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Fever

Fever is a frequent medical symptom that describes an increase in internal body temperature to levels that are above normal (37 °C, 98.6 °F).

Classification:

low-grade: 38 - 39 °C (99.5 - 102.2 °F)
moderate: 39 - 40 °C (102.2 - 104 °F)
high-grade: > 40 °C (> 104 °F)
Hyperpyrexia: > 42 °C (> 107.6 °F)

Fever should not necessarily be treated. Most people take medication against fever because the symptoms cause discomfort. Fever is an important signal that there's something wrong in the body, and it can be used for follow-up. Fever might help the immune system or hinder specific pathogens, but this is generally considered of little importance. Moreover, not all fevers are of infectious origin.

Fever causes

Common causes in adults:

Upper Respiratory Illness (cold)
Flu Syndrome
Mononucleosis
Urinary Tract Infection
Drug Fever or Poisoning

Serious, less common causes in adults:

Pneumonia
Meningitis
Intraabdominal Abscess
Cancer
AIDS
Osteomyelitis
Septic Arthritis
Tuberculosis
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Thrombophlebitis
Bacterial endocarditis
Connective Tissue Disease
Tropical Infections

Common Causes in Children:

Wearing too much warm clothing
Bacteremia
Measles
Rheumatic Fever
Roseola
Skin Infections

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Medical Symptoms and Signs » Symptom » Fever

Fever