Fever is one way the body fights an infection or illness. It helps speed up the body's defense actions by increasing blood flow.
Normal body temperature ranges from 97oF to 100°F. Ways to take your temperature include using a digital or ear thermometer. Temperatures are more accurate when they are tested inside the body, such as by mouth or rectum. A rectal reading is 1°F higher than one taken by mouth. It is best not to use a glass mercury thermometer. If if breaks, droplets of toxic mercury can be released. Call the health department if this happens.
Symptoms
Your skin feels warm. You
may sweat.
Your temperature is higher than 100°F by
mouth or ear or higher than 101°F by rectum.
Causes
Fever is a sign of another problem, such as an infection.
Body temperature changes throughout the day. It is usually lowest in the morning and
highest in the late afternoon and evening. Other factors that can affect your temperature
reading include:
Wearing too much clothing, if you're
overdressed enough to raise your body temperature
Exercise
Hot, humid weather
Taking your temperature by mouth after you
drink a hot liquid (e.g., tea)
Treatment
If having a fever causes you no harm or discomfort and you have not other medical
problems, you may not need to treat it. If the fever makes you uncomfortable, is high or
if you are frail or have a medical condition, you should treat it. Treatment includes
self-care and treating the cause of the fever.
Do any of the following occur in a child under 3 years old? Temperature of 101°F or higher in
a baby less than 3 months old Temperature of 104°F or higher in a child
between 3 months and 3 years old A fever along with inconsolable crying |
 |
| With a fever, are any of these problems present? Seizure Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Stiff neck, headache, lethargy, and nausea
or vomiting Excessive irritability Confusion, mental status changes,
listlessness Very severe abdominal pain |
|
| With a fever, are any of these problems present? Redness, swelling, and pain
anywhere in the body Persistent ear pain or pain in the
sinuses (face) Sore throat or pain in the chest with deep
breaths Green, yellow, or bloody-colored discharge
from the nose, throat, or ears Urinary pain, burning, or frequency Abnormal vaginal pain, bleeding, or
discharge |
 |
| Has the fever lasted longer than 3 days without improvement? |
|
| Are any of the following present? Fever of 99.5°F to 100.4°F in an
infant less than 3 months old Fever higher than 102.2°F in a child 3
months to 3 years old Fever over 104°F in a person between 3
years and 64 years old Fever of 102°F in a person age 65 or older
or in a person whose immune system is depressed |
|
| Has the person recently had surgery or does the person have a
chronic illness, such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, cancer, or diabetes? |
 |
| Has the fever done any of the following? Gone away for more than 24 hours
and then comes back Come soon after a visit to a foreign country Come after having a DTaP or MMR shot and
is present with dizziness |
|
Drink plenty of fluids, such as fruit
juice.
Take a sponge bath with warm (about 70oF)
water. Don't use rubbing alcohol
Take the appropriate dose of an
over-the-counter medicine to reduce fever. {Note: See Pain relievers in Your Home Pharmacy.}
Rest.
Don't wear too many clothes or use too many
blankets.
Don't do heavy exercise.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 2002 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 06/06/02