When should you worry about a fever?

When it comes to a fever, what's true for kids isn't necessarily so for adults.

Even a slight temperature in a child warrants a call to the doctor. That's not the case, though, for most fevers in most adults.

So when should you be alarmed and call your doctor?

What's considered a normal temperature varies from one adult to the next. In general, though, 37°C is the standard "normal" temperature, and anything higher than 37.8°C is considered elevated – a fever.

Fever helps fight infection

According to the Merck Manual, while many people worry that fever can cause harm, a typical temporary temperature spike up to 38–40°C caused by most short-lived illnesses are well-tolerated by healthy adults.

But, in people with heart or lung disorders, a moderate fever could cause heart and breathing rates to increase. Such fevers also could affect the mental status of people with dementia.

For most adults, a moderate fever is a warning sign of illness or infection. The fever itself isn't the disease. Rather, it actually helps your body fight off the infection.

A run-of-the-mill fever might be uncomfortable, but it will generally go away within a few days. In the meantime:

• Drink extra fluids.
• Eat small portions of easy-to-digest foods.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease body aches.

But, if your fever lingers more than a few days – or gets higher – call your doctor.

Potentially serious symptoms

Higher fevers – more than 41°C – could damage various organs in your body. A fever that high could be the result of severe infection, heat stroke or the use of certain drugs. Those drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, anaesthetics and antipsychotics.

Also alert your doctor if your fever comes with chills, sweating, a rash, loss of appetite or weakness. Other potentially serious symptoms that can accompany fever are coughing, belly pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, pain when urinating, or foul-smelling urine or vaginal discharge. Talk with your doctor about these as well.

And, a fever that develops soon after you've had surgery, started a new medication or travelled internationally also warrants a call to your doctor.

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