[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/10\/fever-treatment-guidelines\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/10\/fever-treatment-guidelines\/","headline":"The Dangers of a High Fever","name":"The Dangers of a High Fever","description":"When is a fever a medical emergency? And when should you seek medical care? Find out with our essential fever treatment guidelines.","datePublished":"2016-10-07","dateModified":"2022-02-17","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urgent-care","name":"Urgent Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urgent-care","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/urgent-care\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/iStock-1144330623.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/iStock-1144330623.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/10\/fever-treatment-guidelines\/","about":["Family Health","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":683,"keywords":["fever","fever treatment","illness","infection","urgent care"],"articleBody":"A fever isn’t always a problem. Defined as a temporary increase in body temperature, a fever is just a symptom, not an illness.In fact, sometimes a fever can be a good thing: It’s often a sign that your body is fighting an infection or illness. But how do you know when a fever is dangerous? When is it time to see a doctor for a high temperature?What Is a Fever?A fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature.Normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and anything above 99.5 F (when measured orally with a thermometer) is considered a fever in both children and adults.Your body temperature can rise naturally throughout the day and is usually higher in the evening. A number of other factors can increase body temperature, but these factors are not considered fever-inducing. Things like physical exertion, heavy clothing, high humidity and heat, strong emotions, and certain medications can trigger your body temperature to rise. If you’re a woman on your menstrual cycle you may also experience a higher body temperature.Why You Have a FeverA fever typically occurs in response to infection, when your body’s immune system is fighting off bacteria or a virus. The increased body heat makes it more difficult for bacteria and viruses to survive. Fevers also activate your immune system, which fights off diseases.Common causes of fever include:Colds and fluEar infectionsSinus infectionsBronchitisPneumoniaSkin infectionsBladder and urinary-tract infectionsAppendicitisBlood clotsRheumatoid arthritisLupusInflammatory bowel diseaseCancer, especially lymphoma and leukemiaTeething (in children)Immunizations (in children)When to Seek Help: How to Know When a Fever Is DangerousYou should seek medical attention for yourself or a child under the following fever scenarios:If your child is 3 months old or younger and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higherIf your child is 3 to 12 months old and has an oral temperature of 102.2 degrees FIf your child is 2 years old or younger and has a fever that lasts longer than 24 to 48 hoursAdults with a fever higher than 105 degrees F or a fever over 103 degrees F that rises or lasts longer than 48 hoursIn addition, you should seek medical care if you have a fever accompanied by rash and bruising, difficulty breathing, and\/or pain while urinating. Also consult a doctor if you have recently been vaccinated, visited another country, or have a serious pre-existing illness. Seek out a pediatrician if your child seems confused, has a stiff neck, and\/or won’t stop crying.High Fever RisksIn most cases, fevers can break on their own or with home remedies. However, high fevers that linger or worsen can cause significant health complications if left untreated, including\u00a0febrile seizures, brain damage, and even death.If an illness is causing your fever, that illness may come with side effects and complications of its own.High Fever SymptomsIf you have a fever, you may experience related symptoms that include:SweatingChillsDehydrationHeadache\/body achesRashLack of appetiteRashWeaknessNausea\/vomitingHigh fevers can come with serious symptoms. You should contact your doctor if you experience them:Breathing problemsCognitive issues or confusionConvulsions\/seizuresHeadacheLoss of consciousnessSevere pain, especially in the head, chest, or stomachPain while urinatingRash or bruisesStiff neckSwellingUrinary dischargeHow to Lower a FeverFor most adults and kids with a mild fever under 102 degrees F, rest is the best solution. You can try to lower the fever yourself with some simple steps that work for both children and grownups:Remove heavy clothing and blankets and keep surroundings cool but not coldTake a lukewarm bathTake acetaminophen as directed, but do not give young children aspirinDrink plenty of fluidsAvoid ice baths and alcohol rubs, which can cause shivering and in turn raise body temperature furtherContact your\u00a0primary care physician\u00a0or visit a\u00a0UPMC Urgent Care location\u00a0if your fever persists.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on October 7, 2016, and was last reviewed on July 22, 2021."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"10","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/10\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"The Dangers of a High Fever","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/10\/fever-treatment-guidelines\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]