A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. It is usually caused by an infection, but it can also be caused by other things, such as heat stroke or dehydration. Fevers are usually not dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable.
The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). A fever is when your body temperature goes above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
Fevers are usually caused by infections, such as the flu or a cold. They can also be caused by other things, such as heat stroke or dehydration.
Fevers are usually not dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable. They can cause symptoms such as:
- Chills
- Sweating
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
How to Bring Down a Fever
There are a few things you can do to bring down a fever:
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or soup. This will help to replace the fluids that you lose through sweating.
- Take a lukewarm bath or shower. This will help to cool your body down.
- Dress in light, loose clothing. This will help to keep you cool.
- Use a cold compress. Apply a cold compress to your forehead, neck, or armpits. This will help to cool your body down.
- Take over-the-counter fever reducers. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) are both effective fever reducers.
Note: Most of the times, fevers indicate an infection. Do not hesitate to see a doctor if health deteriorates.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if:
- Your fever is over 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius).
- Your fever lasts for more than 24 hours.
- You have other symptoms, such as a headache, muscle aches, or fatigue.
- You are not able to drink fluids.
- You are vomiting or have diarrhea.
- You have a rash.
- You have a stiff neck.
- You are pregnant.
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FAQs
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What is a fever?
A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. It is usually caused by an infection, but it can also be caused by other things, such as heat stroke or dehydration. -
What are the symptoms of a fever?
The symptoms of a fever can include chills, sweating, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. -
How can I bring down a fever?
There are a few things you can do to bring down a fever, such as staying hydrated, taking a lukewarm bath or shower, dressing in light, loose clothing, using a cold compress, and taking over-the-counter fever reducers. -
When should I see a doctor for a fever?
You should see a doctor if your fever is over 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius), if it lasts for more than 24 hours, if you have other symptoms, such as a headache, muscle aches, or fatigue, if you are not able to drink fluids, if you are vomiting or have diarrhea, if you have a rash, if you have a stiff neck, or if you are pregnant. -
Can I give my child aspirin to bring down a fever?
No, you should not give your child aspirin to bring down a fever. Aspirin can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome in children. -
What is the best way to prevent a fever?
The best way to prevent a fever is to wash your hands frequently, avoid contact with sick people, and get vaccinated against common infections, such as the flu and measles.
