It can be important to know when you have a fever or elevated temperature when assessing an illness. In this article you will find out at which temperatures one speaks of fever.
According to Netdoktor, fever is not a disease in itself, but merely a symptom. It is a natural defense reaction of the body to fight pathogens. Fever begins in the brain: When pathogens enter the body, the body activates the immune system and releases substances that increase body temperature. In addition, the temperature rises due to an increased metabolism, trembling of the muscles and reduced heat release from the skin.
When can fever occur?
Most often, fever occurs with infectious diseases. This can be the case with colds or flu, in children, for example, with inflammation of the middle ear or gastrointestinal infections.
But according to DocCheck, the body can also react with an increased temperature in the case of various inflammations, after operations, medication, autoimmune diseases or many other diseases.
The following side effects of fever can also occur:
- fatigue
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- thirst and profuse sweating
- dry and hot skin
- shiny eyes
- chills
- Digestive problems such as loss of appetite, nausea
- increased respiratory rate
- Feeling restless, confused or even hallucinating
When do you have a fever?
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / Victoria_Watercolor)
According to Netdoktor, the normal body temperature in adults is between 36.0 and 37.4 degrees Celsius. Above 37.5 degrees, one speaks of an elevated temperature in adults.
There is a fever from 38 degrees Celsius. There are different levels of strength:
-
slight fever from 38 to 38.5 degrees
-
moderate fever from 38.6 to 39 degrees
-
high fever from 39.1 to 39.9 degrees
-
very high fever from 40 to 40.9 degrees
-
extreme fever from 41 degrees
- Temperatures above 42.6 degrees Celsius are usually fatal in adults
Children generally have a slightly higher body temperature than adults. Therefore, one only speaks of fever from 38.5 degrees Celsius. Children also have a high fever from 39 degrees, but for them a body temperature of 41.5 degrees is life-threatening.
Measure and treat fever
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / congerdesign)
There are different parts of the body where fever can be measured. The most accurate way to measure it is rectally, since according to Netdoktor the temperature measured here comes closest to the temperature inside the body. You can find more information about the correct fever measurement in this article: Measuring fever: The best place and what you should consider.
Since fever is a natural reaction of the body, you should only try to lower it, according to Netdoktor, if it is severely debilitating or if the temperature is permanently high. Active ingredients such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can reduce fever and are administered, for example, in the form of suppositories, juice or tablets. Home remedies can also help with fever. The most common are calf wraps, which you can read more about in this article: Calf wraps for fever: tips for babies, children and adults.
When you should seek medical help if you have a fever also depends on the accompanying symptoms. In general, you should consult a doctor if you have a high fever for more than a day (body temperature above 40 degrees). This is important because a fever above 40 degrees can damage tissue and organs in the long term. So get medical advice in such a case if it doesn’t go away after a day! You should also seek medical advice if antipyretic medications and home remedies are ineffective, or if you experience confusion, drowsiness, or febrile seizures. All this also applies to fevers in children.
Important: For infants, you should consult your doctor at a temperature of 38 degrees or more. Instead of a high temperature, babies often show symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting or skin rashes, which you should urgently pay attention to.
Read more on Techzle.com:
- Reduce fever: home remedies for high temperature
- Willow bark: home remedy for fever, pain and other ailments
- Make a cold bath yourself: Mixtures for soothing baths