Understanding Fever, Causes, and Management

Fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, often a sign of infection or illness. It helps the body fight off pathogens and is a natural immune response.
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Body Temperature Regulation | Infection Response | Immune System Function | Body Temperature
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Fever FAQ


Image credit: amoryurgentcare.com

What does it mean if you have a fever?

A fever is when your body temperature is higher than your normal average temp. Most providers say a fever is either 100.0 F (37.8 C) or 100.4 F (38 C). When you have a fever, it’s your body’s normal response to fighting an infection or illness. Fevers usually aren’t a serious concern. They typically go away when the infection passes.

What causes a fever?

A fever can be caused by many medical conditions ranging from non-serious to life-threatening. This includes viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections —such as influenza, the common cold, meningitis, urinary tract infections, appendicitis, Lassa, COVID-19, and malaria.

What are the symptoms of a fever?

In addition to a higher temperature, symptoms of fever can include chills, sweating, fatigue, and body pains. Causes of fever include bacterial or viral infections such as the flu or cold, overdressing, autoimmune disorders, and vaccinations. Some medications can also cause fevers.

What is fever & what causes it?

Fever is a rise in body temperature above the normal temperature, usually caused by infection. Normal body temperature is around 37°C (give or take a degree, but this can vary from person to person). There may also be minor fluctuations over the course of the day and night.

What is a normal temperature if you have a fever?

A fever is when your body temperature is higher than normal. Having a fever can also be called ‘having a temperature’. A normal temperature is around 36°C to 37°C, although it depends on: What are the symptoms of a fever? If you have a fever, you will have a high temperature. A high temperature is usually considered to be above 38°C.

Is fever a symptom of a high temperature?

Fever (a high temperature) is common in children. Fever is a normal response to many illnesses, the most common being an infection in the body. Fever itself is usually not harmful – in fact, it helps the body's immune system fight off infection.

What is fever & how does it affect you?

Here’s our process. Fever is also known as hyperthermia, pyrexia, or elevated temperature. It describes a body temperature that’s higher than normal. Fever can affect children and adults. A short-term increase in body temperature can help your body fight off illness.

Fever References

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