What Is Considered Fever (High Temperature) and When To See a Doctor?

TheIndonesia.co - Fever is a side effect of illness and can be a sign that your immune system is fighting an infection. According to Healthline, fever starts when the immune system makes large amounts of white blood cells to fight infection.

An increase in white blood cells can instruct the brain to heat up the body.

In response, the body will try to cool itself by increasing blood flow to the skin and contracting muscles. This makes your body shiver and your muscle aches.

Normal body temperature is 36.1 to 37.2 degrees Celsius. An adult is considered to have a low-grade fever when the temperature is 38 degrees Celsius, and a high fever when it reaches 39.4 degrees Celsius or more.

Usually, the fever can go down by itself after one to three days.

In infants and toddlers, even a mild fever can be a sign of a serious illness. In adults, persistent and recurring fever can indicate a serious problem, even if it's just a low-grade fever.

When to see a doctor?

Call your doctor immediately if you have a high fever, 39.4 degrees Celsius or above, and if the fever lasts more than three days.

Serious fever is usually accompanied by symptoms such as severe headache, sensitivity to bright light, stiff or sore neck, skin rash, difficulty breathing, frequent vomiting, dehydration, stomach pain, muscle cramps, confusion, and seizures.

Generally, serious fever is caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungal infection. Other causes are food poisoning, inflammation, tumors, and blood clots.

The important thing when you have a fever is to stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids, not necessarily water, and eating light foods that comfortably digest by your stomach.