Basics

• Fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature, often a sign of infection or illness. Technically temperature 100.4F or 38C or above

Common causes

• Common cold or flu.

• Infections (bacterial or viral).

• Heat-related conditions.

When it's okay to monitor symptoms

• If it's mild and associated with a known cause, like a cold.

• When it responds to home care, including fever-reducing medications

When to talk to a doctor

• Fever for more than a week

• Other symptoms that may treatment, such as painful urination, shortness of breath

When to seek emergency care

• Temperature of 102F or 39C despite taking fever reducing medications

• Seizures due to fever

• Severe lightheartedness, dizziness, or shortness of breath

Home remedies and over-the-counter medications

• Rest and stay hydrated.

• Over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or NSAIDS (ibuprofen, naproxen)