Jordan Ellis
Fever is a common symptom of illness or infection, and while it is usually harmless, a high fever can be very uncomfortable. In some cases, a high fever may require a trip to the hospital, especially in young children and infants. For adults, a temperature of 103°F or higher warrants a call to the doctor or a visit to urgent care or the emergency room. In children aged 6 months to 2 years, a fever of 102°F or higher that lasts for more than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms like a cough, diarrhea, rash, or irritability may require medical attention. Infants under 3 months old with a rectal temperature higher than 100.4°F or a fever higher than 102°F for more than a day should be seen by a doctor. Hospital treatment for high fevers typically involves managing the fever and treating the underlying cause, which may include bacterial or viral infections, chronic illnesses, or tropical diseases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to seek medical help | If the fever is 102°F or higher, lasts for more than 3 days, or gets worse. For babies younger than 3 months with a fever higher than 100.4°F or lasting more than 1 day, contact a doctor. For babies 3-6 months old with a fever higher than 100.4°F and irritability or sleepiness, seek medical advice. |
| Treatment options | Hospitals may recommend over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen to reduce fever and relieve aches. In severe cases, intravenous (IV) medications may be required. |
| Role of fever | Fevers can help the body fight off infections by aiding the immune system. In some cases, hospitals may opt to leave the fever untreated for this reason. |
| Preventative measures | Drink plenty of fluids, eat light and easily digestible foods, get adequate rest, and stay cool by dressing in light clothing and maintaining a cool room temperature. |
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What You'll Learn
When to seek medical attention
A fever is usually a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. While it can be harmless, a high fever can be a cause for concern and may require medical attention.
Babies
If your baby is younger than 3 months old, contact your doctor if they:
- Have a rectal temperature higher than 100.4°F.
- Have a fever higher than 102°F for more than a day.
- Have other symptoms, such as a cough or diarrhea.
- Are crying inconsolably.
- Have a seizure.
If your baby is between 3 and 6 months old, consult a doctor if they:
- Have a rectal or oral temperature higher than 100.4°F and are irritable or sleepy.
- Have a rectal temperature higher than 102°F for more than a day.
Children (6 months to 2 years)
Seek medical attention if your child:
- Has a fever higher than 102°F for more than a day.
- Has other symptoms, such as a cough, diarrhea, rash, irritability, low energy, headache, stiff neck, or repeated diarrhea or vomiting.
- Has a fever higher than 104°F, as this can cause a seizure.
- Has a seizure.
- Has recently had vaccines.
Adults
Most adults can manage a fever at home, but seek medical attention if you:
- Have a temperature of 103°F or higher.
- Have a fever that doesn't respond to over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen.
- Have a fever that lasts for more than 3 days or gets worse.
- Have a fever of 104°F or higher, as this can be dangerous.
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Over-the-counter medication
While a fever is usually harmless, a high fever can be very uncomfortable. Most of the time, a fever is a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. In some cases, a high fever may require a visit to the hospital, especially for young children and babies.
For adults, a fever is usually defined as a body temperature of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher. A high-grade fever is considered to be between 102.4 and 105.8 °F (39.1 to 41 °C). If an adult's fever reaches 104 °F (40 °C), it is recommended to call your doctor.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, or generic versions)
- Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, or generics)
- Acetaminophen/Paracetamol (Tylenol, Panadol, or generics)
These medications can help to reduce body aches and headaches, as well as lower your temperature. It is important to follow the recommended dosage instructions on the packaging or as advised by your healthcare provider. Do not take more than the recommended amount, as high doses or long-term use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen may cause liver or kidney damage, and acute overdoses can be fatal.
In addition to medication, there are other ways to help manage a fever:
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and improve heat loss through the skin.
- Get plenty of rest, as activity can raise your body temperature.
- Stay cool by dressing in light clothing and keeping the room temperature comfortable.
- Take a slightly warm bath or apply damp washcloths to the forehead and wrists.
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Intravenous medication
For adults, a fever is typically considered high when it reaches 102°F (38.9°C) or higher. A high fever can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, and it is recommended that individuals seek medical attention if their fever is accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or pain when urinating.
