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There鈥檚 no getting around it鈥攆evers are unpleasant. Still, the more you know about how they work, the better equipped you are to handle them next time you or a loved one gets sick.

Virtual Urgent Care provider , explains what a fever is, why you might have one, and what to do if you have a fever.

What is a fever?

A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal for you. The average body temperature for humans is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can vary from person to person. A typical range is between 97.5 F to 99.5 F, and this can change throughout the day and be a little higher in the afternoon and a little lower in the morning, for example.

Most fevers are caused by illness. When you get a bacterial or viral infection, your body鈥檚 defenses kick in and your temperature rises as your immune system tries to kill off the invading germs. The higher body temperatures make your body a far more hostile environment to those viruses or bacteria, making it harder for them to survive.

Why do I have a fever?

Causes of fever can include:

• Chronic health conditions. Illnesses such as cancers or autoimmune diseases can cause the body鈥檚 temperature to increase.
• Intense activity. Your body temperature rises when you are active and should come right back down as you recover from your workout.
• Heat stroke or heat exhaustion. If you experience a high fever alongside any other symptoms of heat illness, seek medical attention right away.
• Bacterial or viral infections. Typically the most frequent cause of fever, the common culprits include the flu, COVID-19, and strep throat.
• Reaction to certain medications. Some medications can interfere with your body鈥檚 normal temperature balance.
• Some vaccines. Because your body is learning to fight the illness the vaccine is intended to guard against, you might spike a fever in the first day or two after you receive the vaccine.

If you have a fever, you may also experience symptoms such as:

• Body aches
• Chills
• Headache
• Hot, dry skin
• Increased heart rate
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash
  
  

When taking your temperature, oral and rectal thermometers are the most accurate, but ear and forehead thermometers are also options.

Common myths about fevers

Common misconceptions about fever include:

• MYTH: Any oral temperature above 98.6 F is a fever. A normal temperature is actually a range, and as an adult, your temperature is only considered a fever when it hits 100.4 F or above.
• MYTH: You should always treat a fever with medication. Medication is typically used to relieve discomfort associated with fever, not to break the fever itself. As an adult, if your fever is not causing you discomfort, you don鈥檛 necessarily need to take medication. You should, however, keep monitoring the fever.
• MYTH: You should starve a fever. The opposite is true. Your body needs energy to fight the illness, so stay hydrated and eat foods that are rich in nutrients. A fever might decrease your appetite, but it鈥檚 still important to eat small meals throughout the day to not overload your system. Drinking plenty of fluids can also help bring your temperature down and keep you from getting dehydrated.
  
  

How can I fight my fever?

Fevers due to illness typically last three or four days, and they can often be managed at home. Ways to reduce symptoms of fever:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Rest as much as possible.
• Take a lukewarm bath (around 98 F).
• Use a cool, wet washcloth on your forehead, wrists, or the back of your neck.
• Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
• Painkillers like acetaminophen, or cold/cough medicine like DayQuil or NyQuil.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if:

• You are having trouble breathing or urinating.
• You have a fever over 103 F or higher.
• Your fever has lasted longer than three days.
• Your fever isn鈥檛 going down with the use of ibuprofen or acetaminophen.