Symptoms
Common symptoms accompanying a fever include:
Feeling hot to the touch
Sweating
Shivering or chills
Headache
Muscle aches and weakness
Loss of appetite
Irritability
Dehydration In infants and young children, fever can also cause:
Seizures (febrile seizures)
Lethargy or drowsiness
Causes
Fever is most often caused by:
Infections: Viral infections (like the flu, common cold, or COVID-19) and bacterial infections (like strep throat or urinary tract infections).
Vaccinations: Some vaccines can cause a mild, temporary fever.
Inflammatory conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Medications: Certain medications can cause drug-induced fever.
Heat exhaustion: Overexposure to high temperatures can lead to fever.
Medicine Used
Over-the-counter medications to reduce fever include:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Effective for reducing fever and pain. Follow dosage instructions carefully, especially for children.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Also reduces fever and pain. Not recommended for infants under 6 months unless directed by a doctor.
Aspirin: Should not be given to children or teenagers due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. Important Note: Treat the *person* not just the number. If the person is comfortable and not showing any other concerning symptoms, medication may not be necessary. Always consult a doctor before giving medication to infants or children. The underlying cause of the fever should be determined and treated appropriately by a healthcare professional, which may involve antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiviral medications for certain viral infections, or other specific treatments.
Precautions
To prevent the spread of illness that causes fever:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, and mouth).
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Stay home from work or school if you have a fever and are feeling ill.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Get vaccinated against preventable illnesses like the flu and COVID-19.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of a fever depends on the underlying cause.
Viral infections: Fever may last from a few hours to several days (typically 1-3 days).
Bacterial infections: Fever may persist longer and often requires antibiotic treatment.
Vaccinations: Fever is typically mild and resolves within 24-48 hours. If a fever lasts longer than a few days or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention.
How is it diagnosed?
Fever is diagnosed by measuring body temperature using a thermometer. Different types of thermometers can be used:
Oral: Under the tongue (most common for adults and older children).
Rectal: Most accurate for infants and young children.
Axillary: Under the armpit (less accurate, but can be used for screening).
Tympanic: In the ear (quick and easy, but can be affected by earwax).
Temporal artery: Across the forehead (non-invasive). After fever is confirmed, doctors will evaluate your medical history and perform a physical exam to determine the underlying cause. Diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, or cultures, may be ordered to identify the specific infection or condition causing the fever.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies depending on the cause of the fever. A typical viral infection might follow this general pattern:
Day 1: Mild symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, and sore throat may appear. Body temperature may start to rise.
Day 2-3: Fever peaks, and other symptoms become more pronounced. Chills, headache, and respiratory symptoms (cough, congestion) may develop.
Day 4-5: Fever starts to break, and symptoms gradually improve. Fatigue and weakness may linger.
Day 6-7: Most symptoms resolve, and energy levels return to normal. Important Note: This is a general timeline, and symptoms can vary greatly depending on the individual and the specific illness.
Important Considerations
When to see a doctor: Seek medical attention if the fever is high (103°F or higher), lasts longer than a few days, or is accompanied by concerning symptoms such as stiff neck, severe headache, difficulty breathing, chest pain, abdominal pain, seizures, confusion, dehydration, rash, or inability to keep down fluids. In infants under 3 months old, any fever should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.
Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Water, juice, broth, and electrolyte solutions are good choices.
Rest: Get plenty of rest to allow your body to recover.
Monitor: Closely monitor the person's symptoms and temperature. Note any changes and report them to the doctor.
Do not self-medicate for prolonged periods: If symptoms persist or worsen, seek professional medical advice. Do not rely solely on over-the-counter medications.
Febrile Seizures: If a child experiences a febrile seizure, seek immediate medical attention.