Fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature and is a sign your body is likely fighting an infection or inflammation. Normal body temperatures vary from person-to-person, although they often range between 97° and 99° Fahrenheit (F). A low-grade fever below 101°F may not indicate a serious health issue. People with a temperature above 101°F for more than 24 hours should be seen by a physician. Fever discomfort can be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin).
Fever can be caused by many things and may be symptomatic of an illness. Possible causes include:
Fever can affect children and adults. Check your own child’s temperature with a thermometer. Fever symptoms include:
The best way to prevent fever is to avoid infections, which often increase body temperature. You can reduce fever risk by taking these steps:
It is generally safe to monitor body temperatures under 101°F for several days without treatment. Temperatures above 101°F can be controlled with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin). For children, the proper dose is based on weight and not age. Follow dosing instructions on the packaging.
Contact a physician for treatment if you have any of the following symptoms:
You can walk into any Patient First center from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., any day of the week – no appointment is needed.
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