If you are fighting off an infection, chances are that a fever is one of the symptoms you are experiencing. Your fever might not be noticeable to you, or it could make you feel downright miserable!
Fevers are your body’s way of helping you fight off infection, so in most cases, they are a good thing. If you are trying to decide whether to treat a fever, check out our AFC Urgent Care Fountain City team’s latest blog below.
Why Are Fevers Helpful?
When you develop a fever, your body is working to help you! Your body temperature rises to 100.4 degrees or higher to create more white blood cells and to help create a less-than-ideal environment for your infection to grow and replicate.
In most cases, fevers are a good thing. A fever means that your body is healthy and responding to an invader like an infection properly. If your fever is making you feel really sick, you can treat it with some OTC medication and by drinking a lot of fluids. However, it is important to remember that treating a fever may relieve your symptoms, but it is not treating your infection.
Signs of a Fever
- Elevated body temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher
- Chills, shivering or shaking
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Sweating or flushed skin
When Is a Fever Dangerous?
The vast majority of fevers don’t indicate a serious issue and are only present while your body is working to get rid of the infection. If your fever is persistent and is lingering for days or reaches 103 degrees or higher, you should seek medical care to investigate the reason.
While it is relatively rare, high fevers can cause organ damage and even brain damage in the more extreme cases. Thankfully, keeping an eye on any developing fevers and seeking care when they become troublesome is the best way to prevent these issues from occurring.
Signs a Fever Is Serious
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Rash accompanying a high fever
- Seizures
- Dehydration
Do you have a fever that just won’t break? Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Fountain City.
