Understanding Fever: Causes, Symptoms and Management

Overview

A fever is a body temperature of 38°C or higher and is usually a sign that your body is working to fight off an infection. Most fevers are harmless and can even help your body recover faster. Mild fevers often accompany common colds, while higher fevers may be linked to the flu or more serious infections.

While the ideal body temperature is around 37°C, it can vary depending on factors such as:

• Age and gender (for example, ovulation can raise temperature slightly in women)
• Physical activity
• Time of day
• The location where the temperature is measured (mouth, armpit, or ear)

What Causes a Fever?

Fever typically occurs when your immune system responds to a bacterial or viral infection by releasing chemicals that raise your body temperature.
Other possible causes include:

• Side effects of certain medications
• Reactions to vaccines
• Chronic inflammatory conditions

A raised temperature is actually a good sign — it helps make it harder for viruses and bacteria to survive in your body.

Common Symptoms of a Fever

Along with a higher body temperature, you might also experience:

• Sweating and warm skin
• Feeling thirsty
• Shivering or chills
• Light-headedness
• Faster breathing

How to Manage a Fever at Home

While you can’t “cure” a fever directly, there are ways to stay comfortable and support your recovery:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection.
• Take paracetamol to help lower your temperature and ease symptoms like headaches.
• Wear lightweight clothing and avoid heavy blankets, which can trap heat.
• Keep your room comfortable — open a window or lower the heating if necessary.
• Avoid cold baths or showers — cooling the skin too quickly can cause blood vessels to constrict, trapping heat inside and sometimes making a fever worse.

How to Check Your Temperature

Using a digital thermometer is the easiest way to check your temperature:

• Mouth or armpit readings should be around 37°C.
• Ear readings tend to be slightly higher — a normal ear temperature can be up to 38°C.

To take a temperature reading:

1. Reset the thermometer.
2. Place the silver tip under the tongue or high in the armpit.
3. Wait two minutes or until it beeps.
4. For ear thermometers, simply follow the instructions — results are ready in seconds but can occasionally be less accurate.

When to See a Doctor

You should seek medical advice if:

• Your fever lasts more than three days, despite home treatment.
• You develop worrying symptoms like hallucinations, vomiting, palpitations, or muscle spasms.
• You feel that your health is deteriorating rather than improving.

Need medical advice?
At Medmate, you can book a telehealth consultation with a doctor online and get the care you need — fast and conveniently, from wherever you are.

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