1. The Common Cold Slideshow Pictures
2. Cold and Flu Slideshow: Treating Your Child's Cold or Fever
3. Take the Cold & Flu Quiz

Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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In this Article

• Aches, pain, fever facts
• What is a fever?
• What causes a fever?
• What are the signs and symptoms of a fever?
• How is a fever diagnosed?
• How should I take a temperature for fever?
• What is the treatment for a fever?
• When should I seek medical care for a fever?
• What are complications of a fever?
• What is the prognosis for a fever?
• What is the prevention for a fever?
• Patient Comments: Fever - Treatments
• Patient Comments: Fever - Signs and Symptoms
• Find a local Family Physician in your town
• Aches, Pain, Fever Index

While having a fever is generally very uncomfortable, a fever itself does not usually cause severe complications.

High fever (>103 F/40 C) or prolonged bouts of fever can lead to

• seizures,
• hallucinations,
• dehydration.

It is important to seek treatment for the underlying cause of the fever. Many of the infections that can cause fever can lead to severe complications if untreated.

The prognosis for a fever depends on the cause. Most cases of fever are self-limited and resolve with symptomatic treatment. Depending on the cause, antibiotics or other appropriate medications may be used.

Fevers associated with severe infections, or in patients whose immune system is compromised (such as those with cancer, elderly people, newborn infants, patients with HIV/AIDS, or people with autoimmune disorders) can be life threatening.

Fever is preventable only to the extent that the specific cause of the fever can be prevented. Most fevers are caused by infection. Avoiding sources the infection and maintaining good hygiene practices are your best way to prevent a fever.

Some ways to prevent the spread of infection include the following:

• Proper hygiene: Wash hands frequently.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Make sure you and your child's immunizations are up to date.

REFERENCES:

Baumann, R. "Technical Report: Treatment of the Child With Simple Febrile Seizures." Pediatrics 103.6 June 1999: e86. <http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;103/6/e86>.

Davis, Bets. "Body Temperature." WebMD. Feb. 20, 2009. <http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/body-temperature>.

Davis, Charles P. "Fever in Adults." eMedicineHealth. Apr. 20, 2012. <http://www.emedicinehealth.com/fever_in_adults/article_em.htm>.

"How to Take a Child's Temperature." Healthy Children. June 15, 2010. <http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_Fever.htm>.

Webster's New World Medical Dictionary, Third Edition