hold the tongue: the tongue does not sink during convulsions
• Do not give Ibuprofen/Paracetamol or other drugs at the time of an attack
• Do not restrain a child by force

After an attack

Urgently see a doctor – preferably in the emergency department of a children’s hospital – to identify the causes of fever and exclude a serious infection: meningitis, encephalitis.

In any case, a child with a fever should be seen by a doctor. Timely examination will help to exclude dangerous conditions and bring the disease under control.

The article was prepared jointly with the head of the pediatric department of Lahta Junior Tatyana Maksimova

What body temperature is considered normal?

Published on 01/26/2022

The body temperature of an adult can fluctuate over a wide range: for example, a thermometer in the mouth can record the temperature from 36.4°C to 37.6°C! The lowest body temperature is in the morning, at 5-6 o’clock in the morning, and the highest is in the evening, at 17.00. During the day, the temperature difference can vary between 0.5-1°C.

What else affects temperature?

• From the degree of physical activity
• From age (in people over 65 years of age, the temperature is lower than in younger ones)
• From the floor
• From certain drinks and food (fever rises after eating)
• For women – from the day of the menstrual cycle
• By ethnicity (African-American women have a higher temperature than white men)
• For certain medications
• From temperature measuring method

Let us dwell in more detail on the methods of measurement – thermometry, as doctors call it:

• Rectal method – in the rectum. Accurate, but not very convenient and affordable option. Recommended for measurement in children up to 3 years. For an adult, the norm ranges from 37 to 38.1 ° C.
• Oral – in the mouth. You need to measure the temperature 20-30 minutes after eating, drinking or smoking. The tip of the thermometer is placed under the tongue, and you need to breathe through the nose. It is advisable not to use mercury thermometers. Norm: from 36.4 to 37.6 ° С.
• Inguinal – under the armpits. Norm: 35.2°С-37.2°С.
• Tympanic – in the ear canal. Norm: 35.9 ° C-37.6 ° C. Manufacturers of thermometers may also indicate the range of normal values ​​in the instructions for the products. It is very important to read the instructions before using each thermometer.

Remember that the thermometer must be cleaned with soap and water or alcohol before and after use. Also, a separate thermometer is required for each measurement method: oral is not used for rectal measurement!

What do doctors call fever?

• When rectal or ear temperature reaches 38°C or more
• Oral temperature above 37.