Fever

A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. A normal temperature can fluctuate from person to person, but it is generally around 98.6 F. A fever isn't a disease. It is generally a sign that your body is attempting to battle a disease or contamination. Infections cause generally fevers.

Fever can be caused by various reasons:

  • An infection, for example, strep throat, influenza, chickenpox, or pneumonia
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Some medicine
  • Overexposure of skin to sunlight, or sunburn heatstroke, resulting in either by exposure to high temperatures or prolonged strenuous exercise
  • Dehydration
  • Silicosis, a type of lung disease caused by long-term exposure to silica dust
  • Amphetamine abuse
  • Alcohol withdrawal

Severity - A fever can be:

  • Second rate, from 100.5–102.1°F or 38.1–39°C
  • Moderate, from 102.2–104.0°F or 39.1–40°C
  • High, from 104.1–106.0°F to or 40.1-41.1°C
  • Hyperpyrexia, above 106.0°F or 41.1°C
  • The height of the temperature may help to indicate what kind of issue is causing it.

Length of time - A fever can be:

  • Acute if it lasts less than 7 days
  • Sub-acute, if it lasts up to 14 days
  • Chronic or persistent, if it persists for over 14 days
  • Fevers that exist for days or weeks with no explanation are called fevers of undetermined origin (FUO).
  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen in suitable portions to help bring your temperature down.
  • Drink a lot of fluids, especially water.
  • Stay away from alcohol, tea, and coffee as these drinks can cause slight dehydration.
  • Sponge exposed skin with tepid water. To support the cooling effect of vanishing, you could try standing in front of a fan.
  • Avoid taking cold baths or showers. Skin reacts to the cold by contracting its blood vessels, which will trap body heat.


Ensure you have plenty of rest, including bed rest.