A fever, characterized by an elevated body temperature, is a common symptom, often indicating an infection. While a fever itself is generally harmless and may even aid in fighting off infections, understanding when it warrants medical attention is crucial. This article will delve into what constitutes a fever, how to measure it accurately, when to seek emergency care, and how to manage it effectively.
The normal average body temperature is typically considered to be 98.6°F (37°C). However, this can fluctuate between 97°F (36.1°C) and 99°F (37.2°C), or even more, depending on factors such as activity level, age, and the time of day. It’s also worth noting that older adults often have slightly lower body temperatures than younger individuals.
So, How Much Fever is considered a fever? Here’s a breakdown based on thermometer readings:
- Rectal, Ear, or Temporal Artery: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Oral: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Armpit: 99°F (37.2°C) or higher
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
Knowing when to seek immediate medical attention is paramount, especially for vulnerable populations such as infants and young children.
Infants: If a baby under 3 months old develops a fever, immediate medical evaluation is necessary.
Children and Adults: Seek emergency care if a fever is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, as these could indicate a more serious underlying condition:
- Fever with no sweating or heavy sweating
- Severe headache
- Seizures
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Extreme irritability
- Any symptoms that cause significant concern
Treating a Fever
The primary goals of fever treatment are to alleviate discomfort and promote rest.
For Infants and Children:
Children with a fever may not always appear unwell. The decision to treat a fever should be based on their level of discomfort. If a child is restless or uncomfortable, consider these home care strategies:
- Hydration: Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids.
- Clothing: Dress them in light, breathable clothing.
- Comfort: Use a light blanket if they feel chilled, but remove it once the chills subside.
- Medication (for children 6 months and older): Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) can be administered, ensuring careful adherence to dosage instructions on the label. Always consult a healthcare professional before using fever-reducing medications, especially if the child has underlying health conditions or is taking other medications.
For Adults:
Adults with fevers of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher often exhibit noticeable signs of illness. To manage a fever in adults:
- Hydration: Drink ample fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Clothing: Wear light, comfortable clothing.
- Comfort: Use a light blanket if experiencing chills.
- Medication: Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) can be used, following label directions carefully. As with children, consult a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
What to Avoid When Managing a Fever
Certain practices should be avoided when dealing with a fever:
- Aspirin for children and teenagers: Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
- Pain relievers for infants without consulting a doctor: Never administer any type of pain reliever to an infant without first consulting a healthcare professional.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Seek medical attention if a child of any age exhibits any of the following:
- Excessive fussiness or unusual behavior that doesn’t improve after taking fever-reducing medication.
- Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination (no wet diapers for 8-10 hours), absence of tears when crying, dry mouth, or refusal to drink fluids.
- Stiff neck or headache.
- Abdominal pain.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Rash.
- Joint pain or swelling.
- Fever lasting more than five days.
For adults, consult a doctor if a fever is accompanied by:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Chest pain.
- Severe headache or stiff neck.
- Confusion.
- Abdominal pain.
- Persistent vomiting.
- Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased or dark urine, or inability to drink fluids.
- Skin rashes.
- Difficulty swallowing fluids.
- Pain during urination or back pain.
How to Take a Temperature Accurately
Using a digital thermometer is crucial for accurately measuring body temperature. Different types of thermometers are available:
- Rectal thermometers: Designed for rectal use, particularly in infants.
- Oral thermometers: Used for taking temperature orally.
- Temporal artery thermometers: Utilize an infrared scanner to measure temperature on the forehead.
- Armpit (axillary) and ear (tympanic membrane) thermometers: While convenient, these methods may be less accurate.
Important Safety Note: Avoid using mercury thermometers due to the risk of mercury exposure.
Regardless of the thermometer type, always follow these guidelines:
- Read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Clean the thermometer with rubbing alcohol or soap and lukewarm water before and after each use.
- Use separate thermometers for oral and rectal use.
- Never leave children unattended while taking their temperature.
Specific Instructions for Taking Temperature:
- Rectal (for infants): Lubricate the thermometer tip, position the infant on their stomach or side with knees flexed, and gently insert the tip 1/2 to 1 inch into the rectum. Hold the thermometer and the child still until the thermometer beeps.
- Oral: Place the thermometer tip under the tongue and close the mouth until the thermometer beeps.
- Temporal Artery: Gently sweep the thermometer across the forehead.
- Armpit: Place the thermometer under the armpit, ensuring skin contact, and hold it in place until it beeps.
- Ear: Gently insert the thermometer into the ear canal as far as the instructions indicate, and hold it in place until it beeps.
Understanding “how much fever” constitutes a fever, recognizing when to seek medical attention, and knowing how to manage it effectively can help you respond appropriately and ensure the best possible outcome for yourself or your loved ones. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about a fever or its associated symptoms.
