🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 40 (from laksa138)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa040.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759","crawl_time":1775015688,"first_indexed_time":1507832832,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,mayoclinic!www,\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759 s443","src_root_hash":"1608882045018104440","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Fever - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic","meta_descriptions":["Medications can lower a fever, but sometimes it's better left untreated. Fever may play a role in helping your body fight off infections."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"On this page\nOverview\nA fever is a temporary rise in body temperature. It's one part of an overall response from the body's immune system. A fever is usually caused by an infection.\nFor most children and adults, a fever may be uncomfortable. But it usually isn't a cause for concern. For infants, however, even a low fever may mean there's a serious infection.\nFevers generally go away within a few days. A number of over-the-counter medications lower a fever. But you don't necessarily need to treat a fever if it's not causing discomfort.\nProducts & Services\nBody temperatures vary slightly from person to person and at different times of day. The average temperature has traditionally been defined as 98.6 F (37 C). A temperature taken using a mouth thermometer (oral temperature) that's 100 F (37.8 C) or higher is generally considered to be a fever.\nDepending on what's causing a fever, other fever signs and symptoms may include:\nSweating\nChills and shivering\nHeadache\nMuscle aches\nLoss of appetite\nIrritability\nDehydration\nGeneral weakness\nTaking a temperature\nTo take a temperature, you can choose from several types of thermometers, including oral, rectal, ear (tympanic) and forehead (temporal artery) thermometers.\nOral and rectal thermometers generally provide the most accurate measurement of core body temperature. Ear or forehead thermometers, although convenient, provide less accurate temperature measurements.\nIn infants, a rectal temperature, if doable, is somewhat more accurate. When reporting a temperature to your health care provider, give both the reading and the type of thermometer used.\nWhen to see a doctor\nFevers by themselves may not be a cause for alarm — or a reason to call a doctor. Yet there are some circumstances when you should seek medical advice for your baby, your child or yourself.\nInfants and toddlers\nA fever is a particular cause for concern in infants and toddlers. Call your baby's health care provider if your child is:\nYounger than 3 months old\nand has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher.\nBetween 3 and 6 months old\nand has a rectal temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) or has a lower temperature but seems unusually irritable, sluggish or uncomfortable.\nBetween 7 and 24 months old\nand has a rectal temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) that lasts longer than one day but shows no other symptoms. If your child also has other signs and symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough or diarrhea, you can call sooner.\nChildren\nThere's probably no cause for alarm if your child has a fever but is responsive. This means your child makes eye contact with you and responds to your facial expressions and to your voice. Your child may also be drinking fluids and playing.\nCall your child's health care provider if your child:\nIs listless, confused or has poor eye contact\nwith you.\nIs irritable, vomits repeatedly,\nhas a severe headache, sore throat, stomachache or other symptoms causing a lot of discomfort.\nHas a fever after being left in a hot car.\nSeek medical care immediately.\nHas a fever that lasts longer\nthan three days.\nHas a seizure\nassociated with the fever. Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or your child doesn't recover quickly.\nAsk your child's health care provider for guidance in special circumstances, such as a child with immune system problems or with a preexisting illness.\nAdults\nCall your health care provider if your temperature is 103 F (39.4 C) or higher. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these signs or symptoms accompanies a fever:\nSevere headache\nRash\nUnusual sensitivity to bright light\nStiff neck and pain when you bend your head forward\nMental confusion, strange behavior or altered speech\nPersistent vomiting\nDifficulty breathing or chest pain\nAbdominal pain\nPain when urinating\nConvulsions or seizures\nFrom Mayo Clinic to your inbox\nSign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.\nClick here for an email preview.\nWe use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our\nNotice of Privacy Practices\n. You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email.\nCauses\nTypical body temperature is a balance of heat production and heat loss. An area in the brain called the hypothalamus (hi-poe-THAL-uh-muhs) — also known as your body's \"thermostat\" — monitors this balance. Even when you're healthy, your body temperature varies slightly throughout the day. It can be lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening.\nWhen your immune system responds to disease, the hypothalamus can set your body temperature higher. This prompts complex processes that produce more heat and restrict heat loss. The shivering you might experience is one way the body produces heat. When you wrap up in a blanket because you feel chilled, you are helping your body retain heat.\nFevers below 104 F (40 C) associated with common viral infections, such as the flu, may help the immune system fight disease and are generally not harmful.\nFever or elevated body temperature might be caused by:\nA viral infection\nA bacterial infection\nHeat exhaustion\nCertain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis — inflammation of the lining of your joints (synovium)\nA cancerous (malignant) tumor\nSome medications, such as antibiotics and drugs used to treat high blood pressure or seizures\nSome immunizations, such as the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP), pneumococcal or COVID vaccine\nComplications\nChildren between the ages of 6 months and 5 years are at increased risk of a seizure that occurs during a fever (febrile seizure). About a third of the children who have one febrile seizure will have another one, most commonly within the next 12 months.\nA febrile seizure may involve loss of consciousness, shaking of limbs on both sides of the body, eyes rolling back or body stiffness. Although alarming for parents, the vast majority of febrile seizures cause no lasting effects.\nIf a seizure occurs:\nLay your child on the side or stomach on the floor or ground\nRemove any sharp objects that are near your child\nLoosen tight clothing\nHold your child to prevent injury\nDon't place anything in your child's mouth or try to stop the seizure\nCall 911 or your local emergency number if a seizure lasts more than five minutes or your child doesn't appear to recover well after the seizure\nGet emergency room or urgent care services if it's your child's first febrile seizure.\nIf your child doesn't need emergency care, see your child's health care provider as soon as possible for further evaluation.\nPrevention\nYou may be able to prevent fevers by reducing exposure to infectious diseases. Here are some tips that can help:\nGet vaccinated\nas recommended for infectious diseases, such as influenza and COVID-19.\nFollow public health guidelines\nfor wearing masks and social distancing.\nWash your hands often and teach your children to do the same,\nespecially before eating, after using the toilet, after spending time in a crowd or around someone who's sick, after petting animals, and during travel on public transportation.\nShow your children how to wash their hands thoroughly,\ncovering both the front and back of each hand with soap and rinsing completely under running water.\nCarry hand sanitizer with you\nfor times when you don't have access to soap and water.\nTry to avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes,\nas these are the main ways that viruses and bacteria can enter your body and cause infection.\nCover your mouth when you cough and your nose when you sneeze,\nand teach your children to do the same. Whenever possible, turn away from others and cough or sneeze into your elbow to avoid passing germs along to them.\nAvoid sharing cups, water bottles and utensils\nwith your child or children.