10 Essential Facts About Fever: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Fever is a common health concern, often signalling an underlying condition. Understanding what causes it, how it affects the body, and when to seek medical attention can help you manage it effectively.
Here are 10 key facts about fever in adults.
1. What is a Fever?
A fever is when body temperature rises to 38°C or higher in adults. The average normal human temperature is around 37 degrees, but slight variations are normal.
2. A Common Symptom of Infections
Fever is the body’s natural response to many infections, including:
- Colds, flu or COVID-19
- Ear infections
- Bronchitis
- Strep throat
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Gastroenteritis
- Glandular fever.
More serious infections – including pneumonia, meningitis, cellulitis, and kidney or gall bladder infections – can also cause fever.
3. Fever Helps the Body Fight Infection
A higher temperatures can help eliminate harmful pathogens. In fact, doctors sometimes worry more when an elderly person has an infection but no fever, as this may indicate a weaker immune response.
4. Fever Has Many Causes
While infections are the most common trigger, fever can also result from:
- Autoimmune disease (e.g. SLE or RA)
- Medication
- Heat exhaustion
- Strenuous exercise
- Ovulation
- Sepsis, a life threatening response to infection.
There are some rare causes of fever, such as Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF); which is an inherited disorder characterised by episodic fevers, with pain in the abdomen, chest or joints.
5. Fever Symptoms Vary
As body temperature rises, you may feel cold or experience shivering episodes (rigors); conversely, when the fever breaks, you may feel warm, flushed and sweaty.
6. Fever Itself is Not Usually Dangerous
Most fevers resolve within 2-3 days if the cause is not serious. However, very high fevers (above 40°C) can lead to complications like seizures, delirium, and dehydration.
7. Some People Are More at Risk
Certain groups, including young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, are more vulnerable to fever-related complications and should be monitored.
8. Treating a fever: When and How
Fever itself is not harmful and does not always require treatment. However, you can ease symptoms by:
- Staying hydrated
- Getting plenty of rest
- Taking over-the-counter medications, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and relieve other symptoms, if needed.
9. Antibiotics Only Work for Bacterial Infections
Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, so they should only be used when prescribed by a doctor.
10. Fever and Seizures in Children
Febrile seizures can occur in young children when their temperature rises rapidly. Most seizures occur within the first day of illness, and don’t necessarily indicate epilepsy or long-term health problems.
Final Thoughts
Fever is a natural response that helps the body fight infection. Whilst most fevers are mild and resolve on their own, its important to monitor symptoms, especially in vulnerable individuals. If a fever is very high, persists for more than a few days, or is accompanied by severe symptoms, seek medical advice.
Understanding these fever facts can help you respond appropriately and take care of your health more confidently.
