A fever is classed as an increase in body temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This increase in body temperature can lead to aching muscles and joints, and can cause shivering due to a feeling of cold, despite the increase in body temperature.
There are three main types of fever. The first is continuous fever, where the body temperature rises slightly and stays at this temperature throughout the day. Intermittent fever occurs when the body temperature increases for a short period and then returns to normal. Malaria is a type of intermittent fever. Remittent fever is where the body temperature increases by more than one degree Celsius in 24 hours and remains elevated. Hyperpyrexia is also considered a type of fever. This is where the temperature increases dramatically to at least 41.5 degree Celsius or 106.7 degree Fahrenheit.
Besides treating a fever with fluids, other well-known treatments that can work include a bath in warm water, and the use of fans to lower the temperature and increase comfort. Some common causes of fever are allergies to food, soaps or breathing in hazardous substances such as paint or turpentine. If fever symptoms persist for more than a few days, with the body temperature rising above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, it is advisable to seek medical advice.