What is Fever?

Fever is an increase in body temperature more than 99.6°F. It indicates that something abnormal is going on in your body. Fever is the normal response of the body to any foreign invader such as vaccination, infection with bacteria and viruses. The body temperature increases with the aim to make the body’s environment unsuitable for foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Fever in fact is a protective mechanism of the body to fight infections and shorten their course by boosting the body's immune system, such as increasing the release and activity of white blood cells and other infection control substances.

Fever causes discomfort but it is not harmful in children and adults unless it reaches 1040F or higher. The severity of fever doesn't necessarily indicate the seriousness of the underlying condition. A minor illness such as a bad viral fever can cause high grade fever and a more serious illness such as cancer or tuberculosis may cause a low grade fever.

Most fevers remit within a few days and your doctor will mostly recommend symptomatic treatment (such as fever reducing medications, drinking plenty of fluids, and rest). If bacterial infection is suspected, only then you may be given antibiotics. If the fever persists for more than a few days and there is no obvious cause, tests may be recommended. Tests are done based on the duration of fever and associated symptoms.

Read more articles on Understand Fever