When we feel a little tired, a little sore, or a little hot, the first thing that comes to our minds is, "I wonder if I'm getting a fever." Sometimes, it's just a flu that goes up and down. But other times, it can be a sign of an illness. So, today, let's talk about what a fever is, why it happens, what we should do when we have a fever, and when we should see a doctor.
What exactly is fever?
Simply put, a fever is a higher than normal temperature in your body. This usually happens when your body has an infection, that is, a germ. Doctors usually consider a fever to be an oral temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher.
Think of our body as an advanced defense system. When a germ (virus or bacteria) enters the body, our body starts to fight it. Part of this fight is to increase our body temperature. This is because many germs have difficulty surviving at this high temperature. This is done by sending a signal to the body's temperature control center in our brain (just like the thermostat in an AC).
That means, a fever is not an illness, but a sign that the body is fighting an illness.
Is the 'normal' body temperature 98.6°F (37°C) true or not?
We've all heard since childhood that the normal body temperature of a healthy person is 98.6°F (37°C). This is the result of research conducted by a German doctor in the 1800s.
However, what is actually a "normal" temperature can vary slightly from person to person. It can range from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C). It can also vary throughout the day. It can be a little lower in the morning, a little higher during the day. It can also vary with things like your hormone levels, activity, and sleep.
New research has found that the average human body temperature has dropped slightly, to around 97.5°F (36.4°C). Doctors believe this is due to:
- Decreased metabolic rate: Due to our lifestyle, the body's metabolic rate is lower than before, resulting in less heat being produced by the body.
- Decreased infections: Chronic infections like tuberculosis and syphilis, which were common in the past, are now less common. This can also lead to a decrease in the average temperature.
- More accurate thermometers: Thermometers available today are much more accurate than those available in the past.
What are the types of fever and temperature levels?
Doctors classify fevers based on their nature and temperature. This is easier to understand if you look at a table.
| Type/level of fever | Simple description |
|---|---|
| Fever Patterns | |
| Intermittent fever | The fever rises, then drops back to normal within a day. |
| Remittent fever | Even if the fever subsides, it does not completely return to normal. |
| Continuous fever | The fever remains at the same level, there won't be much change. |
| Sorting by temperature levels | |
| Low-grade fever | Between 37.3°C - 38°C (99.1°F - 100.4°F). This means that the immune system is starting to work. |
| Moderate-grade fever | Between 38.1°C - 39°C (100.6°F - 102.2°F). This may affect people with chronic illnesses a little. |
| High-grade fever | Between 39.1°C - 41°C (102.4°F - 105.8°F). Sometimes a common cold can lead to a high fever. |
| High temperature (Hyperthermia) | A temperature above 41°C (105.8°F). This is a dangerous condition. It can be caused by exposure to extreme heat, severe infection (sepsis), etc. |
What other symptoms come with fever?
Because fever is a sign of an underlying illness, other symptoms may appear along with the fever.
- Feeling cold and shivering (we call it a 'fever chill')
- Headache
- Body pain
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Feeling very tired
- Skin redness or a feeling of heat
In adults, especially the elderly, severe infections may present with symptoms such as confusion or weight loss rather than a high fever.
Young children may also have symptoms like these along with fever:
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Earache
- Dry mouth even after drinking water
- Not urinating normally
- Pale appearance or facial flushing
What should we do to reduce fever?
Since fever is a sign that the body is fighting an illness, not all fevers need to be treated with medication. However, if the fever is high (over 101°F/38.3°C), or if you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can take fever-reducing medication.
Medicines
The main types of fever-reducing medications available on the market that can be taken without a doctor's prescription are:
- Paracetamol (`(Acetaminophen)`)
- NSAID medications, for example `(Ibuprofen)`
Most importantly: If you are taking medication, it is essential to take the correct dose at the correct time . Read the instructions on the package carefully. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
Do not give aspirin to children!
Giving aspirin to children when they have a fever can cause a serious condition called Reye syndrome, which damages the liver and brain. Therefore, do not give aspirin to children unless specifically recommended by a doctor.
Things you can do at home
- Drink plenty of water and fluids . When you have a fever, you can sweat and become dehydrated.
- Get plenty of rest . The body needs strength to fight the illness.
- Wash your body with lukewarm water . Don't use very cold water.
- Wear light, cotton clothes instead of heavy ones.
When should you see a doctor?
Generally, it is best to see a doctor if the fever does not subside within two to three days. However, in the following cases, you should seek medical advice immediately.
| For Whom? | When to see a doctor immediately |
|---|---|
| For young children |
|
| For adults |
|
Take-Home Message
- A fever is not a disease, but a sign that your body is fighting an infection.
- If you have a fever, drink plenty of water and rest. Medicine is not always necessary.
- If you are taking medicine for a fever, especially paracetamol (`(Acetaminophen)`) take it in the correct dosage. Do not give aspirin to children.
- If a baby under 3 months old has a fever, it is an emergency. See a doctor immediately.
- Always be aware of warning signs such as severe headache, neck stiffness, difficulty breathing, and confusion.
- If you have any concerns about your fever or your child's condition, see your doctor without delay.
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