My Life is Vital™ - What Causes a Fever?

Cold & Flu Center

What Causes a Fever?

Vital Healthcare Group

A fever is an elevation in body temperature. Instead of being an "illness," it is technically a symptom. Fever occurs when our body temperature rises to fight off infection. Body temperature is usually about 98.6 degrees F. But when your temperature reaches 100 degrees F or above, it is classified as fever.

What causes fever?

The main cause of a fever is a bacterial or viral infection. This includes colds, flu, strep throat, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and even cancer.

A fever of up to 101 degrees F in adults is tolerable for a couple of days. In fact, a fever is how your body tries to rid itself of microbes that do not survive well at these higher temperatures.

What are the symptoms of fever?

With a fever, you can feel extremely cold, chilled, fatigued, and may even feel achy all over. Your eyes can burn or sting and your mouth will feel dry or parched. You may have goose bumps, even though your skin is quite warm to touch. A fever is called low-grade if it is 101 degrees F or lower. A fever is considered high-grade if it is above 103 degrees F.

How is fever treated?

Crawl in bed and get more rest. Getting plenty of rest and healing sleep is important to boost immune function and give the body time to heal. It is during the deeper stages of sleep that you experience metabolic and tissue restoration. Take a bath in a tub of tepid water. This will help to reduce your body temperature.

Avoid a cold water bath, as it can increase your chills and stress your body. Never use ice cubes or rubbing alcohol to cool your body's temperature.

Take an analgesic such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil). These over-the-counter medications are known to reduce fever, as well as alleviate body aches.

Follow the dosage recommendation on the label. Avoid taking too much, as these substances may cause liver damage, and never mix them with alcohol.

Drink plenty of liquids. With a fever, you can easily become dehydrated unless you are increasing fluids. Stick with water, clear broth, and electrolyte replacement drinks until the fever breaks.

When to call the doctor

A fever usually resolves with no medical treatment. But if you have a high-grade fever (more than 103 degrees F), call your doctor.

If you have a stiff neck, severe headache, confusion or disorientation, sluggishness, or a purplish rash, or if there is another symptom associated with the fever (sore throat, earache, headache, difficulty urinating, gastrointestinal symptoms), call your doctor for medical treatment.