\nDecember 24, 2025\nKliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2020. https:\/\/www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.\nBennett JE, et al. Temperature regulation and the pathogenesis of fever. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https:\/\/www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.\nSchmitt BD. Pediatric Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 17th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021.\nFever. Merck Manual Professional Version. https:\/\/www.merckmanuals.com\/professional\/infectious-diseases\/biology-of-infectious-disease\/fever. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.\nDinarello CA. Pathophysiology and treatment of fever in adults. https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/search. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.\nGoldman L, et al., eds. Approach to fever or suspected infection in the normal host. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https:\/\/www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.\nMillichap JJ. Treatment and prognosis of febrile seizures. https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/search. Accessed Feb. 8, 2022.\nWard MA. Fever in infants and children: Pathophysiology and management. https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/search. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.\nFebrile seizures fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/Disorders\/Patient-Caregiver-Education\/Fact-Sheets\/Febrile-Seizures-Fact-Sheet. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.\nFever. American College of Emergency Physicians. https:\/\/www.emergencyphysicians.org\/article\/know-when-to-go\/fever. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.\nWhen and how to wash your hands. U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/handwashing\/when-how-handwashing.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.\nHow to protect yourself & others. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.\nAskMayoExpert. Infant fever (age 60 days or younger). Mayo Clinic; 2020.\nAskMayoExpert. Fever of unknown origin. Mayo Clinic; 2021.\nWilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Jan. 10, 2024.\nFever - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic\nMore Information\nAssociated Procedures\nProducts & Services\nCON-20305540\nNational Doctors’ Day is March 30!\nYour gift to celebrate this day advances our doctors’ lifesaving work.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759#main-content)\n\n[![Mayo Clinic Home Page](https:\/\/assets.mayoclinic.org\/content\/dam\/mayoclinic\/images\/logos\/mayo-clinic-logo.svg)](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/)\n\n[![Mayo Clinic Home Page](https:\/\/assets.mayoclinic.org\/content\/dam\/mayoclinic\/images\/logos\/mayo-clinic-logo.svg)](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/)\n\n- [Request appointment](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/appointments)\n- [Log in](https:\/\/onlineservices.mayoclinic.org\/content\/staticpatient\/showpage\/patientonline)\n- Search\n- Menu\n  \n  [Request appointment](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/appointments)\n  \n  [Donate](https:\/\/give.mayoclinic.org\/give\/609586\/#!\/donation\/checkout)\n  \n  [Diseases & conditions](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions)\n  \n  [Find a doctor](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/appointments\/find-a-doctor)\n  \n  - 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[Diseases & Conditions](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions)\n# Fever\n[Request an appointment](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/appointments)\n***\n- [Symptoms & causes](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759)\n- [Diagnosis & treatment](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20352764)\n- [Doctors & departments](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/doctors-departments\/ddc-20352766)\n\n## On this page\n- [Overview](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759#overview)\n- [Symptoms](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759#symptoms)\n- [When to see a doctor](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759#when-to-see-a-doctor)\n- [Causes](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759#causes)\n- [Complications](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759#complications)\n- [Prevention](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759#prevention)\n\n***\n## Overview\n\nA fever is a temporary rise in body temperature. It's one part of an overall response from the body's immune system. A fever is usually caused by an infection.\n\nFor most children and adults, a fever may be uncomfortable. But it usually isn't a cause for concern. For infants, however, even a low fever may mean there's a serious infection.\n\nFevers generally go away within a few days. A number of over-the-counter medications lower a fever. But you don't necessarily need to treat a fever if it's not causing discomfort.\n\n### Products & Services\n- [A Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Home Remedies](https:\/\/order.store.mayoclinic.com\/flex\/mmv\/hremed1\/?altkey=HRSORG&utm_source=MC-DotOrg-PS&utm_medium=Link&utm_campaign=HomeRemedies-Book&utm_content=HOM)\n\n***\n## Symptoms\n\nBody temperatures vary slightly from person to person and at different times of day. The average temperature has traditionally been defined as 98.6 F (37 C). A temperature taken using a mouth thermometer (oral temperature) that's 100 F (37.8 C) or higher is generally considered to be a fever.\n\nDepending on what's causing a fever, other fever signs and symptoms may include:\n\n- Sweating\n- Chills and shivering\n- Headache\n- Muscle aches\n- Loss of appetite\n- Irritability\n- Dehydration\n- General weakness\n\n### Taking a temperature\nTo take a temperature, you can choose from several types of thermometers, including oral, rectal, ear (tympanic) and forehead (temporal artery) thermometers.\n\nOral and rectal thermometers generally provide the most accurate measurement of core body temperature. Ear or forehead thermometers, although convenient, provide less accurate temperature measurements.\n\nIn infants, a rectal temperature, if doable, is somewhat more accurate. When reporting a temperature to your health care provider, give both the reading and the type of thermometer used.\n\n***\n## When to see a doctor\n\nFevers by themselves may not be a cause for alarm — or a reason to call a doctor. Yet there are some circumstances when you should seek medical advice for your baby, your child or yourself.\n\n### Infants and toddlers\nA fever is a particular cause for concern in infants and toddlers. Call your baby's health care provider if your child is:\n\n- **Younger than 3 months old** and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher.\n- **Between 3 and 6 months old** and has a rectal temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) or has a lower temperature but seems unusually irritable, sluggish or uncomfortable.\n- **Between 7 and 24 months old** and has a rectal temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) that lasts longer than one day but shows no other symptoms. If your child also has other signs and symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough or diarrhea, you can call sooner.\n\n### Children\nThere's probably no cause for alarm if your child has a fever but is responsive. This means your child makes eye contact with you and responds to your facial expressions and to your voice. Your child may also be drinking fluids and playing.\n\nCall your child's health care provider if your child:\n\n- **Is listless, confused or has poor eye contact** with you.\n- **Is irritable, vomits repeatedly,** has a severe headache, sore throat, stomachache or other symptoms causing a lot of discomfort.\n- **Has a fever after being left in a hot car.** Seek medical care immediately.\n- **Has a fever that lasts longer** than three days.\n- **Has a seizure** associated with the fever. Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or your child doesn't recover quickly.\n\nAsk your child's health care provider for guidance in special circumstances, such as a child with immune system problems or with a preexisting illness.\n\n### Adults\nCall your health care provider if your temperature is 103 F (39.4 C) or higher. