Getting sick can cause a wide variety of symptoms. Headaches, runny noses and congestion are all par for the course when it comes to illness!

Fevers are another common symptom. While fevers themselves can cause more symptoms while you are sick, did you know that they can actually be beneficial for you?

Our bodies have a fascinating response to illness and are great at knowing what we need in order to feel better. Check out the latest blog all about fevers from our AFC Urgent Care Farragut team below.

Do I Have a Fever or Am I Just Warm?

A body temperature of 98.6 degrees is considered the baseline for adults. Since our bodies naturally fluctuate in temperature throughout the day, there is no need to worry if your temperature goes up and down a little during the day. Only when your temperature reaches 100.4 degrees or higher is it officially considered a fever. And even then, you usually don’t need to treat it.

Your body responds to illness with a fever because it is trying to create a less ideal environment for the infection or illness to grow and thrive. It also creates a more encouraging environment for your immune system to work! How cool, right? Depending on your temperature, you may feel quite normal while you have a fever, while some fevers can make you feel miserable.

Other Symptoms of a Fever

• Chills, shivering or shaking
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Sweating
• Flushed skin

Do I Need to See a Doctor for a Fever?

Most fevers can easily be treated at home with some simple remedies like water, rest and OTC fever-reducing medication taken as needed. In time, a fever should go away as your body overcomes the illness.

In rarer instances, your fever could indicate a more serious issue if it won’t go away after a few days or reaches 104 degrees or higher. In these cases, it is important to be seen by a medical provider for further investigation.

Complications That Dangerous Fevers Can Cause

• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• High fever with a rash
• Seizures
• Organ Damage

Do you have a fever that just won’t break? Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Farragut.