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Fever Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
A fever serves as your body's sophisticated alarm system, particularly prevalent during peak illness seasons when viruses like COVID-19 and influenza circulate widely. Rather than being a standalone condition, an elevated temperature indicates your immune system's active response to potential threats. The human body typically maintains a temperature between 97°F (36.1°C) and 99°F (37.2°C), with readings of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher qualifying as a fever. This natural defense mechanism triggers a series of biological responses, including increased production of white blood cells and enhanced immune system activity. The elevated temperature creates an environment less favorable for pathogen survival, effectively supporting your body's fight against infection.
Essential temperature monitoring techniquesAccurate fever detection relies primarily on proper thermometer usage. The process requires careful attention to timing and technique. For optimal results, avoid consuming food or beverages for at least 15 minutes before measurement. When using an oral thermometer, ensure proper placement in the sublingual pockets and maintain position for a minimum of three minutes. Different types of thermometers offer varying levels of accuracy – digital thermometers provide quick, reliable readings, while temporal artery thermometers offer convenient non-invasive options. The location of temperature measurement can affect readings: oral temperatures typically run slightly lower than rectal temperatures, while armpit readings tend to be the least accurate. Understanding these variations helps ensure more precise monitoring of fever progression.
Understanding fever duration and patternsThe timeline of a fever varies significantly based on its underlying trigger. While most cases resolve within 72 hours, certain conditions may lead to extended periods of elevated temperature. Some illnesses, including viral infections, can create distinctive patterns of temperature fluctuation throughout the day. Fever patterns can provide valuable diagnostic information – continuous fevers maintain a consistent elevation, while intermittent fevers fluctuate between normal and elevated temperatures throughout the day. Remittent fevers vary in degree but never return to normal, and relapsing fevers alternate between fever episodes and fever-free periods. These patterns, combined with other symptoms, help health care providers determine appropriate treatment approaches.
Strategic fever management approachesSeveral evidence-based strategies can help manage fever symptoms effectively:
Adults experiencing temperatures of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher should seek immediate medical evaluation. The threshold for concern varies by age group — infants under three months require medical attention for any temperature reaching 100.4°F (38°C), while children should be evaluated if their fever exceeds 104°F (40°C). Additional warning signs warranting immediate medical attention include severe headache, stiff neck, mental confusion, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting. Individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic medical conditions should maintain lower thresholds for seeking medical care during fever episodes.
Proactive fever managementWhile fevers often generate anxiety, they represent a vital defensive mechanism in the body's immune response. Understanding proper monitoring techniques, implementing appropriate management strategies and recognizing when to seek professional help enables more effective navigation of feverish episodes. Regular communication with health care providers remains essential for optimal fever management, particularly when symptoms persist or worsen. Maintaining a fever diary can help track patterns and response to treatment, providing valuable information for health care providers. Prevention strategies, including regular hand washing, adequate sleep and balanced nutrition, play crucial roles in reducing fever risk. For individuals with recurring fevers, investigating underlying causes becomes essential for long-term health management.
How To Break A Fever ASAP, According To Doctors
Fevers are one of the most common symptoms going around during peak COVID and flu season. And if you're feeling like you're burning up, it's likely that your body temperature is spiking, too. Still, feeling sweaty and flushed can be uncomfortable, and it makes sense to find yourself searching online for tips on how to break a fever fast.
It's important to point out that a fever is not a condition itself, but a symptom that something is going on with your body—you don't just get a fever out of nowhere. Because of this, treating the underlying condition may help alleviate your fever, says Hannah Goldberg, M.D., a primary care physician with Mercy Medical Center. Still, there are some things you can do in the meantime to help make yourself feel better and even break that fever—but FYI, you can't actually "sweat" out a fever.
Meet the Experts: Raj Dasgupta, M.D., an assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine; Hannah Goldberg, M.D., a primary care physician with Mercy Medical Center; Shengyi Mao, M.D., an internist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; Christopher Palazzo, M.D., a family medicine practitioner at Spectrum Health; Mary Ann Pane, R.N., a nurse clinician in Philadelphia.
Whether you are dealing with the flu, a cold, pneumonia, or an inflammatory condition, read on to find out the fever home remedies that can help you feel better while your body tries to find its balance. Plus, how to properly take your temperature to be sure where your feverish feeling is coming from.
What is a fever?Normal body temperature can range between 97 degrees Fahrenheit (36.1 C) and 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2 C), per Mayo Clinic. In general, doctors consider you to have a fever if your temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher, says Christopher Palazzo, M.D., a family medicine practitioner at Spectrum Health. Sure, some people "run hot" or "run cold," but that's the baseline temperature that doctors go by.