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these signs or symptoms accompanies a fever:\n\n- Severe headache\n- Rash\n- Unusual sensitivity to bright light\n- Stiff neck and pain when you bend your head forward\n- Mental confusion, strange behavior or altered speech\n- Persistent vomiting\n- Difficulty breathing or chest pain\n- Abdominal pain\n- Pain when urinating\n- Convulsions or seizures\n\n[Request an appointment](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/appointments)\n\n## From Mayo Clinic to your inbox\nSign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. [Click here for an email preview.](https:\/\/links.e.response.mayoclinic.org\/EmailPreview-GeneralHealth)\n\nLearn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data.\n\nWe use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our [Notice of Privacy Practices](https:\/\/mcforms.mayo.edu\/mc5200-mc5299\/mc5256-01.pdf). You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email.\n\n***\n## Causes\n\nTypical body temperature is a balance of heat production and heat loss. An area in the brain called the hypothalamus (hi-poe-THAL-uh-muhs) — also known as your body's \"thermostat\" — monitors this balance. Even when you're healthy, your body temperature varies slightly throughout the day. It can be lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening.\n\nWhen your immune system responds to disease, the hypothalamus can set your body temperature higher. This prompts complex processes that produce more heat and restrict heat loss. The shivering you might experience is one way the body produces heat. When you wrap up in a blanket because you feel chilled, you are helping your body retain heat.\n\nFevers below 104 F (40 C) associated with common viral infections, such as the flu, may help the immune system fight disease and are generally not harmful.\n\nFever or elevated body temperature might be caused by:\n\n- A viral infection\n- A bacterial infection\n- Heat exhaustion\n- Certain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis — inflammation of the lining of your joints (synovium)\n- A cancerous (malignant) tumor\n- Some medications, such as antibiotics and drugs used to treat high blood pressure or seizures\n- Some immunizations, such as the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP), pneumococcal or COVID vaccine\n\n***\n## Complications\n\nChildren between the ages of 6 months and 5 years are at increased risk of a seizure that occurs during a fever (febrile seizure). About a third of the children who have one febrile seizure will have another one, most commonly within the next 12 months.\n\nA febrile seizure may involve loss of consciousness, shaking of limbs on both sides of the body, eyes rolling back or body stiffness. Although alarming for parents, the vast majority of febrile seizures cause no lasting effects.\n\nIf a seizure occurs:\n\n- Lay your child on the side or stomach on the floor or ground\n- Remove any sharp objects that are near your child\n- Loosen tight clothing\n- Hold your child to prevent injury\n- Don't place anything in your child's mouth or try to stop the seizure\n- Call 911 or your local emergency number if a seizure lasts more than five minutes or your child doesn't appear to recover well after the seizure\n- Get emergency room or urgent care services if it's your child's first febrile seizure.\n\nIf your child doesn't need emergency care, see your child's health care provider as soon as possible for further evaluation.\n\n***\n## Prevention\n\nYou may be able to prevent fevers by reducing exposure to infectious diseases. Here are some tips that can help:\n\n- **Get vaccinated** as recommended for infectious diseases, such as influenza and COVID-19.\n- **Follow public health guidelines** for wearing masks and social distancing.\n- **Wash your hands often and teach your children to do the same,** especially before eating, after using the toilet, after spending time in a crowd or around someone who's sick, after petting animals, and during travel on public transportation.\n- **Show your children how to wash their hands thoroughly,** covering both the front and back of each hand with soap and rinsing completely under running water.\n- **Carry hand sanitizer with you** for times when you don't have access to soap and water.\n- **Try to avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes,** as these are the main ways that viruses and bacteria can enter your body and cause infection.\n- **Cover your mouth when you cough and your nose when you sneeze,** and teach your children to do the same. Whenever possible, turn away from others and cough or sneeze into your elbow to avoid passing germs along to them.\n- **Avoid sharing cups, water bottles and utensils** with your child or children.\n\n[Request an appointment](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/appointments)\n***\n[By Mayo Clinic Staff](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/about-this-site\/meet-our-medical-editors)\n\nDecember 24, 2025\n\n[Print](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759?p=1)\n\nShow References\n\n1. Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2020. https:\/\/www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.\n2. Bennett JE, et al. Temperature regulation and the pathogenesis of fever. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https:\/\/www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.\n3. Schmitt BD. Pediatric Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 17th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021.\n4. Fever. Merck Manual Professional Version. https:\/\/www.merckmanuals.com\/professional\/infectious-diseases\/biology-of-infectious-disease\/fever. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.\n5. Dinarello CA. Pathophysiology and treatment of fever in adults. https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/search. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.\n6. Goldman L, et al., eds. Approach to fever or suspected infection in the normal host. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https:\/\/www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.\n7. Millichap JJ. Treatment and prognosis of febrile seizures. https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/search. Accessed Feb. 8, 2022.\n8. Ward MA. Fever in infants and children: Pathophysiology and management. https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/search. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.\n9. Febrile seizures fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/Disorders\/Patient-Caregiver-Education\/Fact-Sheets\/Febrile-Seizures-Fact-Sheet. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.\n10. Fever. American College of Emergency Physicians. https:\/\/www.emergencyphysicians.org\/article\/know-when-to-go\/fever. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.\n11. When and how to wash your hands. U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/handwashing\/when-how-handwashing.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.\n12. How to protect yourself & others. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.\n13. AskMayoExpert. Infant fever (age 60 days or younger). Mayo Clinic; 2020.\n14. AskMayoExpert. Fever of unknown origin. Mayo Clinic; 2021.\n15. Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. 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[Digital Accessibility Statement](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/about-this-site\/accessibility-statement)\n- [Advertising & Sponsorship Policy](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/about-this-site\/advertising-sponsorship-policy)\n- [Site Map](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/site-help\/site-map)\n- [Manage Cookies](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/)\n\n- [Terms and Conditions](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/about-this-site\/terms-conditions-use-policy)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/about-this-site\/privacy-policy)\n- [Notice of Privacy Practices](https:\/\/mcforms.mayo.edu\/mc5200-mc5299\/mc5256-01.pdf)\n- [Notice of Nondiscrimination](https:\/\/mcforms.mayo.edu\/mc2500-mc2599\/mc2570-61.pdf)\n- [Digital Accessibility Statement](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/about-this-site\/accessibility-statement)\n- [Advertising and Sponsorship Policy](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/about-this-site\/advertising-sponsorship-policy)\n- [Site Map](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/site-help\/site-map)\n- [Manage Cookies](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/)\n***\nLanguage:\n\nEnglish\n\n- [English](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759)\n- [Español](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/es\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759)\n- [العربية](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/ar\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759)\n- [简体中文](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/zh-hans\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759)\n\n© 1998-2026 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.