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URLhttps://share.upmc.com/2016/10/fever-treatment-guidelines/
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Meta TitleWhen Is a Fever Dangerous? | UPMC HealthBeat
Meta DescriptionWhen is a fever a medical emergency? And when should you seek medical care? Find out with our essential fever treatment guidelines.
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A fever isn’t always a problem. Defined as a temporary increase in body temperature, a fever is just a symptom, not an illness. In fact, sometimes a fever can be a good thing: It’s often a sign that your body is fighting an infection or illness. But how do you know when a fever is dangerous? When is it time to see a doctor for a high temperature? What Is a Fever? A fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature. Normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and anything above 99.5 F (when measured orally with a thermometer) is considered a fever in both children and adults. Your body temperature can rise naturally throughout the day and is usually higher in the evening. A number of other factors can increase body temperature, but these factors are not considered fever-inducing. Things like physical exertion, heavy clothing, high humidity and heat, strong emotions, and certain medications can trigger your body temperature to rise. If you’re a woman on your menstrual cycle you may also experience a higher body temperature. Why You Have a Fever A fever typically occurs in response to infection, when your body’s immune system is fighting off bacteria or a virus. The increased body heat makes it more difficult for bacteria and viruses to survive. Fevers also activate your immune system, which fights off diseases. Common causes of fever include: Colds and flu Ear infections Sinus infections Bronchitis Pneumonia Skin infections Bladder and urinary-tract infections Appendicitis Blood clots Rheumatoid arthritis Lupus Inflammatory bowel disease Cancer, especially lymphoma and leukemia Teething (in children) Immunizations (in children) When to Seek Help: How to Know When a Fever Is Dangerous You should seek medical attention for yourself or a child under the following fever scenarios: If your child is 3 months old or younger and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher If your child is 3 to 12 months old and has an oral temperature of 102.2 degrees F If your child is 2 years old or younger and has a fever that lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours Adults with a fever higher than 105 degrees F or a fever over 103 degrees F that rises or lasts longer than 48 hours In addition, you should seek medical care if you have a fever accompanied by rash and bruising, difficulty breathing, and/or pain while urinating. Also consult a doctor if you have recently been vaccinated, visited another country, or have a serious pre-existing illness. Seek out a pediatrician if your child seems confused, has a stiff neck, and/or won’t stop crying. High Fever Risks In most cases, fevers can break on their own or with home remedies. However, high fevers that linger or worsen can cause significant health complications if left untreated, including  febrile seizures , brain damage, and even death. If an illness is causing your fever, that illness may come with side effects and complications of its own. High Fever Symptoms If you have a fever, you may experience related symptoms that include: Sweating Chills Dehydration Headache/body aches Rash Lack of appetite Rash Weakness Nausea/vomiting High fevers can come with serious symptoms. You should contact your doctor if you experience them: Breathing problems Cognitive issues or confusion Convulsions/seizures Headache Loss of consciousness Severe pain, especially in the head, chest, or stomach Pain while urinating Rash or bruises Stiff neck Swelling Urinary discharge How to Lower a Fever For most adults and kids with a mild fever under 102 degrees F, rest is the best solution. You can try to lower the fever yourself with some simple steps that work for both children and grownups: Remove heavy clothing and blankets and keep surroundings cool but not cold Take a lukewarm bath Take acetaminophen as directed, but do not give young children aspirin Drink plenty of fluids Avoid ice baths and alcohol rubs, which can cause shivering and in turn raise body temperature further Contact your  primary care physician  or visit a  UPMC Urgent Care location  if your fever persists. Editor's Note: This article was originally published on October 7, 2016 , and was last reviewed on July 22, 2021 .
