symptomsfever

Symptoms fever refers to an elevated body temperature that arises as a symptom of an underlying condition. It is most commonly caused by infections, particularly viral or bacterial illnesses, but fever can also result from inflammatory diseases, heat-related illness, certain medications, vaccines, or less commonly cancer and autoimmune disorders. Fever is part of the body's immune response and can help fight infection by creating a less favorable environment for pathogens and by enhancing immune activity.

Fever occurs when pyrogens stimulate the hypothalamus to raise the body’s temperature set point. Clinically, it is usually defined as a core temperature above about 38.0°C (100.4°F), measured with an appropriate thermometer. Fever is often accompanied by chills, sweating, malaise, headache, muscle aches, or dehydration. Accurate measurement methods (oral, rectal, tympanic) and awareness of the measurement site are important for interpretation.

Management focuses on comfort and treating the underlying cause. For many uncomplicated fevers, rest, fluids, and fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used according to dosing guidelines. Aspirin should be avoided in children and adolescents due to the risk of Reye syndrome. Non-pharmacologic cooling, light clothing, and a neutral environment may help. A healthcare professional should be consulted to identify the cause if fever is persistent, recurrent, or accompanied by worrisome symptoms.

When to seek urgent care includes fever lasting several days in adults, very high fever, confusion, severe chest pain, stiff neck with fever, dehydration, seizures, or fever in infants younger than three months. Fever itself is a symptom, not a disease, and its significance depends on the overall clinical context.