Fever is a body temperature above the normal temperature of 98.6 F (37 C). However, fever is considered medically significant if it is 100.4 F (38.0 C) or higher.
Depending on the cause of the fever, a person may experience other signs and symptoms. Common symptoms accompanying fever include sweating, shivering, headache, dehydration, and muscle aches.
Infections are the major contributor to fever. The other risk factors include hypersensitivity reactions, food allergies, blood transfusion, and certain types of cancer.
In most cases, fever is beneficial, as it helps the body fight off infections. The main reason for managing a fever is to increase patient comfort. Medications like Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are commonly prescribed. However, a severe fever would demand immediate medical intervention.