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[Our NewslettersOur Newsletters](https://share.upmc.com/email-preferences/ "Our Newsletters") - [Visit UPMC.comVisit UPMC.com](https://www.upmc.com/ "Visit UPMC.com") [Ver artículo en español](https://es-share.upmc.com/2022/01/peligros-fiebre-alta/) ## [Family Health](https://share.upmc.com/category/wellness/family-health/) # The Dangers of a High Fever July 22, 2021 3 Minute Read [Learn More About Our Editorial and Medical Review Policies.](https://share.upmc.com/about-healthbeat/) ![Fever](https://share-cdn-prod.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/iStock-1144330623.jpg) Share this on:[![Facebook](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgAQMAAABJtOi3AAAAA1BMVEUAAACnej3aAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAtJREFUCB1jGOQAAACgAAGXmq1SAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)![Facebook](https://share-cdn-prod.azureedge.net/wp-content/plugins/socialized/assets/images/icon_facebook_32.png)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fshare.upmc.com%2Frdf7y-dt-f "Share on Facebook")[![LinkedIn](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgAQMAAABJtOi3AAAAA1BMVEUAAACnej3aAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAtJREFUCB1jGOQAAACgAAGXmq1SAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)![LinkedIn](https://share-cdn-prod.azureedge.net/wp-content/plugins/socialized/assets/images/icon_linkedin_32.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fshare.upmc.com%2Frdf7y-dt-l "Share on LinkedIn")[![Pinterest](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgAQMAAABJtOi3AAAAA1BMVEUAAACnej3aAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAtJREFUCB1jGOQAAACgAAGXmq1SAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)![Pinterest](https://share-cdn-prod.azureedge.net/wp-content/plugins/socialized/assets/images/icon_pinterest_32.png)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fshare.upmc.com%2Frdf7y-dt-p&media=https://share-cdn-prod.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/iStock-1144330623.jpg&description=The+Dangers+of+a+High+Fever "Share on Pinterest")[![X (formerly Twitter)](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgAQMAAABJtOi3AAAAA1BMVEUAAACnej3aAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAtJREFUCB1jGOQAAACgAAGXmq1SAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)![X (formerly Twitter)](https://share-cdn-prod.azureedge.net/wp-content/plugins/socialized/assets/images/icon_x_twitter_32.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fshare.upmc.com%2Frdf7y-dt-t&text=The+Dangers+of+a+High+Fever&via=UPMC&related=UPMC%2CUPMCnews%2CUPMCMyHealth&original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fshare.upmc.com "Share on X (formerly Twitter)")[![Email](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgAQMAAABJtOi3AAAAA1BMVEUAAACnej3aAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAtJREFUCB1jGOQAAACgAAGXmq1SAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)![Email](https://share-cdn-prod.azureedge.net/wp-content/plugins/socialized/assets/images/icon_email_32.png)](<mailto:?subject=I%20thought%20you%20might%20like%20this%20article%3A%20The Dangers of a High Fever&body=When%20is%20a%20fever%20a%20medical%20emergency%3F%20And%20when%20should%20you%20seek%20medical%20care%3F%20Find%20out%20with%20our%20essential%20fever%20treatment%20guidelines.%20https%3A%2F%2Fshare.upmc.com%2Frdf7y-dt-e> "Forward via email")[![Copy URL](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgAQMAAABJtOi3AAAAA1BMVEUAAACnej3aAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAtJREFUCB1jGOQAAACgAAGXmq1SAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)![Copy URL](https://share-cdn-prod.azureedge.net/wp-content/plugins/socialized/assets/images/icon_link_32.png)](https://share.upmc.com/rdf7y-dt-c "Copy to clipboard") Copied\! A fever isn’t always a problem. Defined as a temporary increase in body temperature, a fever is just a symptom, not an illness. In fact, sometimes a fever can be a good thing: It’s often a sign that your body is fighting an infection or illness. But how do you know when a fever is dangerous? When is it time to see a doctor for a high temperature? ## What Is a Fever? A fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature. Normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and anything above 99.5 F (when measured orally with a thermometer) is considered a fever in both children and adults. Your body temperature can rise naturally throughout the day and is usually higher in the evening. A number of other factors can increase body temperature, but these factors are not considered fever-inducing. Things like physical exertion, heavy clothing, high humidity and heat, strong emotions, and certain medications can trigger your body temperature to rise. If you’re a woman on your menstrual cycle you may also experience a higher body temperature. ## Never Miss a Beat\! ### Subscribe to Our HealthBeat Newsletter\! (Tap to Join!)