Fever
Normal body temperature varies from person
to person. Even in the same person, normal body temperature varies
depending on age, activity, and time of day. The average normal body
temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). Body temperature above 100°F is usually
classified as fever.
Body
temperature is usually highest in the evening. It can be raised by
physical activity, strong emotion, eating, heavy clothing, medications,
high room temperature, and high humidity. This is especially true in
children.
Fever
is not an illness. Far from being an enemy, it is an important part of
the body's defense against infection. Many infants and children develop
high fevers with minor viral illnesses. While a fever signals to us that
a battle might be going on in the body, the fever is fighting for
the person, not against. Fevers can be caused by a variety of illnesses,
ranging from a sore throat to cancer .
[i]
Fevers can often be treated with OTC pain relievers.
Call
your health care provider if:
A
baby less than 90 days old has a rectal temperature of 100.2°F
(37.9°C)
or higher.
A
baby 3 to 6 months old has a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher.
A
baby 6 to 12 months old has a fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher.
A
child under age two years has a fever that lasts longer than 24 to 48
hours.
A
fever lasts longer than 48 to 72 hours in older children and adults.
Anyone
has a fever over 105°F (40.5°C), unless it comes down readily with
treatment and the person is comfortable.
There
are other worrisome symptoms. For example, someone who is very
irritable, confused, has difficulty breathing, has a stiff neck, won't
move an arm or leg, or who has a first seizure.
There
are other symptoms that suggest an illness that may need to be treated,
such as a sore throat, earache, or cough.
You think you may have incorrectly dosed acetaminophen<link to Fast Facts About Acetaminophen> or ibuprofen<link to Fast Facts About Ibuprofen>.