What is a High Fever?

Most people don’t think twice when they come down with what feels like a mild illness. After all, fever is the body’s natural way of fighting infection. But while a low-grade fever of up to 100.5°F is nothing to worry about, a high fever can be a sign of something more serious.

What Does a High Fever Mean?

A fever is defined as a higher-than-normal body temperature. In adults, a fever is typically defined as a temperature over 100.4°F. But for an infant or a young child, a fever is any temperature above 100°F. It is important to note that the body temperature can vary throughout the day, so if a thermometer registers a reading of 99.9°F, for instance, this does not mean that the person doesn’t have a fever.

High Fever Treatment

It’s important to talk to your doctor if you or your child has a fever that lasts longer than a few days, if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, or if the temperature is over 102°F. If you are unsure if you or your child is running a fever, a clinician can take a more accurate temperature with a rectal, ear, or temporal artery thermometer.

In most cases, a high fever can be treated with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. These include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, cool baths, and drinking plenty of fluids. However, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before giving any medication, especially to an infant or a young child.

It is also important to pay attention to other symptoms such as rash, confusion, headache, or diarrhea, as these may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. In cases where the patient has a high fever and any of these symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

In conclusion, a high fever is a temperature over 100.4°F in adults (or over 100°F in infants and young children). While a fever is often an indication that the body is fighting off an infection, it can also be a sign of something more serious and should be taken seriously. If you or your child experiences a fever that is lasting longer than a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible.