Fever is one of those giveaway signs that your body is doing things to kill something. And although it may make you feel pretty lousy, it’s often not something to panic. Your body can be thought of as a house with a thermostat, and your hypothalamus in your brain is the one that’s adjusting the temperature. Most people run around 98.6°F (37°C), but it’s totally normal for your temperature to go up or down a bit depending on things like the time of day, your activity level, or even your age. A fever is generally anything 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, whether you’re checking it in your mouth, rectum, ear, or on your forehead.
So what makes your temperature rise? A fever is essentially your body’s way of cranking up the temperature to make conditions more difficult for viruses and bacteria. Infection is most often the culprit, like a cold, the flu, COVID-19, or a stomach virus. Occasionally, bacterial infections such as an ear infection, pneumonia, or a UTI are the cause. Sometimes, though, it may be caused by inflammation, medications, or even simply a response to a vaccine.
When you have a fever, something more than just an elevated number on the thermometer is likely going on. You may be sweating or shivering, experience a headache or muscle pain, feel irritable, lose your appetite, or simply be completely exhausted. You can even become dehydrated. How you take your temperature is important, as well. Oral and rectal thermometers are most often the most reliable. Ear and forehead thermals are super handy, but they’re not always accurate. For infants, rectal thermals provide the best snapshot, provided it’s done in a safe way.
It’s really crucial to recognize when to be serious about fever. For well adults and older children, an initial low-grade fever is often simply an indication that the body is doing its thing. But there are signs to watch out for. If you’re an adult and your temperature reaches 103°F (39.4°C) or higher, or you experience symptoms such as a severe headache, a rash, stiff neck, confusion, difficulty breathing, chest pain, belly ache, constant vomiting, or burning when you urinate—it’s time to seek medical attention. In children, particularly infants under three months, even a low temperature can be a real concern. If a baby this young has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, he or she needs to be evaluated immediately. For older toddlers and babies, it’s wise to seek assistance if they have a fever that doesn’t come down, are very fussy or tired, are having difficulty breathing, or experience a seizure.
Treating a fever at home is largely a matter of staying comfortable. Drink lots of fluids, dress in light clothing, and sleep a lot. If the fever is making you or your child miserable, medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen might make you feel better, but always read the instructions and consult your doctor if you have other health issues. And don’t give aspirin to children or teenagers, as it could be very harmful. If your baby has a fever, it is best to consult a health professional prior to administering any medication.
There are a few things you’ll want to steer clear of when you’ve got a fever. Don’t wrap yourself in heavy blankets or take an ice-cold bath—those can make things worse. Avoid using old-school glass mercury thermometers, since they’re dangerous if they break. Always clean your digital thermometer before and after each use, and never leave a child alone while taking their temperature.
There are some individuals who are at a greater risk when dealing with fevers. Children from six months to five years old may occasionally experience febrile seizures—brief convulsions triggered by a rapid rise in body temperature. They are normally harmless and do not lead to lasting complications, but they might be terrifying to observe. In case a seizure exceeds five minutes or the child fails to recover fast enough, seek emergency assistance immediately.
Preventing fevers boils down to not getting infections at all. So, wash your hands a lot, get vaccinated, don’t share drinks or eating utensils, and cough into your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
If you’ve traveled, especially to areas where diseases like malaria are prevalent, and you develop a fever, it’s a good idea to get checked by a physician.
At the end of the day, fever is your body’s natural defense mechanism. Most of the time, it’s just nothing to fear. But knowing when to seek help and how to treat yourself or your loved ones can make all the difference in feeling better and staying safe.
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