Overview

A fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, usually in response to an infection or illness. It is a natural defense mechanism of the body to fight off pathogens, as many bacteria and viruses have a harder time surviving at higher temperatures.

Normal body temperature varies slightly from person to person but is typically around 98.6°F (37°C). A fever is generally defined as a body temperature above this normal range. In adults, a fever is usually considered to be present when the body temperature rises to 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. 

Fever is often accompanied by other symptoms such as chills, sweating, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

Causes

Some common infectious causes of fever include:

Aside from infections, fever can also be caused by non-infectious factors, including:

Symptoms

Treatment: Modern Medicine

Treatment: Traditional Medicine

Caution

Prevention