Fever

What is a Fever?

• A fever is defined as a temperature 1° or more above the normal 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (F) or 37 degrees Celsius (C). Mild or short-term elevations in body temperature are common with minor infections.
• High fevers, with temperatures of 103° and above, can signal a potentially dangerous infection. Contact your doctor in case of a high fever or if a lower fever doesn't resolve with simple treatments.
• Fever is a symptom of a disease or infection. It is not a disease. Fever helps the body fight infections by making the body's defense systems work more efficiently. Bacteria and viruses cannot live at higher temperatures and are killed by fever. If your child has a fever he will look hot and flushed, though may complain of feeling cold and be shivering.

What are the signs and symptoms of a Fever?

• There are different symptoms of a fever. The symptoms of a fever depends on what is causing it. Sometimes a fever can cause a chill. A chill occurs because when the brain raises the body's "thermostat," the body responds by shivering to raise the temperature. Shivering produces heat in the body. Once the temperature goes up, the person often feels warm. When the fever goes away, the person may start to sweat.

What causes a Fever?

• Fever can be caused by many conditions. Some conditions that cause them are: infections such asstrep throat, pneumonia, flu and chickenpox, tissue injuries, silicosis, tumors or cancer diseases that cause inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis,medications, and being in a hot environment for too long.

Risks during a Fever

• The main risk of mild or moderate fevers is dehydration. When a person has a fever, they need more fluids than usual. A fever greater than 106 degrees Fahrenheit can result in brain damage and possibly death. Fevers greater than 106 degrees are very unusual.

Why Drink Plenty of Fluids

• It is important to drink fluids when you have a fever. It is important because fever causes considerable fluid loss through the skin and perspiration. Because it is difficult to measure fluid loss, it is good to drink 1 to 2 quarts of extra fluid each day that you have a fever.

How are Fevers diagnosed?

• A thermometer is used to measure the body temperature. The temperature can be taken in the mouth, rectum, ear, or under the arm.

How are Fevers treated?

• Treatment is usually directed at whatever is causing the fever. Some steps that can help bring down a fever or comfort a person include the following: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce a fever. Fevers greater than 106 degrees F are very serious. These high fevers need to be treated in the hospital. If you believe you may have a fever, please consult your doctor.

Can Fevers be prevented?

• Generally no.

Fever Seizures

• A child with a high fever may have a febrile seizure. Symptoms of a seizure include shaking or jerking of the arms and legs, a fixed stare or the eyes rolling back, drooling, heavy breathing, and the skin turning blue. If your child has a febrile seizure, contact your doctor immediately.

The majority of children with febrile seizures have rectal temperatures greater than 102 degrees F. Most febrile seizures occur during the first day of a child's fever. Children prone to febrile seizures are not considered to have epilepsy, since epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures that are not triggered by fever.