Treating Fevers and Fever Symptoms

Fevers happen when your body's "thermostat"- otherwise known as the hypothalamus – shifts your average body temperature upward, usually to combat an invading virus or bacterial infection. 

There is a myth that your body's average temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. In actuality, temperatures fluctuate between 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit, and a fever starts at 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. In some cases, it can spike and reach over 106 degrees.  

While more severe fevers last longer and have higher temperatures, they may require emergency treatment. However, mild fever symptoms can be treated through methods that do not require serious medical attention. Adult fevers are likely to be treatable from home, although infant fevers and child fevers are critical conditions.  

Common fever symptoms  

Those who have a mild fever will often have one or more of the  following symptoms:  

• Shivers  

• Sweat  

• A low appetite  

• Signs of dehydration  

• Increased sensitivity to pain  

• Lack of energy  

• Difficulty concentrating  

Fevers are results of illnesses, which can vary wildly in severeness. They are also a symptom of your body's immune system fighting against infection. 

However, while certain fevers are signs of an emergency, there is first aid that you can do for mild fever symptoms at home. 

Wearing light clothing will help keep you cool. Drinking fluids throughout the day also helps combat dehydration from sweating. In addition, light blankets can help keep the fever down if someone feels chilled. If the fever is causing intense discomfort, you can take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or even aspirin to reduce your body's temperature.   

You should be careful giving fever-reducing medicine to a child, as they can have adverse effects if you are not careful. 

Fevers mainly occur when the body is fighting an infection, but additional reasons a fever may occur: 

• Overexerting during exercise 

• Hot weather 

• Immunizations 

Signs of a severe fever  

Even though most fevers are symptoms of mild illnesses, there are occasions where they are signs of critical sicknesses. 

If a child under three months old has a fever, they need immediate medical attention. If a fever is accompanied by seizures, sleepiness, irregular breathing, a stiff neck, confusion, diarrhea, vomiting or ear pain, it could be a sign of a serious condition. Furthermore, any adult fever that reaches above 103 degrees Fahrenheit requires medical attention. 

If you feel your condition is a true emergency, call 911. If you're experiencing extreme pain or a 103 degrees Fahrenheit fever, seek medical attention immediately and visit Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care. 

Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care's emergency room is open 24/7, and urgent care is available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Appointments are unnecessary - walk in, and our healthcare professionals are ready to help at both of our locations.

Navarre - 8888 Navarre Pkwy., Navarre, FL 32566. Call the center at 850-750-5698.

Nine Mile - 9400 University Parkway Suite 101A Pensacola, FL 32514. Call the center at 448-227-4600.

Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care is comprised of board-certified ER-trained physicians and professionally trained ER nurses who deliver quality medical care. Our urgent care and emergency room can effectively treat various medical conditions. From fever to fractures, allergies to abdominal pain, and colds to concussions, we have you covered with on-site labs, CT, X-rays, and ultrasound.