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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.
Chills But No Fever? Here's What It Means And What To Do
One of the tell-tale signs you are coming down with a cold, the flu, or COVID is a fever and its sidekick: full-body chills. What happens, though, when that hair-raising feeling takes over, but your body temperature isn't considered high? Chills with no fever can happen, and there are a few reasons why.
Meet the Experts: David Cutler, M.D., family medicine physician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA and Mike Sevilla, M.D., family physician of the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians.
Before getting into the specifics, it's important to note what constitutes a fever. A fever is when your body temperature rises higher than normal, but a fever itself isn't an illness. Many healthcare professionals consider a temperature of 100.4 degrees and above to be a fever when measured orally (by mouth), according to the Cleveland Clinic.
So if you've taken your temperature and find yourself to be in a normal, fever-free range but you're still experiencing shivers and shakes, don't panic. Here, our experts help you better understand what can cause your chills, but no fever, and what you should do about it. Plus, when to see a doctor to get to the bottom of your goosebumps.
What are chills?Chills are caused by the body trying to regulate its own core temperature, says Mike Sevilla, M.D., family physician of the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians. "Your body responds by causing your muscles to contract and relax, to try to warm up your body… some people call this reaction shivering."
"Chills, or shivering, is involuntary, so you can't control it," adds David Cutler, M.D., family medicine physician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. Chills are also an important mechanism for maintaining normal body temperature when it drops too low, which happens quite often without a fever, Dr. Cutler adds.
According to Cleveland Clinic, when you have chills, you may:
Sometimes you might get cold chills from being exposed to low temperatures. Shivering can also be a sign that your body is fighting off an illness, infection, or another health problem.
Why do I have chills but no fever?If you're shivering but the thermometer says your body temp is normal, one of these usual suspects could be behind your chills sans fever:
Cold temperaturesThe simplest cause of chills and shivering is being out in cold temperatures, says Dr. Sevilla. Also, wearing wet clothing and/or being in windy conditions, makes the body feel cold more quickly, he adds. "If the body's core temperature drops too low, this can cause a life-threatening condition called hypothermia."
This is why it's especially important to bundle up and keep warm in the colder winter months. So before you go outside, be sure to put on your winter coat, winter hat, and winter gloves to stay nice and toasty!
InfectionAccording to the National Library of Medicine, chills may present at the start of an infection—bacterial or viral—and not necessarily alongside a fever. They can also be predictors of an oncoming fever during an infection.
Bacterial infections are typically treated with antibiotics. As far as COVID and the flu, you can best protect yourself by staying up to date with vaccinations, and yes, it is safe to get both shots together.
HypothyroidismHaving an under-active thyroid can cause people to be more sensitive to the cold, and may cause chills symptoms, says Dr. Sevilla.
When thyroid hormone levels are too low, the body's cells can't get enough thyroid hormone and the body's processes start slowing down. As the body slows, you may notice that you feel colder, you tire more easily, your skin is getting drier, you're becoming forgetful and depressed, and you've started getting constipated. Because the symptoms are so variable and nonspecific, the only way to know for sure whether you have hypothyroidism is with a simple blood test, according to the American Thyroid Association.
Low blood sugarPeople with types of diabetes having a low blood sugar reaction may experience chill-type symptoms, says Dr. Sevilla. This low blood sugar reaction is called hypoglycemia. If you have diabetes and are experiencing chills, check your blood sugar to be sure that this is the cause of your shivers. With that said, if you see that your blood sugar is dropping below a safe threshold you have set with your doctor, you should immediately seek emergency medical attention to restore blood glucose levels.
Other symptoms of low blood sugar may include:
A reaction of fear or anxiety may cause an involuntary chill-type reaction. "Many people can relate to a certain movie or certain song which can send you those positive or negative chills feelings," says Dr. Sevilla.
Research has shown that anxiety and stress, in particular, can cause a rise in "normal" body temperature (anything above 98.6 degrees) even when there is no underlying illness or infection. This is known as a psychogenic fever. According to the American Institute of Stress, a psychogenic fever exhibits many of the typical fever symptoms, such as:
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a sign of severe dehydration is heat intolerance, which can come with chills. Other symptoms may include headache, fatigue, dry mouth, and muscle cramps.
Medication side effectsCertain medications, including those used in cancer treatment and for surgery anesthesia, have been known to cause chills as a side effect.
Home remedies for chills with no feverFor people anticipating colder temperatures, Dr. Sevilla reminds his patients to dress in layers of clothing to keep heat closer to the body. "Wearing layers of clothing allows you to adjust your clothes depending on how cold or warm that you feel," he says.
For people concerned about potential medical causes of chills, over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help, says Dr. Sevilla. "However, to get to the root cause of what could be causing the chill symptoms, I recommend that patients be evaluated by their family physician," he adds.
If you think you are experiencing chills due to dehydration, make sure to drink plenty of water and electrolytes. If symptoms don't improve, see a doctor.
What's most important to figure out when you're shivering without a fever is whether or not you're experiencing a mild temporary reaction that's easily remedied, or if you're dealing with a serious underlying problem, says Dr. Cutler. "Many times, the answer is not immediately apparent and it requires a thorough medical evaluation to sort out," he adds.
"For example," Dr. Cutler explains, "you may have a mild cold with a little fever. When your temperature drops from sweating or Tylenol, you feel a chill. But you are also nervous about being ill, and that can result in chills. And you haven't eaten all day so your blood sugar drops, and this aggravates chills. But all of these can be treated easily at home with fluids, food, and more Tylenol."
But at other times, there might be a serious underlying infection, even without a particularly high fever. "Figuring out the exact cause and cure for these chills may require a careful medical evaluation, blood testing, and prescription medication," Dr. Cutler adds.
When to see a doctor"The key to finding the right cure for chills is in knowing the underlying cause… You can't just assume it's the flu because it is flu season," says Dr. Cutler. "Chills can indicate a serious condition requiring urgent medical evaluation," he notes.
"In addition, if patients are having chills with symptoms like chest pain, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or any other unusual symptoms, patients should seek medical attention immediately," Dr. Sevilla adds.
Especially in the present age of COVID and the seasonal flu, it is easy for patients to assume that symptoms of chills could be something related to some kind of infection, and hope that the chills go away on their own, says Dr. Sevilla. "What I advise all of my patients is do not ignore what your body is telling you and talk with your family physician," he stresses. "What you're feeling could be a symptom of an underlying medical problem that needs appropriate testing, diagnosis, and treatment." If you have any questions about your health, check in with your family physician and get it taken care of.
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