With that being said, the temperatures that are considered to be in the fever range primarily depend on age. Per MedlinePlus, a child has a fever when the temperature is at or above one of these levels:
An adult probably has a fever when the temperature is above 99°F to 99.5°F (37.2°C to 37.5°C), depending on the time of day. Body temperature is usually highest in the evening.
"A fever is part of your body's immune response to infection, most commonly by virus or bacteria known as pathogens," Dr. Palazzo says. "Fevers help the body make it difficult for invading pathogens to replicate as well as activate specific parts of our immune system that help to fight off infection." Basically, having a fever is a sign that your body is fighting off something <gestures broadly>.
"The good news is that, while having a fever may be uncomfortable, fever in itself is not harmful," says Dr. Mao. "It is rather, an important clue of something going on in the body."
Your body "does not lose the ability to regulate temperature during a fever. It simply regulates body temperature at a higher set point," explains Raj Dasgupta, M.D., an assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. "When a fever develops, body temperature rises toward the new higher set point," he adds.
Once your fever "breaks," the set point returns to normal, and your temperature starts to decrease by dissipating heat through sweating and dilating blood vessels in the skin. "The human body regulates temperature by keeping a tight balance between heat gain and heat loss," says Dr. Dasgupta. "Your temperature regulation system is more analogous to the operation of a home furnace, as opposed to the function of an air conditioner."
How to tell if you have a feverTo find out if you have a fever, you need to take your temperature using a thermometer. Wait at least 15 minutes after eating or drinking anything, smoking, or taking a hot bath before taking an oral reading, since this can alter mouth temperature and cause inaccurate readings. Then, take your thermometer and follow these steps:
If for some reason you can not take your temperature orally, you can opt for the axillary, or armpit, method. Per Mayo Clinic, you can follow these steps:
If you decide to go the armpit route, just know that these readings are typically less accurate than oral temperatures, even if you do it the right way.
If you don't have a thermometer at home, see how you can still check if you have a fever without a thermometer here.
How long does a fever usually last?As you can probably guess, the answer is "it depends." "How long a fever lasts can vary a lot from person to person and depending on the cause and treatment of the fever," Dr. Mao says. Still, she says, "most fevers resolve within three days."
Different illnesses also have different fever patterns, Dr. Goldberg says. Meaning, fevers may come on during certain times for come and go. "That's something we pay attention to," she says. "Some fevers happen at the same time every day and go away. With COVID, for example, they tend to happen in the middle of the night."
But, if you have a fever that won't quit, it's a good idea to at least check in with your doctor.
How to break a fever 1. First, wait it out.If you do have a fever, remember this: Fever itself is not an illness—it's a symptom of one. So, in essence, your body's natural defenses can actually shorten an illness with its quick response and increase the power of antibiotics. These natural processes should be weighed against the discomfort involved in not medicating a slight fever and letting it run its course.
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.When you're hot, your body sweats to cool you down. But if you lose too much water—as you might with a high fever—your body turns off its sweat ducts to prevent further water loss, making it more difficult for you to cope with your fever. The moral of this story: Fill your water bottle and drink up. In addition to plain water, experts recommend sipping on watered-down juice and hot tea.
3. Opt for ice if you feel nauseous.If you're too nauseated to drink, you can suck on ice. For more variety, you can freeze diluted fruit juice in an ice-cube tray for a fruity and delicious twist.
4. Cool down with wet compresses.Wet compresses help reduce your body's temperature output. Ironically, hot, moist compresses can do the job as well. If you start to feel uncomfortably hot, remove those compresses and apply cool ones to the forehead, wrists, and calves. Keep the rest of the body covered. If the fever rises above 103°F, don't use hot compresses at all. Instead, apply cool ones to prevent the fever from getting any higher. Change them as they warm to body temperature and continue until the fever drops.
5. Try sponging to cool down.Evaporation also has a cooling effect on body temperature. Try dabbing cool tap water onto the skin to help dissipate excess heat, says Mary Ann Pane, R.N., a nurse clinician in Philadelphia. Although you can sponge the whole body, she says, pay particular attention to spots where heat is generally greatest, such as the armpits and groin area. Wring out a sponge and wipe one section at a time, keeping the rest of the body covered. Body heat will evaporate the moisture and cool the skin.
6. Pop an OTC pain reliever.Advil Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer Coated Tablets
If you're very uncomfortable, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. For adults, aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can be taken according to package directions. The advantage of acetaminophen and ibuprofen over aspirin is that fewer people experience side effects.
