Primarily described as one of the body’s natural responses to infection, Fever usually should not make any individual worry. Fever 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. Kids 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.
Reports show that the human body develops a fever to fight infection. However, when your temperature rises to 102.2℉ or more, you should see your doctor. Going further, it is pertinent to state that fever in infants differs from when an adult has a fever; 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:
Symptoms Of Fever
- 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. Call your doctor immediately if you notice the following symptoms in your child.
Chronic Cases Of Fever
- 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.