A fever has come to be looked at as a warning sign of illness. Which it is. It is an indicator that your body has an infection and, more specifically, that it is working to fight it off.
FEVER MYTH: Fevers cause brain damage or seizures and are dangerous.
FACT: A fever is a protective mechanism. It is a sign that your immunity is working.
What is a Fever?
A fever is a temporary increase in the body’s temperature as it is responding to an illness or invading virus. 98.7 degrees is the normal temperature for a healthy person.
Once the thermometer reaches 99 it is considered to be a fever state. 99.5 to 100.3 is considered a low-grade fever. 100.4 to 102.2 is listed as a mid-grade fever, and over 102.2 is a high-grade fever.
A low-grade fever usually does not require any treatment. That is unless the fever is in an infant, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, such as confusion or not being able to eat or drink and keep it down.
If you have a low to mid-grade fever, it is often best to let your body run its course and let your immune system do its job rather than medicate.
Above 102.2 it can be a sign of a more serious infection that may require medication and or medical attention. If your fever does not resolve in 3 to 5 days, you develop a stiff neck or sensitivity to light, and it does not respond to fever-lowering medications such as Tylenol or Advil.
Go to the ER immediately if you experience:
- Seizures
- Severe abdominal pain
- Pain or burning with urination
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Difficulty holding down fluids
- Severe headache
If you believe you may have been exposed to COVID please test either at home with a rapid test or at a facility and stay home and away from others, so you do not spread the virus.
If you have any questions, please consult your physician. If you are in the Fort Myers, Florida area and are looking for great primary care, please call the office of Internal Medicine, Lipids, and Wellness to connect with Dr. Kordonowy or Dr. Marconi. (239) 362-3005 Ext 200. Visit www.IMWLP.com to learn more!