So which one should you take? All are effective, but some work better for particular ailments. For example, aspirin and ibuprofen are common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), so they're effective at reducing muscle pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen is recommended if you have gastrointestinal sensitivity or are allergic to aspirin. It doesn't work as well as NSAIDs for inflammation and muscle aches; however, it's a safer drug to use and has minimal side effects, as long as it's taken in the proper dosage.
7. Bundle up.Use common sense as far as clothing and blankets go, says Pane. If you're very hot, take off extra covers and clothes so that body heat can dissipate into the air. But if you have the chills, bundle up until you're just comfortable.
8. Take your time with eating.Don't fret over whether you should feed a fever or starve one—just drown it. "Most people don't want to eat when they have a fever, so the important thing is fluids," Maleskey says. Once your appetite starts to return, eat what appeals to you. Toast, scrambled eggs, chicken soup, and vanilla pudding all go down easy as part of your recuperation. (For more inspiration, here are the best foods to eat when you are sick.)
9. Get some rest.Try to kick back and relax when you have a fever. "Fevers are usually associated with increased metabolism in the body meaning the body is on overdrive and needs more oxygen and fluids," explains Shengyi Mao, M.D., an internist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. "Being active also increases the body's metabolic demands, so being very active while running a fever can put extra strain on the body while it's already under stress." Basically, lying in bed or just doing your best to take it easy will allow your body to do what it needs to do.
When to see a doctor about your feverTemperatures of 102°F or higher may be serious, particularly if you are also feeling sick with other symptoms. Adults with chronic illnesses, such as heart or respiratory disease, may not be able to tolerate prolonged high fevers.
For infants: For very young infants—aged 12 weeks or younger, seek immediate medical care for high fevers of 100.4 degrees or higher.
For children: For a child of any age, consult a healthcare provider for any fever that rises above 104 degrees repeatedly. Seek immediate medical care if your child has a fever along with any of the following symptoms:
For adults: Adults should contact a healthcare provider when their fever stays at or rises above 103 degrees, especially if the fever keeps climbing with no sign of coming down. Additionally, if you experience one or more of the following, seek immediate medical care, per our experts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
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Medical Director of the University of Kentucky Integrative Medicine and Health Program
Connie Jennings, M.D., practices internal medicine with a patient population ranging from young adults to geriatrics at the University of Kentucky and is the medical director of the University of Kentucky Integrative Medicine and Health Program. Dr. Jennings also practices acupuncture, provides integrative medicine consults, and teaches meditative skills. Her integrative medicine team promotes healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and holistic healing, and in addition to her clinical work, she teaches undergraduates and professional students. Her approach to medicine focuses on the relationship between the patient and the provider as the healing force.
Texas Records First Locally Transmitted Dengue Fever Case Of 2024
Texas' first locally transmitted case of dengue fever in 2024 has been recorded as the state is experiencing its highest annual case count in decades, officials say.
The mosquito-driven virus was found in a resident of Cameron County, which is the southernmost county in the state, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
"It has been a highly active year for dengue virus globally. As of today, there have been 106 travel-associated dengue cases, including one death reported in Texas," the agency said Monday.
"This is the highest annual case count in Texas since 2002," it added. "Precautions should be taken to protect against mosquito bites in Texas and while traveling internationally to countries where dengue is endemic."
LOS ANGELES COUNTY REPORTS DENGUE FEVER CLUSTER ACQUIRED FROM LOCAL MOSQUITOES
A locally transmitted case of dengue fever has been recorded in Cameron County, Texas. (iStock)
DSHS says the dengue virus – which is often found in places such as the "South Pacific, Asia, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Africa" – is transmitted by mosquitos and about 25% of those who become infected are symptomatic.
"After about three to 14 days, infected people may develop fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle aches, joint pain, bone pain, pain behind the eyes and headaches. Most people recover completely within two weeks," according to the agency. "However, about one in 20 symptomatic people develop a severe infection that can be fatal if untreated."
CDC WARNS OF MOSQUITO-DRIVEN VIRUS AS CASES SPIKE
A worker is seen releasing smoke during a fumigation campaign against the mosquito that transmits the dengue virus, on June 24, in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Aphotografia/Getty Images)
Texas health officials are now urging the public to "not give mosquitoes a biting chance" by wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and removing standing water that provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Dengue fever typically spreads through mosquito bites in countries where the disease is common. (iStock)
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"Since 2013, there have been 665 cases of dengue virus in Texas, including 40 cases that were acquired locally in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Val Verde, Webb and Willacy counties. Mosquitoes remain active in much of Texas into November and December," DSHS said.
Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital.
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