What are the Causes of Fever?

The normal body temperature ranges from 96.0°F - 99.6°F and varies throughout the day. Most people consider 98.60F (370C) as normal temperature, but the body temperature can vary by a degree or more. In general, body temperature is lower in the morning and higher between 4p.m. and midnight. Other factors, which can affect temperature, include menstrual cycle, pregnancy and heavy exercise. Fever is rise in body temperature to more than 99.6°F (between 99.6°F and 105°F).

Causes of Fever

Fever can be caused due to several factors. Some of the common causes of fever include:

• Infection with virus or bacterial infection.
• Heat exhaustion.
• Extreme sunburn.
• Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematous (SLE).
• Malignant tumours.
• Certain medications (antibiotics, drugs for treatment of high blood pressure or seizures).
• Vaccines such as the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, typhoid vaccine or pneumococcal vaccine.

In most cases, the cause of fever is evident and tests are not needed but at times the cause may not be identified. If you have persistent fever up to 101°F or higher for more than a few days and its cause is not evident, your doctor will recommend tests to diagnose the cause of fever.

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