10 facts about fever in adults
In this article we will discuss 10 facts about fever in adults, focusing on its symptoms, causes and treatment.
1. Fever is defined – as a body temperature of 38°C or higher in adults. Normal human temperature is 37 degrees.
2. Fever is a common symptom – of many infections, including bacterial and viral infections. Amongst the most common infections are:
- Colds, flu or COVID-19
- Ear infections
- Bronchitis
- Strep throat
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Gastroenteritis
- Glandular fever.
Other more serious infections include pneumonia, meningitis, cellulitis, pyelonephritis (kidney infection) and cholecystitis (gall bladder infection).
3. Fever is usually a sign of the body’s natural response to infection – as higher temperatures can help to kill off pathogens. So, in some ways, it is a ‘good ‘ thing – as it shows your body is fighting the infection. Doctors get more worried about for example, when an elderly person has an infection and a normal or low temperature – as that may indicate they are not fighting the infection.
4. But there are other causes of fever – it can also be caused by autoimmune disease (e.g. SLE or RA), medication, heat exhaustion, strenuous exercise or ovulation. It can also be a sign of sepsis, which is life threatening.
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. When the body temperature is rising rapidly – the affected person may feel chilly or even have a shaking episode (called a rigor); conversely, when the temperature is declining rapidly, the person may feel warm and have a flushed moist skin.
6. In most cases, a fever in adults is not dangerous in itself – it depends on the cause. If the cause is not serious, they will resolve on their own inn 2-3 days. However, very high fevers (above 40°C) can cause rigors, seizures, delirium, or other serious complications.
7. Certain groups of people – such as those with weakened immune systems, young children, and the elderly are at higher risk from fever and its complications.
8. In treating fever – it is important to determine the underlying cause of the fever. Fever usually means the body is working to fight infection – i.e. fever is a natural response and in itself is not harmful. So it is not always necessary to treat a fever. Generic treatments for fever in adults include staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and taking over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and relieve other symptoms.
9. Antibiotics often needed for bacterial infections – but should not be used to treat a fever caused by a viral infection.
10. A febrile (fever) seizure – is a convulsion in a child caused by a rapid rise of body temperature. Most seizures occur within the first day of the child becoming sick and not always when the fever is the highest. Sometimes the seizure is the first sign of a fever in an infant or child. It does not mean they will develop long-term epilepsy.
Summary
We have discussed 10 facts about fever in adults, focusing on symptoms, causes and treatment. We hope you understand it better now.
