Fever
What is a fever?
Fever is defined as a body temperature that is 1 or more degrees higher than normal.
Normal body temperature varies from person to person, by age, by the time of day,
and by the part of the body where it is measured. Other factors such as strenuous
exercise, medicines, or even excitement can also affect body temperature.
Your temperature can be measured with a thermometer in the mouth, ear, or rectum,
or under the armpit. When the temperature is measured in the mouth (orally):
A temperature between 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit (F), or 36.1 to 37.2 degrees
Celsius (C), is considered normal.
A temperature of 100 to 102 degrees F (37.8 to 38.9 degrees C) is usually called a
low-grade fever.
A temperature of 103 degrees F (39.5 degrees C) or higher is called a high-grade
fever.
Generally, oral temperatures of 102 degrees F (38.9 degrees C) or higher are fevers
that may be more serious.
Temperatures measured in the ear or rectum are higher than oral temperatures by
one half to 1 degree F (about one half degree C), and temperatures measured in the
armpit are lower by one half to 1 degree F.
What causes fever?
A fever is a symptom, not a disease. Fever can be a sign that the body is fighting an
infection. Fever may occur with viral or bacterial infections such as ear infections,
the flu, severe colds, sore throats, pneumonia, stomach viruses, or urinary tract
infections. A fever can also be a symptom of other medical problems such as
dehydration, a thyroid disorder, or an autoimmune problem.
How is it treated?
Not all fevers mean you have a serious illness or need medicine. Children often have
high temperatures, even with minor viral infections. On the other hand, older adults
may have a serious infection and not have a fever.
For low-grade fevers below 102 degrees F (38.9 degrees C), get plenty of rest and
drink lots of fluids, especially water. Dress in light, comfortable clothing. Do not
bundle in heavy clothes or blankets. Keep the room cool but not uncomfortable.
Bathing or sponging in lukewarm water may also help. Medicines are not needed for
