Feeling Hot & Sweaty? When You Have a Fever
Recognize the causes of fevers and learn how to treat them at home. Find out when to get worried, what causes fever most often, and how to heal quickly.
Introduction – Your Body’s Alarm System
Consider the body as a bustling city. Inside, there are tiny workers called white blood cells who fight off bad guys called germs. Sometimes, these bad guys cause trouble, and the city starts to heat up. That is when your fever occurs! Your body raises the body temperature to ward off bothersome germs, which is why you have a fever.
What is a Fever?
When your body temperature is higher than usual, you have a fever. The average human body temperature is approximately 98.6°F (37°C), though individual differences may exist. When you have a fever, your body is trying to create an environment that is too hot for germs to survive.
Common Causes of Fever
Fevers can be caused by a variety of things, including:
- Infections: This is the most common cause of fever, including colds, flu, ear infections, and urinary tract infections.
- Vaccinations: Some vaccines can cause a mild fever as your body builds immunity.
- Heat-related illness: Overheating can lead to a fever.
- Other conditions: In rare cases, fever can be a symptom of a more serious condition.
Managing a Fever at Home
Most fevers can be managed at home with these tips:
- Rest: Your body needs time to recover, so get plenty of sleep.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, juice, or clear broth to prevent dehydration.
- Dress comfortably: Wear loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics.
- Manage discomfort: Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and aches.
- Cool down: Take a lukewarm bath or shower, or apply cool compresses to your forehead.
- Watch for signs of dehydration: Look for symptoms like dry mouth, dark urine, and decreased urination.
When to See a Doctor
While most fevers are not serious, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention:
- Fever in infants under 3 months old
- Fever that lasts for several days without improvement
- Fever accompanied by severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, stiff neck, or confusion
- Fever after a recent injury or surgery
Remember, a fever is often your body’s way of fighting an infection. By taking good care of yourself and following these tips, you can help your body recover more quickly.
Stay curious!
Want to learn more about fevers and other health topics? There are plenty of resources available online and at your local library.
