Fever

Fever Q & A

What is a fever?

A fever is an increase in your body’s average temperature of 98.6°F. Fevers result when your body is fighting off viruses or bacteria. For an adult, a fever tends to only be of true medical concern when it reaches 103°F or beyond, while for children, a slight increase in temperature could be indicative of a serious matter.

The most common symptoms that can accompany a fever include:

A headache

Chills and shivering

Weakness

Irritability

Muscle aches

Sweating

A fever can become a medical emergency when you or your child experiences chest pain, confusion, or persistent vomiting. Because of this, NAG Clinics maintain after-hours care and an urgent care clinic for more serious cases of fever.

What are the causes of a fever?

A part of your brain called the hypothalamus is in charge of regulating your body temperature. If an infection or illness invades your body, your hypothalamus can reset your body’s temperature to try and fight it. For example, a fever caused by the flu tends to last no more than one week, while a fever associated with a common cold virus lasts two to three days.

An elevated body temperature could be caused by the following:

• A virus
• Heat exhaustion
• Bacterial infection
• Certain medications
• Conditions that cause inflammation

Make sure to evaluate your symptoms and body temperature to determine if you should call the doctors at NAG Clinics for a consultation.

How can I prevent a fever?

Fevers tend to be a side effect to the body fighting off an illness. Knowing that, you’d have to prevent the infection or illness from happening to avoid the fever. The best ways to do this are to stay up-to-date on your immunizations and have proper hygiene by always washing your hands.

What is the treatment for a fever?

Your fever typically doesn’t need to be treated with medication unless it’s causing discomfort. If the doctors determine your fever is caused by an illness, they can prescribe antibiotics to treat the illness. This helps the fever naturally dissipate. If you’re at home, you should stay in bed and rest along with staying hydrated. Additionally, you could take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce your fever.

Fevers are often indicative of an underlying serious health issue. Visit the doctors at NAG Clinics or schedule your appointment online to get proper diagnosis and treatment.