If you have a fever that has come on suddenly, it likely is from an infection or fast-acting illness. Any fever is a sign that something out of the ordinary is going on with your body. The degree of fever doesn't tell how serious the underlying problem is, though, as a minor illness might cause a high fever and a more severe illness might cause only a low fever.
When is a fever too high? For adults, a fever usually is not dangerous until it is 103 F (39.4 degrees C) or higher. For children the tolerance is at least a degree lower. Keep in mind that in very young children, their regulatory systems are not fully developed, so even a slight fever can be an indication of a quite serious infection.
Fever is how the body defends itself against invading germs, so the first thought to consider is an infection. This could be from bacteria, viruses or parasites. Antibiotics or other medications, if prescribed, often begin to offer relief as rapid as the symptoms' onset and patients can begin to feel better within a day.
A mild fever may not even require a doctor visit. If simple measures such as cold compresses and over-the-counter medications can keep a fever to only a few degrees above normal, then those may be enough. Fevers brought on by dehydration, heat stroke or sport often can be treated with large amounts of fluid and cooling packs.
The time to be concerned is when the body temperature is raised for an extended period. Not only is this a sign of an underlying problem that needs attention, but the fever itself can pose a threat to the body.
Other causes of fever include certain medications, malignant tumors, metabolic disorders such as hyperthyroidism and inflammatory autoimmune disorders. These are less likely to strike suddenly, though, as these underlying causes develop slowly.
When is a fever too high? For adults, a fever usually is not dangerous until it is 103 F (39.4 degrees C) or higher. For children the tolerance is at least a degree lower. Keep in mind that in very young children, their regulatory systems are not fully developed, so even a slight fever can be an indication of a quite serious infection.
Fever is how the body defends itself against invading germs, so the first thought to consider is an infection. This could be from bacteria, viruses or parasites. Antibiotics or other medications, if prescribed, often begin to offer relief as rapid as the symptoms' onset and patients can begin to feel better within a day.
A mild fever may not even require a doctor visit. If simple measures such as cold compresses and over-the-counter medications can keep a fever to only a few degrees above normal, then those may be enough. Fevers brought on by dehydration, heat stroke or sport often can be treated with large amounts of fluid and cooling packs.
The time to be concerned is when the body temperature is raised for an extended period. Not only is this a sign of an underlying problem that needs attention, but the fever itself can pose a threat to the body.
Other causes of fever include certain medications, malignant tumors, metabolic disorders such as hyperthyroidism and inflammatory autoimmune disorders. These are less likely to strike suddenly, though, as these underlying causes develop slowly.