\n\nLanguage:\n\nEnglish\n\n- [English](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759)\n- [Español](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/es\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759)\n- [العربية](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/ar\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759)\n- [简体中文](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/zh-hans\/diseases-conditions\/fever\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352759)","attrs_readable_markdown":"On this page\n\nOverview\n\nA fever is a temporary rise in body temperature. It's one part of an overall response from the body's immune system. A fever is usually caused by an infection.\n\nFor most children and adults, a fever may be uncomfortable. But it usually isn't a cause for concern. For infants, however, even a low fever may mean there's a serious infection.\n\nFevers generally go away within a few days. A number of over-the-counter medications lower a fever. But you don't necessarily need to treat a fever if it's not causing discomfort.\n\nProducts & Services\n\nBody temperatures vary slightly from person to person and at different times of day. The average temperature has traditionally been defined as 98.6 F (37 C). A temperature taken using a mouth thermometer (oral temperature) that's 100 F (37.8 C) or higher is generally considered to be a fever.\n\nDepending on what's causing a fever, other fever signs and symptoms may include:\n\n- Sweating\n- Chills and shivering\n- Headache\n- Muscle aches\n- Loss of appetite\n- Irritability\n- Dehydration\n- General weakness\n\n### Taking a temperature\nTo take a temperature, you can choose from several types of thermometers, including oral, rectal, ear (tympanic) and forehead (temporal artery) thermometers.\n\nOral and rectal thermometers generally provide the most accurate measurement of core body temperature. Ear or forehead thermometers, although convenient, provide less accurate temperature measurements.\n\nIn infants, a rectal temperature, if doable, is somewhat more accurate. When reporting a temperature to your health care provider, give both the reading and the type of thermometer used.\n\nWhen to see a doctor\n\nFevers by themselves may not be a cause for alarm — or a reason to call a doctor. Yet there are some circumstances when you should seek medical advice for your baby, your child or yourself.\n\n### Infants and toddlers\nA fever is a particular cause for concern in infants and toddlers. Call your baby's health care provider if your child is:\n\n- **Younger than 3 months old** and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher.\n- **Between 3 and 6 months old** and has a rectal temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) or has a lower temperature but seems unusually irritable, sluggish or uncomfortable.\n- **Between 7 and 24 months old** and has a rectal temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) that lasts longer than one day but shows no other symptoms. If your child also has other signs and symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough or diarrhea, you can call sooner.\n\n### Children\nThere's probably no cause for alarm if your child has a fever but is responsive. This means your child makes eye contact with you and responds to your facial expressions and to your voice. Your child may also be drinking fluids and playing.\n\nCall your child's health care provider if your child:\n\n- **Is listless, confused or has poor eye contact** with you.\n- **Is irritable, vomits repeatedly,** has a severe headache, sore throat, stomachache or other symptoms causing a lot of discomfort.\n- **Has a fever after being left in a hot car.** Seek medical care immediately.\n- **Has a fever that lasts longer** than three days.\n- **Has a seizure** associated with the fever. Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or your child doesn't recover quickly.\n\nAsk your child's health care provider for guidance in special circumstances, such as a child with immune system problems or with a preexisting illness.\n\n### Adults\nCall your health care provider if your temperature is 103 F (39.4 C) or higher. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these signs or symptoms accompanies a fever:\n\n- Severe headache\n- Rash\n- Unusual sensitivity to bright light\n- Stiff neck and pain when you bend your head forward\n- Mental confusion, strange behavior or altered speech\n- Persistent vomiting\n- Difficulty breathing or chest pain\n- Abdominal pain\n- Pain when urinating\n- Convulsions or seizures\n\nFrom Mayo Clinic to your inbox\n\nSign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. [Click here for an email preview.](https:\/\/links.e.response.mayoclinic.org\/EmailPreview-GeneralHealth)\n\nWe use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our [Notice of Privacy Practices](https:\/\/mcforms.mayo.edu\/mc5200-mc5299\/mc5256-01.pdf). You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email.\n\nCauses\n\nTypical body temperature is a balance of heat production and heat loss. An area in the brain called the hypothalamus (hi-poe-THAL-uh-muhs) — also known as your body's \"thermostat\" — monitors this balance. Even when you're healthy, your body temperature varies slightly throughout the day. It can be lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening.\n\nWhen your immune system responds to disease, the hypothalamus can set your body temperature higher. This prompts complex processes that produce more heat and restrict heat loss. The shivering you might experience is one way the body produces heat. When you wrap up in a blanket because you feel chilled, you are helping your body retain heat.\n\nFevers below 104 F (40 C) associated with common viral infections, such as the flu, may help the immune system fight disease and are generally not harmful.\n\nFever or elevated body temperature might be caused by:\n\n- A viral infection\n- A bacterial infection\n- Heat exhaustion\n- Certain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis — inflammation of the lining of your joints (synovium)\n- A cancerous (malignant) tumor\n- Some medications, such as antibiotics and drugs used to treat high blood pressure or seizures\n- Some immunizations, such as the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP), pneumococcal or COVID vaccine\n\nComplications\n\nChildren between the ages of 6 months and 5 years are at increased risk of a seizure that occurs during a fever (febrile seizure). About a third of the children who have one febrile seizure will have another one, most commonly within the next 12 months.\n\nA febrile seizure may involve loss of consciousness, shaking of limbs on both sides of the body, eyes rolling back or body stiffness. Although alarming for parents, the vast majority of febrile seizures cause no lasting effects.\n\nIf a seizure occurs:\n\n- Lay your child on the side or stomach on the floor or ground\n- Remove any sharp objects that are near your child\n- Loosen tight clothing\n- Hold your child to prevent injury\n- Don't place anything in your child's mouth or try to stop the seizure\n- Call 911 or your local emergency number if a seizure lasts more than five minutes or your child doesn't appear to recover well after the seizure\n- Get emergency room or urgent care services if it's your child's first febrile seizure.\n\nIf your child doesn't need emergency care, see your child's health care provider as soon as possible for further evaluation.\n\nPrevention\n\nYou may be able to prevent fevers by reducing exposure to infectious diseases. Here are some tips that can help:\n\n- **Get vaccinated** as recommended for infectious diseases, such as influenza and COVID-19.\n- **Follow public health guidelines** for wearing masks and social distancing.\n- **Wash your hands often and teach your children to do the same,** especially before eating, after using the toilet, after spending time in a crowd or around someone who's sick, after petting animals, and during travel on public transportation.\n- **Show your children how to wash their hands thoroughly,** covering both the front and back of each hand with soap and rinsing completely under running water.\n- **Carry hand sanitizer with you** for times when you don't have access to soap and water.\n- **Try to avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes,** as these are the main ways that viruses and bacteria can enter your body and cause infection.