Fevers are the body’s way of  fighting a virus, as the body’s higher temperature makes it uncomfortable for the invading bacteria and pathogens. A fever occurs when the body’s temperature exceeds 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.  

However, not all fevers are the same, and each one of them can pinpoint a different kind of illness. A higher fever temperature usually correlates to a severe infection. The length of the fever can also help one determine what sickness the body is trying to fight. In addition, adult fevers are usually not as severe or complicated as infant fevers.  

Typical fever symptoms  

The symptoms you develop from a fever differ depending on the cause of the fever. Common symptoms, however, include: 

  • Sweating 
  • Chills and shivering 
  • Headaches 
  • Muscle aches 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Irritability 
  • Weakness 

 These symptoms accompany most fevers. However, severe fevers often have additional signs. High fevers may result in: 

  • Skin rashes 
  • Sensitivity to bright lights 
  • Stiff neck pain 
  • Vomiting 
  • Chest pains 
  • Convulsions or seizures. 

Types of fevers  

Not all fevers are the same. Different types of fevers are identifiable, yet there are still other kinds of fevers that are unidentifiable. These identifiable fevers have specific temperature fluctuations that occur within periods. They are also recognizable by how long they last.   

Fever Treatment A few types of fevers include: 

Intermittent – the body’s rise in temperature is only present for a few hours and regular the rest of the time 

Remittent – body temperature fluctuates more than 2 degrees within 24-hours  

Periodic – lasts a few days to a few weeks

Continuous or sustained – body temperature does not change for at least 24-hours 

 

 

How should you treat fevers?  

While fevers help the body fight off infection, they can be uncomfortable. Therefore, doctors may recommend antipyretics such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Aspirin, though Aspirin is not suitable for child fevers.  

 

 Fevers symptoms also may dehydrate the victim, so it is essential to drink water and rest while you recover. However, you should call your doctor if your temperature is over 102 degrees Fahrenheit and it does not go down after taking fever-reducing medication. 

 If you’re experiencing extreme pain or a serious fever, we recommend seeing a physician or visiting an urgent care clinic. If you feel your condition is a true emergency, call 911.  

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care is the only health system in Hamilton County that offers emergency and urgent care services under one roof. But unlike most emergency rooms or urgent care centers, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The emergency room is open 24 hours a day, every day. The urgent care center is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No appointments are not necessary for in-person visits; however, pre-registration is available. 

Riverview Health Emergency Room Urgent Care has five convenient locations: