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.
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:
- Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care Carmel is located at 14585 Hazel Dell Pkwy., Carmel, IN 46033 and may be reached at 317.406.4280.
- Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care Fishers is located at 9690 E. 116th St., Fishers, IN 46037 and may be reached at 317.406.4585.
- Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care West Carmel/Zionsville is located at 10830 N. Michigan Rd., Zionsville, IN 46077 and may be reached at 317.406.4713.
- Riverview Health Westfield Hospital is located at 17600 Shamrock Blvd, Westfield, IN 46074 and may be reached at 317.214.5555.
- Riverview Health Noblesville Hospital is located at 395 Westfield Road, Noblesville, IN 46060.