(Click to Join!) I understand that by providing my email address, I agree to receive emails from UPMC. I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any time. Thank you for subscribing\! [You can now select the specific newsletters you'd like to receive](https://share.upmc.com/email-preferences/). You are already subscribed. [Subscribe to more newsletters in our email preference center](https://share.upmc.com/email-preferences/). Sorry, an error occurred. Please try again later. [Or try our email preference center instead](https://share.upmc.com/email-preferences/). ### Get Healthy Tips Sent to Your Phone\! ## Why You Have a Fever A fever typically occurs in response to infection, when your body’s immune system is fighting off bacteria or a virus. The increased body heat makes it more difficult for bacteria and viruses to survive. Fevers also activate your immune system, which fights off diseases. Common causes of fever include: - [Colds and flu](https://share.upmc.com/2014/11/treat-common-cold-flu-symptoms/) - Ear infections - Sinus infections - [Bronchitis](https://share.upmc.com/2013/12/flu-shot-facts/) - Pneumonia - Skin infections - [Bladder and urinary-tract infections](https://share.upmc.com/2013/11/urinary-tract-infections-101/) - Appendicitis - [Blood clots](https://share.upmc.com/2015/03/blood-clots/) - Rheumatoid arthritis - [Lupus](https://share.upmc.com/2015/10/what-is-lupus/) - Inflammatory bowel disease - [Cancer, especially lymphoma and leukemia](https://share.upmc.com/2016/03/cancer-cells-vs-normal-cells/) - Teething (in children) - Immunizations (in children) ## When to Seek Help: How to Know When a Fever Is Dangerous You should seek medical attention for yourself or a child under the following fever scenarios: - If your child is 3 months old or younger and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher - If your child is 3 to 12 months old and has an oral temperature of 102.2 degrees F - If your child is 2 years old or younger and has a fever that lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours - Adults with a fever higher than 105 degrees F or a fever over 103 degrees F that rises or lasts longer than 48 hours In addition, you should seek medical care if you have a fever accompanied by rash and bruising, difficulty breathing, and/or pain while urinating. Also consult a doctor if you have recently been vaccinated, visited another country, or have a serious pre-existing illness. Seek out a pediatrician if your child seems confused, has a stiff neck, and/or won’t stop crying. ## High Fever Risks In most cases, fevers can break on their own or with home remedies. However, high fevers that linger or worsen can cause significant health complications if left untreated, including [febrile seizures](https://www.upmc.com/health-library/article?hwid=fevcv), brain damage, and even death. If an illness is causing your fever, that illness may come with side effects and complications of its own. ## High Fever Symptoms If you have a fever, you may experience related symptoms that include: - Sweating - Chills - Dehydration - Headache/body aches - Rash - Lack of appetite - Rash - Weakness - Nausea/vomiting High fevers can come with serious symptoms. You should contact your doctor if you experience them: - Breathing problems - Cognitive issues or confusion - Convulsions/seizures - Headache - Loss of consciousness - Severe pain, especially in the head, chest, or stomach - Pain while urinating - Rash or bruises - Stiff neck - Swelling - Urinary discharge ## How to Lower a Fever For most adults and kids with a mild fever under 102 degrees F, rest is the best solution. You can try to lower the fever yourself with some simple steps that work for both children and grownups: - Remove heavy clothing and blankets and keep surroundings cool but not cold - Take a lukewarm bath - Take acetaminophen as directed, but do not give young children aspirin - Drink plenty of fluids - Avoid ice baths and alcohol rubs, which can cause shivering and in turn raise body temperature further Contact your [primary care physician](https://providers.upmc.com/) or visit a [UPMC Urgent Care location](http://www.upmc.com/Services/urgent-care/Pages/default.aspx) if your fever persists. *Editor's Note: This article was originally published on October 7, 2016, and was last reviewed on July 22, 2021.* ## Connect with UPMC [Find a Doctor](https://providers.upmc.com/) [Patient Portal](https://myupmc.upmc.com/) [Request Appointment](https://www.upmc.com/contact/appointment-request) ## About [Urgent Care](https://www.upmc.com/services/urgent-care) Sometimes you need care right away, with no time to wait for an appointment. That’s where [UPMC Urgent Care](https://www.upmc.com/services/urgent-care/) comes in. We offer prompt treatment for illnesses and injuries seven days a week, with no appointment necessary. With locations throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland, you can find immediate care close to you – even if your doctor’s office is closed. Our services include treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, physicals, prescription filling, and flu shots and immunizations. Wait times for minor injuries and illnesses are usually shorter than the Emergency Department, and we accept most major insurance. [Visit our website to find a location close to you.](https://www.upmc.com/services/urgent-care/locations) Tags [fever](https://share.upmc.com/tag/fever/ "See all articles tagged as fever") \| [fever treatment](https://share.upmc.com/tag/fever-treatment/ "See all articles tagged as fever treatment") \| [illness](https://share.upmc.com/tag/illness/ "See all articles tagged as illness") \| [infection](https://share.upmc.com/tag/infection/ "See all articles tagged as infection") \| [urgent care](https://share.upmc.com/tag/urgent-care-2/ "See all articles tagged as urgent care") ## Never Miss a Beat\! ### Subscribe to our HealthBeat Newsletter. Enter your email to subscribe to our free health and wellness email list. I understand that by providing my email address, I agree to receive emails from UPMC. I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any time. Thank you for subscribing\! 