Never Underestimate Fever, Know When to Get Help

Everyone has had a fever at least once in their lifetime. Like pain, fever is an important sign that tells you something wrong is happening. It's a physiological response against a problem, usually an infection, in your body. The problem can be a minor one, but it can also be life threatening so it's important to know when to get medical attention.

How can you tell when you have a fever?

You have a fever when your temperature rises above the normal oral temperature of 98.6 F (37 C) or the normal rectal temperature of 99 F (37.2 C). However, sometimes a person's normal body temperature may varies 1 F (0.6 C) above or below the average of 98.6 F. A fever is not considered significant until body temperature is above 100.4 F (38 C) and in an otherwise healthy adult usually isn't dangerous unless it reaches 103 F (39.4 C). In infants and children, high fever may cause seizures and delirium so it's wise to seek treatment if the temperature reaches 104 F (40 C). If your temperature is above normal, but below 100.4 F (38 C) you have a low grade fever.

"A fever is not considered significant until body temperature is above 100.4 F (38 C)."

Although fever may be uncomfortable, it's actually a part of our body's defense system against foreign organism. Some bacteria can't live in a higher temperature. Also, the body's immune mechanisms work more efficiently at a higher temperature. Therefore, sometimes it's better left untreated.

Not all fever is caused by infection. In children, immunizations or teething n may cause low-grade fever. In adults, inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders, medication reactions, or a malignant tumor may also cause fevers.

When to get medical help?

• If a infant younger than 3 months of age has a temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher.
• If a child shows any of these symptoms: refusing to eat and drink, unexplained irritability, lethargy and unresponsiveness, repeated vomiting, severe headache or stomachach.
• Any person, children or adult with a history of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, AIDS, other serious condition or is taking immunosuppressant drugs should seek medical care regardless of the fever temperature.  
• If a person had a fever for more than three days and/or the temperature is more than 103 F (39.4 C)
• If the fever is accompanied by any of these:
• unusual skin rash
• severe headache 
• sensitivity to bright lights
• seizures
• severe throat swelling
• stiff neck 
• confusion
• persistent vomiting
• chest pain or shortness of breath
• extreme listlessness or irritability
• abdominal pain or pain when urinating