A fever is when your body temperature is above the normal range. The average normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). A reading of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher indicates a fever.
There are many different things that can cause a fever, including:
Infections:
These are the most common causes of fevers. Infections that can cause fevers include ear infections, sinus infections, and respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Other illnesses:
Other illnesses that can cause a fever include the flu, stomach viruses, kidney stones, and certain types of cancer. Some vaccines, such as the MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) vaccine, can cause a low-grade fever for a few days.
Reactions to medications:
Sometimes, fevers can be a side effect of certain medications, such as antibiotics.
Heat exhaustion:
What is heat exhaustion?
It’s a condition that can occur after you’ve been exposed to high temperatures and have not had enough fluids. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, and nausea.
Your body temperature rises when you have heat exhaustion, which can lead to a fever
Symptoms of fever
The most common symptom of a fever is an increased body temperature. Other symptoms can include:
- Chills: You may feel cold, even though your body temperature is elevated.
- Sweating: Some people with a fever sweat more than usual.
- Flushed skin: Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases.
- Headache: Many people experience headaches during a fever.
- Body aches: You may feel achy and sore all over your body.
- Fatigue: Fevers can make you feel very tired.
Why are chills common in fever?
Chills are sudden episodes of shivering that often accompany a fever. They are caused by the rapid contraction and relaxation of your muscles in response to changes in your body temperature. When your body temperature rises, your muscles contract to generate heat. When your body temperature falls, your muscles relax. This cycle of muscle contraction and relaxation can happen very quickly, which is why you may feel like you are shaking even though you are not cold.
Chills are often one of the first symptoms of a fever. They occur when your body temperature begins to rise. Chills can also occur when your fever breaks and your body temperature starts to return to normal. You may feel cold and shivery, even though your body temperature is actually elevated.
The exact cause of chills is not known, but they may be caused by the release of chemicals in the body that help to fight infection. Chills are also a common symptom of other illnesses, such as the flu or a stomach virus. Treatment for chills usually involves taking steps to reduce your fever. This can include taking over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, or drinking plenty of fluids. The most important thing one should do is lower down the body temperature. here are a few things you should do when suffering from high grade fever.
Things to lower the temperature while suffering from fever
Here are a few things you can try.
- Drink lots of fluids
- Get rest
- Take over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce fever
- Dress in light clothing and avoid being in direct sunlight
- Apply cool compresses to your forehead, neck, or armpits to help cool your body down
- Take a cool bath or shower
- Avoid hot, spicy foods
- Drink warm liquids, such as herbal tea or chicken soup, to help ease congestion and soothe a sore throat
- Stay in a cool, air-conditioned environment
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Consult a doctor
If your fever lasts longer than three days or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a severe headache or rash, you should see a doctor. If your fever is very high (104°F or higher) or you have any concerns, you should also seek medical attention.
In most cases, fevers go away on their own and are nothing to worry about. However, if you have a fever that lasts longer than three days or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should see a doctor. If your fever is very high (104°F or higher) or you have any concerns, you should also seek medical attention. You can visit Best Best Gynecologist in Lahore or Best Gynecologist in Karachi if you are experiencing high fever during pregnancy.