Primarily described as one of the body’s natural responses to infection, fever usually should not worry individuals. It simply refers to a higher-than-normal body temperature.
It can be caused by a cold or flu, earaches, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, etc. It is the symptom of an illness. Children and adults have a fever when their temperature is higher than 100.4℉.
This is because the average normal body temperature is 98.6℉. Other fever symptoms may include body aches, fatigue, intermittent or constant sweating, shivering or hot skin.
According to experts, the human body develops a fever to fight infection. However, you should see your doctor when your temperature rises to 102.2℉ or more.
Going further, it is essential to state that an infant’s fever differs from that of an adult who has it. They both must be treated differently.
For adults, you should worry and immediately see your doctor if your temperature is 103℉ or higher and accompanied by the following symptoms:
—Abdominal pain
—Persistent vomiting
—Pain when urinating
—Convulsions or seizures
—Unusual sensitivity to light
—Mental confusion or altered speech
—Rash
—Shortness of breath
—Severe headache, etc
For children, parents and guardians should worry when their ward’s fever makes them unresponsive. If you notice the following symptoms in your child, call your doctor immediately.
Chronic Cases
—Persistent vomiting
—Severe headaches
—Poor eye contact
—Seizures
—Prolonged fever
Generally, it is advisable to see your doctor when the fever lasts longer than three to five days. Also, if your fever does not respond to over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, it should be a concern and make you see your doctor.
Some doctors will also suggest that if you don’t feel right about a fever, you should call their attention to it.
Fevers and varying degrees of temperatures are normal because your body temperature changes as you get involved in various activities throughout the day.
Also note that stress, excitement, menstrual cycle, medications, food, etc., can affect our body temperature. Most importantly, pay attention to your body, and you will know when to see your doctor.