When you have a fever, your body temperature rises above its normal range of 97.6°F to 99.6°F (36.5°C to 37.5°C). A fever is a common symptom of illness, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, inflammation, and certain medications.
While a fever can be uncomfortable, it is usually not a cause for concern. However, if your fever is accompanied by other symptoms, such as headache, body aches, nausea, or vomiting, it is important to see a doctor.
**What Causes a Fever?**
Fevers are caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Infection: Infection is the most common cause of fever. When your body is fighting an infection, your immune system releases chemicals that cause your body temperature to rise.
- Inflammation: Inflammation is another common cause of fever. Inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, surgery, and certain medical conditions.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause fever as a side effect. These medications include antibiotics, antihistamines, and decongestants.
**What Are the Symptoms of a Fever?**
The most common symptoms of a fever include:
- Increased body temperature: A body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is considered a fever.
- Chills: Chills are a common symptom of fever. Chills are caused by your body’s attempt to warm up.
- Sweating: Sweating is another common symptom of fever. Sweating is your body’s attempt to cool down.
- Headache: Headache is a common symptom of fever. Headache is caused by the dilation of blood vessels in your head.
- Body aches: Body aches are a common symptom of fever. Body aches are caused by the inflammation of muscles and joints.
- Nausea: Nausea is a common symptom of fever. Nausea is caused by the irritation of the stomach and intestines.
- Vomiting: Vomiting is a common symptom of fever. Vomiting is caused by the irritation of the stomach and intestines.
**What Are the Risks of a Fever?**
Most fevers are not a cause for concern. However, if your fever is accompanied by other symptoms, such as headache, body aches, nausea, or vomiting, it is important to see a doctor.
A fever can be dangerous if it is too high or if it lasts for too long. A high fever can cause seizures, brain damage, and even death. A long-lasting fever can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and organ damage.
**What Can I Do to Treat a Fever?**
There are a number of things you can do to treat a fever, including:
- Rest: Rest is important when you have a fever. Rest will help your body to fight the infection or inflammation that is causing the fever.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Fluids are important to prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or soup.
- Take over-the-counter fever reducers: Over-the-counter fever reducers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to reduce fever.
- Apply a cold compress: A cold compress can help to reduce fever. Apply a cold compress to your forehead, neck, or armpits.
- See a doctor: If your fever is accompanied by other symptoms, such as headache, body aches, nausea, or vomiting, it is important to see a doctor.
**When Should I See a Doctor?**
You should see a doctor if your fever is:
- 103°F (39.4°C) or higher: A fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher is considered a high fever. High fevers can be dangerous, and they should be evaluated by a doctor.
- Accompanied by other symptoms: If your fever is accompanied by other symptoms, such as headache, body aches, nausea, or vomiting, it is important to see a doctor. These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
- Lasting for more than 24 hours: A fever that lasts for more than 24 hours is considered a long-lasting fever. Long-lasting fevers can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and organ damage.
**Table 1: Common Causes of Fever**
| Cause | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Infection | Chills, sweating, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting | Rest, fluids, over-the-counter fever reducers |
| Inflammation | Headache, body aches, swelling, redness, pain | Rest, fluids, over-the-counter pain relievers |
| Medications | Chills, sweating, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting | Stop taking the medication and see a doctor |
**Table 2: Symptoms of Fever**
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased body temperature | A body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher |
| Chills | A feeling of coldness and shivering |
| Sweating | A feeling of warmth and the production of sweat |
| Headache | A pain in the head |
| Body aches | A pain in the muscles and joints |
| Nausea | A feeling of queasiness and the urge to vomit |
| Vomiting | The forceful expulsion of stomach contents |
**Table 3: Treatment for Fever**
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Rest | Rest is important when you have a fever. Rest will help your body to fight the infection or inflammation that is causing the fever. |
| Fluids | Fluids are important to prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or soup. |
| Over-the-counter fever reducers | Over-the-counter fever reducers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to reduce fever. |
| Cold compress | A cold compress can help to reduce fever. Apply a cold compress to your forehead, neck, or armpits. |
**Table 4: When to See a Doctor**
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher | A fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher is considered a high fever. High fevers can be dangerous, and they should be evaluated by a doctor. |
| Fever accompanied by other symptoms | If your fever is accompanied by other symptoms, such as headache, body aches, nausea, or vomiting, it is important to see a doctor. These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition. |
| Fever lasting for more than 24 hours | A fever that lasts for more than 24 hours is considered a long-lasting fever. Long-lasting fevers can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and organ damage. |