\n- **Cover your mouth when you cough and your nose when you sneeze,** and teach your children to do the same. Whenever possible, turn away from others and cough or sneeze into your elbow to avoid passing germs along to them.\n- **Avoid sharing cups, water bottles and utensils** with your child or children.\n\nDecember 24, 2025\n\n1. Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2020. https:\/\/www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.\n2. Bennett JE, et al. Temperature regulation and the pathogenesis of fever. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https:\/\/www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.\n3. Schmitt BD. Pediatric Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 17th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021.\n4. Fever. Merck Manual Professional Version. https:\/\/www.merckmanuals.com\/professional\/infectious-diseases\/biology-of-infectious-disease\/fever. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.\n5. Dinarello CA. Pathophysiology and treatment of fever in adults. https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/search. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.\n6. Goldman L, et al., eds. Approach to fever or suspected infection in the normal host. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https:\/\/www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.\n7. Millichap JJ. Treatment and prognosis of febrile seizures. https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/search. Accessed Feb. 8, 2022.\n8. Ward MA. Fever in infants and children: Pathophysiology and management. https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/search. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.\n9. Febrile seizures fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/Disorders\/Patient-Caregiver-Education\/Fact-Sheets\/Febrile-Seizures-Fact-Sheet. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.\n10. Fever. American College of Emergency Physicians. https:\/\/www.emergencyphysicians.org\/article\/know-when-to-go\/fever. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.\n11. When and how to wash your hands. U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/handwashing\/when-how-handwashing.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.\n12. How to protect yourself & others. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022.\n13. AskMayoExpert. Infant fever (age 60 days or younger). Mayo Clinic; 2020.\n14. AskMayoExpert. Fever of unknown origin. Mayo Clinic; 2021.\n15. Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Jan. 10, 2024.\n\n1. Fever - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic\n\nMore Information\n\nAssociated Procedures\n\nProducts & Services\n\nCON-20305540\n\n![](https:\/\/assets.mayoclinic.org\/content\/dam\/mayoclinic\/images\/icons\/person-physician.svg)\n\nNational Doctors’ Day is March 30\\!\n\nYour gift to celebrate this day advances our doctors’ lifesaving work.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Fever - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
Meta Description	Medications can lower a fever, but sometimes it's better left untreated. Fever may play a role in helping your body fight off infections.
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Boilerpipe Text	On this page Overview A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature. It's one part of an overall response from the body's immune system. A fever is usually caused by an infection. For most children and adults, a fever may be uncomfortable. But it usually isn't a cause for concern. For infants, however, even a low fever may mean there's a serious infection. Fevers generally go away within a few days. A number of over-the-counter medications lower a fever. But you don't necessarily need to treat a fever if it's not causing discomfort. Products & Services Body temperatures vary slightly from person to person and at different times of day. The average temperature has traditionally been defined as 98.6 F (37 C). A temperature taken using a mouth thermometer (oral temperature) that's 100 F (37.8 C) or higher is generally considered to be a fever. Depending on what's causing a fever, other fever signs and symptoms may include: Sweating Chills and shivering Headache Muscle aches Loss of appetite Irritability Dehydration General weakness Taking a temperature To take a temperature, you can choose from several types of thermometers, including oral, rectal, ear (tympanic) and forehead (temporal artery) thermometers. Oral and rectal thermometers generally provide the most accurate measurement of core body temperature. Ear or forehead thermometers, although convenient, provide less accurate temperature measurements. In infants, a rectal temperature, if doable, is somewhat more accurate. When reporting a temperature to your health care provider, give both the reading and the type of thermometer used. When to see a doctor Fevers by themselves may not be a cause for alarm — or a reason to call a doctor. Yet there are some circumstances when you should seek medical advice for your baby, your child or yourself. Infants and toddlers A fever is a particular cause for concern in infants and toddlers. Call your baby's health care provider if your child is: Younger than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher. Between 3 and 6 months old and has a rectal temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) or has a lower temperature but seems unusually irritable, sluggish or uncomfortable. Between 7 and 24 months old and has a rectal temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) that lasts longer than one day but shows no other symptoms. If your child also has other signs and symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough or diarrhea, you can call sooner. Children There's probably no cause for alarm if your child has a fever but is responsive. This means your child makes eye contact with you and responds to your facial expressions and to your voice. Your child may also be drinking fluids and playing. Call your child's health care provider if your child: Is listless, confused or has poor eye contact with you. Is irritable, vomits repeatedly, has a severe headache, sore throat, stomachache or other symptoms causing a lot of discomfort. Has a fever after being left in a hot car. Seek medical care immediately. Has a fever that lasts longer than three days. Has a seizure associated with the fever. Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or your child doesn't recover quickly. Ask your child's health care provider for guidance in special circumstances, such as a child with immune system problems or with a preexisting illness. Adults Call your health care provider if your temperature is 103 F (39.4 C) or higher. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these signs or symptoms accompanies a fever: Severe headache Rash Unusual sensitivity to bright light Stiff neck and pain when you bend your head forward Mental confusion, strange behavior or altered speech Persistent vomiting Difficulty breathing or chest pain Abdominal pain Pain when urinating Convulsions or seizures From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices . You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email. Causes Typical body temperature is a balance of heat production and heat loss. An area in the brain called the hypothalamus (hi-poe-THAL-uh-muhs) — also known as your body's "thermostat" — monitors this balance. Even when you're healthy, your body temperature varies slightly throughout the day. It can be lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening. When your immune system responds to disease, the hypothalamus can set your body temperature higher. This prompts complex processes that produce more heat and restrict heat loss. The shivering you might experience is one way the body produces heat. When you wrap up in a blanket because you feel chilled, you are helping your body retain heat. Fevers below 104 F (40 C) associated with common viral infections, such as the flu, may help the immune system fight disease and are generally not harmful. Fever or elevated body temperature might be caused by: A viral infection A bacterial infection Heat exhaustion Certain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis — inflammation of the lining of your joints (synovium) A cancerous (malignant) tumor Some medications, such as antibiotics and drugs used to treat high blood pressure or seizures Some immunizations, such as the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP), pneumococcal or COVID vaccine Complications Children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years are at increased risk of a seizure that occurs during a fever (febrile seizure). About a third of the children who have one febrile seizure will have another one, most commonly within the next 12 months. A febrile seizure may involve loss of consciousness, shaking of limbs on both sides of the body, eyes rolling back or body stiffness. Although alarming for parents, the vast majority of febrile seizures cause no lasting effects. If a seizure occurs: Lay your child on the side or stomach on the floor or ground Remove any sharp objects that are near your child Loosen tight clothing Hold your child to prevent injury Don't place anything in your child's mouth or try to stop the seizure Call 911 or your local emergency number if a seizure lasts more than five minutes or your child doesn't appear to recover well after the seizure Get emergency room or urgent care services if it's your child's first febrile seizure. If your child doesn't need emergency care, see your child's health care provider as soon as possible for further evaluation. Prevention You may be able to prevent fevers by reducing exposure to infectious diseases. Here are some tips that can help: Get vaccinated as recommended for infectious diseases, such as influenza and COVID-19. Follow public health guidelines for wearing masks and social distancing. Wash your hands often and teach your children to do the same, especially before eating, after using the toilet, after spending time in a crowd or around someone who's sick, after petting animals, and during travel on public transportation. Show your children how to wash their hands thoroughly, covering both the front and back of each hand with soap and rinsing completely under running water. Carry hand sanitizer with you for times when you don't have access to soap and water. Try to avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes, as these are the main ways that viruses and bacteria can enter your body and cause infection. Cover your mouth when you cough and your nose when you sneeze, and teach your children to do the same. Whenever possible, turn away from others and cough or sneeze into your elbow to avoid passing germs along to them. Avoid sharing cups, water bottles and utensils with your child or children. December 24, 2025 Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022. Bennett JE, et al. Temperature regulation and the pathogenesis of fever. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022. Schmitt BD. Pediatric Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 17th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021. Fever. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/biology-of-infectious-disease/fever. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022. Dinarello CA. Pathophysiology and treatment of fever in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022. Goldman L, et al., eds. Approach to fever or suspected infection in the normal host. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022. Millichap JJ. Treatment and prognosis of febrile seizures. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 8, 2022. Ward MA. Fever in infants and children: Pathophysiology and management. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022. Febrile seizures fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Febrile-Seizures-Fact-Sheet. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022. Fever. American College of Emergency Physicians. https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/know-when-to-go/fever. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022. When and how to wash your hands. U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022. How to protect yourself & others. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022. AskMayoExpert. Infant fever (age 60 days or younger). Mayo Clinic; 2020. AskMayoExpert. Fever of unknown origin. Mayo Clinic; 2021. Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Jan. 10, 2024. Fever - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic More Information Associated Procedures Products & Services CON-20305540 National Doctors’ Day is March 30! Your gift to celebrate this day advances our doctors’ lifesaving work.
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[Diseases & Conditions](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions) # Fever [Request an appointment](https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments) * - [Symptoms & causes](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759) - [Diagnosis & treatment](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352764) - [Doctors & departments](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/doctors-departments/ddc-20352766) ## On this page - [Overview](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759#overview) - [Symptoms](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759#symptoms) - [When to see a doctor](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759#when-to-see-a-doctor) - [Causes](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759#causes) - [Complications](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759#complications) - [Prevention](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759#prevention) * ## Overview A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature. It's one part of an overall response from the body's immune system. A fever is usually caused by an infection. For most children and adults, a fever may be uncomfortable. But it usually isn't a cause for concern. For infants, however, even a low fever may mean there's a serious infection. Fevers generally go away within a few days. A number of over-the-counter medications lower a fever. But you don't necessarily need to treat a fever if it's not causing discomfort. ### Products & Services - [A Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Home Remedies](https://order.store.mayoclinic.com/flex/mmv/hremed1/?altkey=HRSORG&utm_source=MC-DotOrg-PS&utm_medium=Link&utm_campaign=HomeRemedies-Book&utm_content=HOM) * ## Symptoms Body temperatures vary slightly from person to person and at different times of day. The average temperature has traditionally been defined as 98.6 F (37 C). A temperature taken using a mouth thermometer (oral temperature) that's 100 F (37.8 C) or higher is generally considered to be a fever. Depending on what's causing a fever, other fever signs and symptoms may include: - Sweating - Chills and shivering - Headache - Muscle aches - Loss of appetite - Irritability - Dehydration - General weakness ### Taking a temperature To take a temperature, you can choose from several types of thermometers, including oral, rectal, ear (tympanic) and forehead (temporal artery) thermometers. Oral and rectal thermometers generally provide the most accurate measurement of core body temperature. Ear or forehead thermometers, although convenient, provide less accurate temperature measurements. In infants, a rectal temperature, if doable, is somewhat more accurate. When reporting a temperature to your health care provider, give both the reading and the type of thermometer used. * ## When to see a doctor Fevers by themselves may not be a cause for alarm — or a reason to call a doctor. Yet there are some circumstances when you should seek medical advice for your baby, your child or yourself. ### Infants and toddlers A fever is a particular cause for concern in infants and toddlers. Call your baby's health care provider if your child is: - Younger than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher. - Between 3 and 6 months old and has a rectal temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) or has a lower temperature but seems unusually irritable, sluggish or uncomfortable. - Between 7 and 24 months old and has a rectal temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) that lasts longer than one day but shows no other symptoms. If your child also has other signs and symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough or diarrhea, you can call sooner. ### Children There's probably no cause for alarm if your child has a fever but is responsive. This means your child makes eye contact with you and responds to your facial expressions and to your voice. Your child may also be drinking fluids and playing. Call your child's health care provider if your child: - Is listless, confused or has poor eye contact with you. - Is irritable, vomits repeatedly, has a severe headache, sore throat, stomachache or other symptoms causing a lot of discomfort. - Has a fever after being left in a hot car. Seek medical care immediately. - Has a fever that lasts longer than three days. - Has a seizure associated with the fever. Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or your child doesn't recover quickly. Ask your child's health care provider for guidance in special circumstances, such as a child with immune system problems or with a preexisting illness. ### Adults Call your health care provider if your temperature is 103 F (39.4 C) or higher. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these signs or symptoms accompanies a fever: - Severe headache - Rash - Unusual sensitivity to bright light - Stiff neck and pain when you bend your head forward - Mental confusion, strange behavior or altered speech - Persistent vomiting - Difficulty breathing or chest pain - Abdominal pain - Pain when urinating - Convulsions or seizures [Request an appointment](https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments) ## From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. [Click here for an email preview.](https://links.e.response.mayoclinic.org/EmailPreview-GeneralHealth) Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our [Notice of Privacy Practices](https://mcforms.mayo.edu/mc5200-mc5299/mc5256-01.pdf). You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email. * ## Causes Typical body temperature is a balance of heat production and heat loss. An area in the brain called the hypothalamus (hi-poe-THAL-uh-muhs) — also known as your body's "thermostat" — monitors this balance. Even when you're healthy, your body temperature varies slightly throughout the day. It can be lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening. When your immune system responds to disease, the hypothalamus can set your body temperature higher. This prompts complex processes that produce more heat and restrict heat loss. The shivering you might experience is one way the body produces heat. When you wrap up in a blanket because you feel chilled, you are helping your body retain heat. Fevers below 104 F (40 C) associated with common viral infections, such as the flu, may help the immune system fight disease and are generally not harmful. Fever or elevated body temperature might be caused by: - A viral infection - A bacterial infection - Heat exhaustion - Certain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis — inflammation of the lining of your joints (synovium) - A cancerous (malignant) tumor - Some medications, such as antibiotics and drugs used to treat high blood pressure or seizures - Some immunizations, such as the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP), pneumococcal or COVID vaccine * ## Complications Children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years are at increased risk of a seizure that occurs during a fever (febrile seizure). About a third of the children who have one febrile seizure will have another one, most commonly within the next 12 months. A febrile seizure may involve loss of consciousness, shaking of limbs on both sides of the body, eyes rolling back or body stiffness. Although alarming for parents, the vast majority of febrile seizures cause no lasting effects. If a seizure occurs: - Lay your child on the side or stomach on the floor or ground - Remove any sharp objects that are near your child - Loosen tight clothing - Hold your child to prevent injury - Don't place anything in your child's mouth or try to stop the seizure - Call 911 or your local emergency number if a seizure lasts more than five minutes or your child doesn't appear to recover well after the seizure - Get emergency room or urgent care services if it's your child's first febrile seizure. If your child doesn't need emergency care, see your child's health care provider as soon as possible for further evaluation. * ## Prevention You may be able to prevent fevers by reducing exposure to infectious diseases. Here are some tips that can help: - Get vaccinated as recommended for infectious diseases, such as influenza and COVID-19. - Follow public health guidelines for wearing masks and social distancing. - Wash your hands often and teach your children to do the same, especially before eating, after using the toilet, after spending time in a crowd or around someone who's sick, after petting animals, and during travel on public transportation. - Show your children how to wash their hands thoroughly, covering both the front and back of each hand with soap and rinsing completely under running water. - Carry hand sanitizer with you for times when you don't have access to soap and water. - Try to avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes, as these are the main ways that viruses and bacteria can enter your body and cause infection. - Cover your mouth when you cough and your nose when you sneeze, and teach your children to do the same. Whenever possible, turn away from others and cough or sneeze into your elbow to avoid passing germs along to them. - Avoid sharing cups, water bottles and utensils with your child or children. [Request an appointment](https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments) * [By Mayo Clinic Staff](https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-this-site/meet-our-medical-editors) December 24, 2025 [Print](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759?p=1) Show References 1. Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022. 2. Bennett JE, et al. Temperature regulation and the pathogenesis of fever. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022. 3. Schmitt BD. Pediatric Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 17th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021. 4. Fever. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/biology-of-infectious-disease/fever. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022. 5. Dinarello CA. Pathophysiology and treatment of fever in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022. 6. Goldman L, et al., eds. Approach to fever or suspected infection in the normal host. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022. 7. Millichap JJ. Treatment and prognosis of febrile seizures. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 8, 2022. 8. Ward MA. Fever in infants and children: Pathophysiology and management. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022. 9. Febrile seizures fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Febrile-Seizures-Fact-Sheet. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022. 10. Fever. American College of Emergency Physicians. https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/know-when-to-go/fever. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022. 11. When and how to wash your hands. U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022. 12. How to protect yourself & others. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022. 13. AskMayoExpert. Infant fever (age 60 days or younger). Mayo Clinic; 2020. 14. AskMayoExpert. Fever of unknown origin. Mayo Clinic; 2021. 15. Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Jan. 10, 2024. [Diagnosis & treatment](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352764) 1. [Diseases & Conditions](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions) 2. 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Readable Markdown	On this page Overview A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature. It's one part of an overall response from the body's immune system. A fever is usually caused by an infection. For most children and adults, a fever may be uncomfortable. But it usually isn't a cause for concern. For infants, however, even a low fever may mean there's a serious infection. Fevers generally go away within a few days. A number of over-the-counter medications lower a fever. But you don't necessarily need to treat a fever if it's not causing discomfort. Products & Services Body temperatures vary slightly from person to person and at different times of day. The average temperature has traditionally been defined as 98.6 F (37 C). A temperature taken using a mouth thermometer (oral temperature) that's 100 F (37.8 C) or higher is generally considered to be a fever. Depending on what's causing a fever, other fever signs and symptoms may include: - Sweating - Chills and shivering - Headache - Muscle aches - Loss of appetite - Irritability - Dehydration - General weakness ### Taking a temperature To take a temperature, you can choose from several types of thermometers, including oral, rectal, ear (tympanic) and forehead (temporal artery) thermometers. Oral and rectal thermometers generally provide the most accurate measurement of core body temperature. Ear or forehead thermometers, although convenient, provide less accurate temperature measurements. In