Fever is not necessarily bad. When your temperature rises, it’s a sign that your body is fighting off infection. Fever is a symptom, not a disease.
In general, medical treatment is not needed unless a fever is high.
What causes a fever?
When your body fights off infection, your temperature can rise above its normal 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. In most cases, fever shows that your body is healthy enough to respond normally.
Fever is a symptom of many common illnesses. It could be a sign of:
- Cold
- Flu
- Bronchitis
- Strep throat
- Mononucleosis
- Earache
What are symptoms of fever?
When you have a fever, you may feel tired, weak or achy. You could also experience chills or night sweats.
Generally, a fever does not require medical treatment. However, if you or a child develops any of these symptoms, call a healthcare provider right away:
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Trouble breathing
- Stiff neck
- Severe pain anywhere in your body
- Swelling or inflammation
- Rash
- Convulsions
- Extreme weakness
How is fever treated?
You can treat most fevers at home by resting and drinking plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with discomfort. (Never give aspirin to children because it is linked to Reye’s syndrome.)
A fever could be a sign of something that needs medical treatment. Contact the nearest CareNow® urgent care clinic to set up a visit.
You can minimize your wait time with our Web Check-In®.
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