A fever is when the body temperature rises higher than normal, and it is usually a symptom of an underlying health condition. The medical community generally defines a fever as a body temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) . However, a body temperature between 100.4 and 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit (38 and 39 degrees Celsius) is usually considered a low-grade fever. Other symptoms of fever include:
- Chills, feeling cold, shivering and shaking
- Body aches and headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- On and off or constant sweating
- Flushed complexion or hot skin
- Faster heart beats
Additional fever symptoms in babies and children may include:
- Lack of appetite — not eating and drinking well
- Earache or pulling at their ears
- High-pitched crying
- Fussiness
- Paleness or flushness
- Excessive thirst
- Decreased urination
It is important to note that a fever is not an illness by itself, but rather a sign that something is not right within the body. A thermometer is the only way to know if you have a fever, and most doctors think an oral thermometer, which you hold under your tongue, is best. If you have a fever, it is important to call your doctor if your temperature is 103 F (39.4 C) or higher, or if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe headache
- Rash
- Unusual sensitivity to bright light
- Stiff neck and pain when you bend your head forward
- Mental confusion, strange behavior, or altered speech
- Persistent vomiting
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Pain when urinating
- Convulsions or seizures
