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Home > Symptoms > Fever Symptoms: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention | Max Lab

Fever Symptoms: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention | Max Lab

Fever Symptoms: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention | Max Lab

Overview of Fever

When the body temperature of a person rises temporarily above its normal range due to a certain illness or infection, it is known as a fever. It is the way the body’s immune system responds to an infection or invasion. The immune system tries to fight back, which raises the internal temperature. It may lead to discomfort for people as they feel body aches and heat. Many over-the-counter medicines can help lower a fever. Fever is not an illness; instead, a symptom when something unusual happens in the body. It is not always required to get a fever test. However, getting a fever blood test done helps in knowing its cause. It also helps to know about the parasite that is causing the fever.

Who can Get Fever?

Any person can get a fever for several reasons, which vary from a viral infection to a more serious health condition. If an adult gets a fever, they may want to take their time to get a fever lab test done to know the exact reason behind it. However, in the case of toddlers and children, one should not wait to get the fever test done, as even a slightly elevated temperature can be a matter of concern. It is recommended to get a fever test done for children, adults, and elderly people so that any underlying medical condition can be detected early and proper treatment can be carried out.

Types of Fever

The normal body temperature of a person varies between 97 and 99 F. There are two types of fever:

Low Grade Fever

A low-grade fever is when a person has a body temperature higher than the normal range but lower than 100.4° F. A low-grade fever can be caused for several reasons, such as a recent vaccination, mild infection, or any other medical condition. If a person's body temperature does not return to normal within a few days, their doctor may advise them to schedule a fever test.

High Grade Fever

A high-grade fever is when a person's body temperature is equal to or higher than 103° F. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if a person has a high-grade fever. Usually, a fever blood test, along with other tests, is recommended by the doctor. The doctor prescribes medication and treatment based on the fever test report.

Causes of Fever

The exact cause of the fever can only be found if a fever test is conducted on the person. In general, when any foreign invader attacks the body's immune system, it raises its temperature while fighting back with the invader, causing a fever. A person who is exposed to an infectious agent is at a high risk of developing a fever. Here are the common causes of getting a fever:

  • Infection
  • Heat exhaustion
  • Critical Illness
  • COVID 19
  • Immunizations

Symptoms of Fever

The symptoms of fever vary with its cause. However, these are some of the most common symptoms:

Besides this, children between the age group of 6 months and 5 years may have febrile seizures. Some of the symptoms of febrile seizures are body stiffness, shaking, twitching, and eyes rolling back. According to doctors, it is not harmful, but you should inform your doctor if your child has it.

Fever Symptoms in Pregnancy

Fever during pregnancy can be a sign of infection or illness. It’s important to monitor your temperature and seek medical help if you have a fever.

Common symptoms of fever include:

• feeling warm or hot to the touch
• chills and shivering
• sweating
• headache
• muscle aches
• loss of appetite
fatigue and weakness.

Fever Symptoms in Kids

Most parents can tell when their child has a fever just by looking at them. But sometimes it’s hard to tell if your child’s hot because they’re sweaty or because they have a fever. Here are some common symptoms of a fever in children:

• A rectal, ear or forehead temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher
• Irritability or lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Flu-like symptoms such as achy muscles, chills and sweats, headache and sore throat
• Red eyes or cheeks
• Warm, dry skin that does not sweat
• Sleepiness or difficulty waking up

There are some telltale signs that your child has a fever. These include a warm forehead, flushed cheeks, or sweating. Your child may also feel hot to the touch. A fever is usually considered to be present when the body temperature is at or above 37°C (98.6°F).

If your child has a fever, they may also have other symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, or sore throat. They may also feel tired and generally unwell.

It's important to keep an eye on your child when they have a fever and seek medical attention if they become difficult to wake, their breathing becomes rapid or wheezy, or they develop a rash.

Ways to Check The Body Temperature for Fever

If you think you might have a fever, it’s important to take your temperature as soon as possible. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most accurate way is to use a digital thermometer. 

Here’s how: 

  • Wash your hands with soap
  • Place the tip of the thermometer under your tongue, close your mouth, and wait for it to beep. 
  • Remove the thermometer and check the reading. 

A normal body temperature is typically between 97°F (36°C) and 99°F (37°C). If your temperature is above 100°F (38°C), you may have a fever. It’s also important to keep in mind that oral temperatures can be affected by things like smoking or eating hot foods, so if you’re not sure if your reading is accurate, it’s best to take your temperature again using a different method.

What is Body Temperature During Fever & Normal

The average normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). A person with a fever has a body temperature that is higher than this. A fever can be caused by many different things, including infection, illness, and injury. Fever is often the first symptom of an infection or illness. It occurs when the body's immune system kicks into gear to fight the infection or illness.

A normal body temperature for a baby is about 97.9 degrees Fahrenheit (36.6 degrees Celsius). 

Most people consider a fever to be a temperature above 100°F (37.8°C). But keep in mind that normal body temperature can range from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C), so a slightly elevated temperature may not necessarily be a cause for concern. If you do have a fever, there are some simple things you can do to feel better: 

  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and help your body sweat out the infection. 
  • Get rest to give your body the energy it needs to fight the infection.
  • Take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help lower your fever and relieve pain.

What Action Should be taken if Child has Fever?

A fever can mean that your child's body is fighting an infection. The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can vary from child to child. A fever is usually considered to be a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If your child has a fever, it’s important to monitor them closely. Check their temperature regularly and pay attention to other signs and symptoms they may be experiencing. If your child is under the age of three months and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you should always call their doctor. There are a few things you can do to help your child feel more comfortable: - Give them plenty of fluids to stay hydrated - Dress them in light clothing - Keep the room cool and comfortable - Offer them frequent baths or sponge baths with lukewarm water If your child is older than three months, you can try giving them over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce their fever. Always check with their doctor before giving them any medication, and never give aspirin to children under the age of 18. If your child’s fever lasts for more than three days, or if they seem to be getting worse, call their doctor for advice.

Prevention of Fever

One can prevent fever if one knows the cause behind it. Usually, fever is caused by some kind of infection. It can be prevented by following good hygiene practices. In particular, following basic hygiene such as washing hands regularly, wearing a mask, sanitising your space, and covering your mouth while coughing are some practices that the world is following more post-pandemic. Besides this, avoid unnecessary touch on the face as it is the direct medium to get any infection.

It is also good not to share your personal belongings, such as water bottles, utensils, and cups to limit any unnecessary spread.

Treatment and Suggested Test for Fever

Detecting the cause of the fever allows the doctor to suggest a proper course of action. One can book a fever test online at the official website of Max Lab for at-home sample collection by a phlebotomist. You can also search for "fever test at Max Lab near me" to provide your sample at the nearest Max Lab Diagnostic Lab centre. Here, fever test prices are kept affordable, so the test can be taken up by everyone.

The fever test list by Max Lab covers a number of diagnostic tests that include tests for diseases such as

One can browse the fever test packages online at Max Lab’s official website.

Once the blood sample is collected and you receive the fever test report, mentioning normal range & other metrics, it is best to share it with a doctor who can interpret it and advise a treatment plan or further tests, if required.

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