infants, a rectal temperature, if doable, is somewhat more accurate. When reporting a temperature to your health care provider, give both the reading and the type of thermometer used. When to see a doctor Fevers by themselves may not be a cause for alarm — or a reason to call a doctor. Yet there are some circumstances when you should seek medical advice for your baby, your child or yourself. ### Infants and toddlers A fever is a particular cause for concern in infants and toddlers. Call your baby's health care provider if your child is: - Younger than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher. - Between 3 and 6 months old and has a rectal temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) or has a lower temperature but seems unusually irritable, sluggish or uncomfortable. - Between 7 and 24 months old and has a rectal temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) that lasts longer than one day but shows no other symptoms. If your child also has other signs and symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough or diarrhea, you can call sooner. ### Children There's probably no cause for alarm if your child has a fever but is responsive. This means your child makes eye contact with you and responds to your facial expressions and to your voice. Your child may also be drinking fluids and playing. Call your child's health care provider if your child: - Is listless, confused or has poor eye contact with you. - Is irritable, vomits repeatedly, has a severe headache, sore throat, stomachache or other symptoms causing a lot of discomfort. - Has a fever after being left in a hot car. Seek medical care immediately. - Has a fever that lasts longer than three days. - Has a seizure associated with the fever. Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or your child doesn't recover quickly. Ask your child's health care provider for guidance in special circumstances, such as a child with immune system problems or with a preexisting illness. ### Adults Call your health care provider if your temperature is 103 F (39.4 C) or higher. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these signs or symptoms accompanies a fever: - Severe headache - Rash - Unusual sensitivity to bright light - Stiff neck and pain when you bend your head forward - Mental confusion, strange behavior or altered speech - Persistent vomiting - Difficulty breathing or chest pain - Abdominal pain - Pain when urinating - Convulsions or seizures From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. [Click here for an email preview.](https://links.e.response.mayoclinic.org/EmailPreview-GeneralHealth) We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our [Notice of Privacy Practices](https://mcforms.mayo.edu/mc5200-mc5299/mc5256-01.pdf). You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email. Causes Typical body temperature is a balance of heat production and heat loss. An area in the brain called the hypothalamus (hi-poe-THAL-uh-muhs) — also known as your body's "thermostat" — monitors this balance. Even when you're healthy, your body temperature varies slightly throughout the day. It can be lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening. When your immune system responds to disease, the hypothalamus can set your body temperature higher. This prompts complex processes that produce more heat and restrict heat loss. The shivering you might experience is one way the body produces heat. When you wrap up in a blanket because you feel chilled, you are helping your body retain heat. Fevers below 104 F (40 C) associated with common viral infections, such as the flu, may help the immune system fight disease and are generally not harmful. Fever or elevated body temperature might be caused by: - A viral infection - A bacterial infection - Heat exhaustion - Certain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis — inflammation of the lining of your joints (synovium) - A cancerous (malignant) tumor - Some medications, such as antibiotics and drugs used to treat high blood pressure or seizures - Some immunizations, such as the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP), pneumococcal or COVID vaccine Complications Children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years are at increased risk of a seizure that occurs during a fever (febrile seizure). About a third of the children who have one febrile seizure will have another one, most commonly within the next 12 months. A febrile seizure may involve loss of consciousness, shaking of limbs on both sides of the body, eyes rolling back or body stiffness. Although alarming for parents, the vast majority of febrile seizures cause no lasting effects. If a seizure occurs: - Lay your child on the side or stomach on the floor or ground - Remove any sharp objects that are near your child - Loosen tight clothing - Hold your child to prevent injury - Don't place anything in your child's mouth or try to stop the seizure - Call 911 or your local emergency number if a seizure lasts more than five minutes or your child doesn't appear to recover well after the seizure - Get emergency room or urgent care services if it's your child's first febrile seizure. If your child doesn't need emergency care, see your child's health care provider as soon as possible for further evaluation. Prevention You may be able to prevent fevers by reducing exposure to infectious diseases. Here are some tips that can help: - Get vaccinated as recommended for infectious diseases, such as influenza and COVID-19. - Follow public health guidelines for wearing masks and social distancing. - Wash your hands often and teach your children to do the same, especially before eating, after using the toilet, after spending time in a crowd or around someone who's sick, after petting animals, and during travel on public transportation. - Show your children how to wash their hands thoroughly, covering both the front and back of each hand with soap and rinsing completely under running water. - Carry hand sanitizer with you for times when you don't have access to soap and water. - Try to avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes, as these are the main ways that viruses and bacteria can enter your body and cause infection. - Cover your mouth when you cough and your nose when you sneeze, and teach your children to do the same. Whenever possible, turn away from others and cough or sneeze into your elbow to avoid passing germs along to them. - Avoid sharing cups, water bottles and utensils with your child or children. December 24, 2025 1. Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022. 2. Bennett JE, et al. Temperature regulation and the pathogenesis of fever. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022. 3. Schmitt BD. Pediatric Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 17th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021. 4. Fever. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/biology-of-infectious-disease/fever. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022. 5. Dinarello CA. Pathophysiology and treatment of fever in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022. 6. Goldman L, et al., eds. Approach to fever or suspected infection in the normal host. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022. 7. Millichap JJ. Treatment and prognosis of febrile seizures. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 8, 2022. 8. Ward MA. Fever in infants and children: Pathophysiology and management. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022. 9. Febrile seizures fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Febrile-Seizures-Fact-Sheet. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022. 10. Fever. American College of Emergency Physicians. https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/know-when-to-go/fever. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022. 11. When and how to wash your hands. U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022. 12. How to protect yourself & others. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2022. 13. AskMayoExpert. Infant fever (age 60 days or younger). Mayo Clinic; 2020. 14. AskMayoExpert. Fever of unknown origin. Mayo Clinic; 2021. 15. Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Jan. 10, 2024. 1. Fever - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic More Information Associated Procedures Products & Services CON-20305540 ![](https://assets.mayoclinic.org/content/dam/mayoclinic/images/icons/person-physician.svg) National Doctors’ Day is March 30\! Your gift to celebrate this day advances our doctors’ lifesaving work.
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