In the case of a high fever, a doctor may recommend non-prescription medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol), ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin IB), or naproxen (e.g., Aleve, Naprosyn). These medications can help relieve aches and pains and lower body temperature. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and be cautious of potential side effects, especially with long-term use or high doses.
For infants and young children, the recommended course of action may differ, and it is important to consult a pediatrician or healthcare provider. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be given to children, but aspirin should be avoided as it may trigger a rare but potentially fatal disorder called Reye's syndrome.
While medications can help lower a fever, in some cases, it may be left untreated. Fevers are often a sign that the body is fighting off an infection, and mild fevers can help the immune system by reducing the number of microbes causing the illness.
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Home remedies
While a fever is usually harmless, a high fever can be very uncomfortable. Here are some home remedies to help manage a high fever:
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Staying hydrated is essential when you have a fever. Drinking fluids will help cool your body and prevent dehydration. Water and clear broth are good choices, but infants under 6 months should only be given breast milk or formula.
Eat Light and Digestible Foods
It's important to eat easily digestible foods when you have a fever. Avoid heavy meals that can be taxing on your body.
Get Plenty of Rest
Rest is crucial when you have a fever. Your body needs time to recover, and activity can raise your body temperature further. Avoid strenuous activities and get plenty of sleep.
Take Medications to Reduce Fever
Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen can help relieve body aches and lower your temperature. These medications are generally safe for adults but use them with caution and follow the dosage instructions. Do not give aspirin to children, as it may trigger a rare but potentially fatal disorder called Reye's syndrome.
Apply Cool Washcloths or Take a Warm Bath
You can help cool your body by applying damp washcloths to your forehead and wrists. Alternatively, you can take a slightly warm (not cool) bath to help reduce your body temperature.
It's important to note that while these home remedies can provide comfort and help manage a fever, they may not be suitable for everyone, especially young children or infants. Always consult a doctor or seek medical attention if the fever persists, is accompanied by other symptoms, or if you have any concerns.
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Testing and treatment
Babies and Infants
In the case of babies, especially those younger than two months, a fever could indicate a serious infection requiring hospitalisation for testing and treatment. Testing may include checking for underlying infections or conditions. Treatment may involve intravenous (IV) medications and round-the-clock monitoring. For infants under six months, breast milk or formula is recommended, along with plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Children
For children aged 6 months to 2 years, a fever higher than 102°F (38.9°C) lasting more than a day warrants a call to the pediatrician. A fever accompanied by a rash, discomfort, irritability, low energy, headache, stiff neck, or repeated diarrhoea or vomiting is also a concern. If a child's fever reaches 104°F (40°C), it can cause a seizure, and 911 should be called. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen are typically administered, but if the fever persists, further medical attention is necessary.
Adults
In adults, a temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher is a concern. If a fever does not subside with over-the-counter medications, it is recommended to seek medical attention. Doctors may recommend non-prescription medications like acetaminophen (paracetamol), ibuprofen, or naproxen to reduce fever and relieve body aches. It is important to follow dosage instructions to avoid potential liver or kidney damage from high doses or long-term use. Drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and applying cool washcloths can also help manage a high fever.
It is important to note that a fever is typically a sign of an underlying condition, and treating the root cause can help alleviate the fever. In some cases, a fever can be beneficial, aiding the body in fighting off infections. However, if a fever persists or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, seeking medical advice is crucial.
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Frequently asked questions
A fever is a body temperature of 100.4° F (38°C) or higher. A high-grade fever is between 102.4 and 105.8° F (39.1 to 41°C). A fever of 42.4°C or higher can cause permanent brain damage, especially in the elderly.
If you or your child have a fever of 104°F (40°C), you should seek medical attention. For babies younger than 3 months, go to the ER if they have a rectal temperature higher than 100.4° F or a fever higher than 102°F for more than a day. For babies 3 to 6 months old, go to the ER if they have a rectal or oral temperature higher than 100.4° F and are irritable or sleepy.
Hospitals will work to bring down a patient's temperature and treat the underlying cause of the fever. Treatment may include intravenous (IV) medications and round-the-clock monitoring. Hospitals may also recommend over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen to help bring down a fever. It's important to follow the recommended dosage and not to take too much, as high doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen may cause liver or kidney damage.
