A fever happens when your body temperature is higher than it should be. The average temperature is 37C, or 98.6F. If it rises above 37.5C, then you have a fever. But is body temperature the only indication of having a fever? In this article, we will discuss 7 warning signs and symptoms of a fever that you should be aware of. If you experience any of these, you should take your temperature to check if you really have a fever.
The signs of a fever depend on a variety of issues, including how high your temperature is, and what is causing the fever. However, the 7 warning signs and symptoms of a fever that you are most likely to experience are:
1. Shivering
2. Sweating
3. Muscle aches
4. Headache
5. Dehydration
6. Loss of appetite
7. General weakness
None of these symptoms are dangerous in and of themselves. However, the cause of the fever may be dangerous, which is why you should always take this seriously. Should your temperature continue to rise, reaching between 39.4C (103F) and 41.1C (106F), you may experience more serious signs and symptoms, including:
– Confusion
– Hallucinations
– Convulsions
– Irritability
– Dehydration
Do You Need a Doctor?
Generally speaking, having a fever is nothing to worry about. It is just the body's natural way of killing off an infection. However, sometimes, you do need to seek medical attention. The first thing you have to do is take your a temperature. Traditionally, this was done by placing a thermometer in the armpit, under the tongue, or in the rectum. More and more commonly, however, people have digital thermometers that can take a reading through the ear or by swiping across the forehead. If you do have a fever, you can generally treat it with over the counter remedies, particularly paracetamol and ibuprofen. If you find this does not break the fever, and your temperature continues to rise, seeking medical attention is advisable.
If the fever is present in an infant or child, then you do have some cause for concern. You should contact your physician, or some emergency service, if:
1. Your child is not yet three months of age and his or her rectal temperature is 38C (100.4f) or above.
2. Your child is between three and six months of age and his or her temperature is 38.9C (102F), and the child starts to appear uncomfortable, lethargic, or irritable.
3. Your child is between three and six months old and his or her temperature rises above 38.9C (102F).
4. Your child is between the ages of six and 24 months and his or her temperature is above 38.9C (102F) and does not go down after 24 hours, even if there are no other symptoms. If there are other symptoms, you may want to contact a physician earlier.
5. If you have a newborn with a temperature that is too low. If it drops below 36.1C (97F), you must phone a doctor immediately. Young babies are not capable of regulating their body temperature, and they are more likely to turn cold rather than hot.