Show
Fever is a rise in body temperature above the normal temperature, usually caused by infection. Normal body temperature is around 37°C (give or take a degree, but this can vary from person to person). There may also be minor fluctuations over the course of the day and night. The fever triggered by a viral or bacterial infection is caused by chemicals produced by the immune system, which reset the body’s thermostat to a higher level. Contrary to popular belief, the severity of fever isn’t necessarily related to the seriousness of the illness – for example, life-threatening meningitis might only cause a small temperature rise. Most cases of mild fever resolve by themselves within a couple of days. A mild fever (up to 39°C) can actually help the immune system to get rid of an infection. In children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years, fever can trigger convulsions. A fever of 42.4°C or higher, particularly in the elderly, can permanently damage the brain. Symptoms of feverThe symptoms of fever can include:
Infection is usually the cause of feverThe cause of fever is usually an infection of some kind. This could include: Self-treatment suggestions for feverSuggestions to treat fever include:
When to see your doctor for fever symptomsYou should always consult with your doctor in the following cases:
You should seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else has the following symptoms:
Diagnosis methodsSince fever is a symptom and not an illness, the underlying cause must be found before specific treatment can begin. Some tests may be necessary if the cause of the fever is not clear after your doctor has taken a medical history and performed an examination. These tests may include:
Treatment optionsTreatment depends on the cause – for example, chronic tonsillitis may require surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy). Fevers caused by viral illnesses shouldn’t be treated with antibiotics, since these drugs have no effect against viruses. In cases of mild bacterial infection, it is usually best to allow your immune system to handle the problem, rather than take antibiotics. Fever in childrenOn average, a child has up to 10 infections per year. Body temperature isn’t a reliable indicator of illness for babies and young children – a child may have a mild temperature according to the thermometer (slightly over 37°C), but seem happy and healthy. See a doctor right away if your child:
If you feel at all worried or concerned at any stage, consult with your doctor. Using a thermometerIf you suspect that your child has a fever, you can use a thermometer to measure their temperature. Remember, though, that body temperature is better used as a guide than a reliable indicator of illness for babies and young children – a child might have a mild temperature according to the thermometer (slightly over 37°C), but may seem happy and healthy. There are several types of reliable thermometers available, which come with instructions on how to use them. They are available from a chemist. If you are in doubt about which one to choose for your child, or have questions about how to use it, ask your pharmacist to explain. Treatment for fever in children
Fever can cause convulsionsA febrile convulsion is a fit or seizure that occurs in babies and children when they have a high fever, usually from an ear infection or a viral upper respiratory infection. The fit can last a few seconds or up to 15 minutes, and is followed by drowsiness. Approximately 3% of otherwise healthy children will have one or more febrile convulsions between the ages of 6 months and 6 years. A febrile convulsion is not epilepsy and does not cause brain damage. There is no way to predict who will be affected or when this will happen. The symptoms of febrile convulsion include:
Convulsions are rarely serious. If your child has a convulsion you should:
Where to get help
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. |