Do you know what temperature is considered to be a fever? While any degree above normal body temperature (98.6° F or 37° C) is considered warm, a temperature is medically classified as a fever if it reaches above 100.4° F (38° C).
What Causes a Fever?
A fever is an immune response to an underlying infection that should be treated. The causes can range from the common cold and flu to more severe infections, such as drug poisoning, heat exposure, and some cancers. Other causes of fever can be a result of recent vaccinations, traveling abroad, or side effects of certain medications.
Luckily, fevers are usually accompanied by other symptoms, which can help you and a medical professional determine the root of the cause.
While you can typically treat fevers at home, you will need to seek emergency care if any of the following symptoms are accompanied with the fever:
- Fever without sweating
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Seizures
- Continuous vomiting or diarrhea
- Irritability or discomfort
- Confusion
How to Treat a Fever
If you or your child is running a fever, there are some ways you can treat it, including:
- Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Getting plenty of rest
- Bathing or soaking in lukewarm water (avoid using cold water)
- Wearing light clothing to avoid overheating
- Eating light, easy-to-digest foods
You should also contact a medical professional if the fever lasts more than five days or the fever does not come down after taking medicine.
If you’re worried that you or your child may be suffering from more than just the common cold, visit your nearest FastMed Urgent Care today! FastMed is open seven days a week and has extended hours to meet the needs of our patients. We also accept most major insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, and we never require an appointment. Find a FastMed in your neighborhood today!
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Sources:
eMedicineHealth: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/fever_in_adults/article_em.htm
Harvard Health Publications: http://www.health.harvard.edu/cold-and-flu/fever-in-adults
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/fever-in-adults-treatment
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-fever/basics