A fever is a body temperature higher than normal. Normal temperature varies from person to person, but it is usually around 98.6 °F (37 °C).
A fever is not a disease in itself. It is usually a sign that your body is fighting an illness or infection.
Why the body runs a fever
Most fevers are caused by infections. The fever is the body's attempt to kill the virus or bacteria behind the infection: most of those germs thrive at normal body temperature, and a fever makes it harder for them to survive. A fever also switches on the body's immune system.
Other causes
- medicines, including some antibiotics, blood pressure medicines and anti-seizure medicines;
- heat illness;
- cancers;
- autoimmune diseases;
- some childhood vaccines.
Treatment
Treatment depends on what is causing the fever. If it is very high, your health care provider may suggest an over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Adults can also take aspirin, but children with a fever should not take aspirin.
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Sources
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine): "Fever."
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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