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Our team strives for editorial integrity. Articles published on this site go through several rounds of review before publishing, including a clinical review conducted by UPMC medical experts. [More on our editorial policy](https://share.upmc.com/about-healthbeat/). - [ContactContact](https://www.upmc.com/contact "Contact") - [UPMC Website/Email Terms of UseUPMC Website/Email Terms of Use](https://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/privacy-info/terms-of-use "UPMC Website/Email Terms of Use") - [Medical Advice DisclaimerMedical Advice Disclaimer](https://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/privacy-info/terms-of-use "Medical Advice Disclaimer") - [Privacy InformationPrivacy Information](https://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/privacy-info "Privacy Information") © 2026 [UPMC HealthBeat](https://share.upmc.com/) ### Become a Member of Our Health and Wellness Email List (Tap to Join!)(Click to Join!) I understand that by providing my email address, I agree to receive emails from UPMC. 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A fever isn’t always a problem. Defined as a temporary increase in body temperature, a fever is just a symptom, not an illness. In fact, sometimes a fever can be a good thing: It’s often a sign that your body is fighting an infection or illness. But how do you know when a fever is dangerous? When is it time to see a doctor for a high temperature? ## What Is a Fever? A fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature. Normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and anything above 99.5 F (when measured orally with a thermometer) is considered a fever in both children and adults. Your body temperature can rise naturally throughout the day and is usually higher in the evening. A number of other factors can increase body temperature, but these factors are not considered fever-inducing. Things like physical exertion, heavy clothing, high humidity and heat, strong emotions, and certain medications can trigger your body temperature to rise. If you’re a woman on your menstrual cycle you may also experience a higher body temperature. ## Why You Have a Fever A fever typically occurs in response to infection, when your body’s immune system is fighting off bacteria or a virus. The increased body heat makes it more difficult for bacteria and viruses to survive. Fevers also activate your immune system, which fights off diseases. Common causes of fever include: - [Colds and flu](https://share.upmc.com/2014/11/treat-common-cold-flu-symptoms/) - Ear infections - Sinus infections - [Bronchitis](https://share.upmc.com/2013/12/flu-shot-facts/) - Pneumonia - Skin infections - [Bladder and urinary-tract infections](https://share.upmc.com/2013/11/urinary-tract-infections-101/) - Appendicitis - [Blood clots](https://share.upmc.com/2015/03/blood-clots/) - Rheumatoid arthritis - [Lupus](https://share.upmc.com/2015/10/what-is-lupus/) - Inflammatory bowel disease - [Cancer, especially lymphoma and leukemia](https://share.upmc.com/2016/03/cancer-cells-vs-normal-cells/) - Teething (in children) - Immunizations (in children) ## When to Seek Help: How to Know When a Fever Is Dangerous You should seek medical attention for yourself or a child under the following fever scenarios: - If your child is 3 months old or younger and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher - If your child is 3 to 12 months old and has an oral temperature of 102.2 degrees F - If your child is 2 years old or younger and has a fever that lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours - Adults with a fever higher than 105 degrees F or a fever over 103 degrees F that rises or lasts longer than 48 hours In addition, you should seek medical care if you have a fever accompanied by rash and bruising, difficulty breathing, and/or pain while urinating. Also consult a doctor if you have recently been vaccinated, visited another country, or have a serious pre-existing illness. Seek out a pediatrician if your child seems confused, has a stiff neck, and/or won’t stop crying. ## High Fever Risks In most cases, fevers can break on their own or with home remedies. However, high fevers that linger or worsen can cause significant health complications if left untreated, including [febrile seizures](https://www.upmc.com/health-library/article?hwid=fevcv), brain damage, and even death. If an illness is causing your fever, that illness may come with side effects and complications of its own. ## High Fever Symptoms If you have a fever, you may experience related symptoms that include: - Sweating - Chills - Dehydration - Headache/body aches - Rash - Lack of appetite - Rash - Weakness - Nausea/vomiting High fevers can come with serious symptoms. You should contact your doctor if you experience them: - Breathing problems - Cognitive issues or confusion - Convulsions/seizures - Headache - Loss of consciousness - Severe pain, especially in the head, chest, or stomach - Pain while urinating - Rash or bruises - Stiff neck - Swelling - Urinary discharge ## How to Lower a Fever For most adults and kids with a mild fever under 102 degrees F, rest is the best solution. You can try to lower the fever yourself with some simple steps that work for both children and grownups: - Remove heavy clothing and blankets and keep surroundings cool but not cold - Take a lukewarm bath - Take acetaminophen as directed, but do not give young children aspirin - Drink plenty of fluids - Avoid ice baths and alcohol rubs, which can cause shivering and in turn raise body temperature further Contact your [primary care physician](https://providers.upmc.com/) or visit a [UPMC Urgent Care location](http://www.upmc.com/Services/urgent-care/Pages/default.aspx) if your fever persists. *Editor's Note: This article was originally published on October 7, 2016, and was last reviewed on July 22, 2021.*
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