### What is a Fever? A fever is when your body temperature rises above its normal range, usually between 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is considered a fever. It's a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. ### Common Causes of Fever - **Infections:** The most common cause of fever is an infection, such as a cold or stomach bug. - **Other Causes:** Other causes can include inflammatory conditions, heat exhaustion, certain medications, and more serious conditions like cancer. ### Symptoms of Fever When you have a fever, you might experience: - Sweating - Chills and shivering - Headache - Muscle aches - Loss of appetite - Irritability - Dehydration ### When to See a Doctor - **Babies:** If your baby is younger than 3 months and has a fever, contact your doctor immediately. - **Children:** For children aged 3 to 6 months, see a doctor if the fever is 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. For children older than 6 months, see a doctor if the fever lasts more than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms like rash, trouble breathing, or persistent crying. - **Adults:** See a doctor if your fever is 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, or if it lasts more than three days. ### Home Treatments - **Rest:** Make sure to get plenty of rest. - **Hydration:** Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. - **Medications:** Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help lower your fever. Always follow the dosage instructions and never give aspirin to children or teenagers. ### Types of Fever - **Intermittent:** Temperature rises but falls back to normal during the day. - **Remittent:** Temperature fluctuates but stays above normal. - **Continuous:** Temperature remains consistently high. - **Hectic:** Large swings in temperature, often with chills and sweats. - **Relapsing:** Fever spikes after a few days or weeks of normal temperature. ### Complications In young children, a fever can sometimes lead to febrile seizures. These usually occur when the fever is higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. If your child experiences a febrile seizure, seek medical attention immediately.