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[Skip to main content](https://www.motrin.com/adults/cold-flu/managing-fever#accessibilitySkipLink) [Coupons + Savings](https://www.motrin.com/coupons) [Español](https://espanol.motrin.com/) Products - [All Products](https://www.motrin.com/products) - [Children](https://www.motrin.com/products/children) - [Infants](https://www.motrin.com/products/infants) - [Adults](https://www.motrin.com/products/adults) - [Compare Products](https://www.motrin.com/products/compare-pain-relief-products) Children + Infants Relief - [All Children + Infants Relief](https://www.motrin.com/children-infants) - [Sore Throat](https://www.motrin.com/children-infants/sore-throat) - [Headache](https://www.motrin.com/children-infants/headache) - [Cold + Flu](https://www.motrin.com/children-infants/cold-flu) - [Children + Infants Dosing Chart](https://www.motrin.com/children-infants/dosing-charts) Adult Relief - [All Adult Relief](https://www.motrin.com/adults) - [Arthritis](https://www.motrin.com/adults/arthritis) - [Period Pain](https://www.motrin.com/adults/period) - [Back Pain](https://www.motrin.com/adults/back-pain) - [Headache](https://www.motrin.com/adults/headache) - [Cold + Flu](https://www.motrin.com/adults/cold-flu) - [Adult Dosing Chart](https://www.motrin.com/safety-dosing/adult-dosing-chart) Dosing + Use - [All Dosing + Use](https://www.motrin.com/safety-dosing) - [Children + Infants Dosing Chart](https://www.motrin.com/children-infants/dosing-charts) - [Adult Dosing Chart](https://www.motrin.com/safety-dosing/adult-dosing-chart) - [MOTRIN® and TYLENOL®](https://www.motrin.com/safety-dosing/taking-ibuprofen-and-acetaminophen) - [FAQs](https://www.motrin.com/safety-dosing/faq) About MOTRIN® - [What Is MOTRIN®?](https://www.motrin.com/what-is-motrin) - [MOTRIN® Sponsorships](https://www.motrin.com/motrin-sponsorships) - [Contact Us](https://www.motrin.com/contact-us) - Products - Children + Infants Relief - Adult Relief - Dosing + Use - About MOTRIN® [Where to Buy](https://www.motrin.com/where-to-buy) # Concerned About a Fever? A Guide to Fever Temperature, Symptoms, and Home Remedies Here is some important information to help you better understand what is considered a fever, related symptoms, warning signs, and how to take action. Please talk to your doctor if you have any additional question or concerns because the information included here is not a substitute for medical consultation.  JUMP TO 1. [SYMPTOMS](https://www.motrin.com/adults/cold-flu/managing-fever#managing-fever-symptoms) 2. [TEMPERATURE](https://www.motrin.com/adults/cold-flu/managing-fever#managing-fever-temperature) 3. [TIPS](https://www.motrin.com/adults/cold-flu/managing-fever#managing-fever-tips) 4. [Related Products](https://www.motrin.com/adults/cold-flu/managing-fever#relatedproducts) 5. [Related Articles](https://www.motrin.com/adults/cold-flu/managing-fever#relatedarticles) 6. [References](https://www.motrin.com/adults/cold-flu/managing-fever#references) ## What Is Considered a Fever? Normal body temperature is approximately 98.6°F, but can vary during the day based on metabolic changes, sleep and waking cycles, hormones, and activity levels. When your body temperature reaches 99.1°F or higher, you are experiencing a fever.\[1\] - A fever is an increase in your body’s core temperature above a set number that is controlled by an area of your brain that acts as your own personal thermostat.\[1,2\] - Having a fever is usually a sign that your immune system has been activated to fight an infection or illness but it can also be a side effect of certain medications and vaccinations\[3\] ### What Are Some Fever Symptoms? When having a fever, you might experience some of these symptoms\[3\]: - Body aches - Chills (feeling cold, shivering and shaking) - Faster heartbeat - Fatigue (feeling tired) - Flushed complexion or hot skin - Headaches - Sweating **Taking care of yourself is important when having a fever, but make sure you contact a medical professional if you are concerned about your overall health.** Read on to learn more about the temperature ranges for fevers. ## What Temperature Is Considered a Fever? Fever definitions can vary, but the table below highlights general temperature ranges for low, moderate, and high fevers—and when it is important to consider medical assistance.  #### Low-Grade Fever ###### 99\.1°F to 100.4°F\[1\] If your temperature is in the low-grade range, this can be a sign that your immune system is mildly activated.\[3\]  #### Moderate-Grade Fever ###### 100\.6°F to 102.2°F\[1\] If you have underlying lung or heart conditions, moderate fevers can be problematic because they increase breathing and heart rate.\[3\]  #### High-Grade Fever ###### 102\.4°F to 105.8°F or greater\[1\] **If your temperature reaches or goes above 104°F this is considered a medical emergency and you should seek immediate medical attention.****\[3\]** You should also contact a medical professional if your fever lasts **more than 24 to 48 hours and you have any of these warning signs**\[4\]: - Confusion - Headache, stiff neck or both - Flat, small, purplish red spots on the skin (sign of bleeding) - Low blood pressure - Rapid heartbeat or breathing - Shortness of breath See what actions you can take to help break a fever below. ## Tips To Consider To Break a Fever Here are **4 areas of action** you can focus on that may help reduce fever temperature and make yourself feel more comfortable.  ### 1\. More Fluids Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids (water, juice, or broth)\[5\] - Avoid sugary drinks and caffeinated beverages.\[6\]  ### 2\. Eat Less Eat light foods that are easy to digest\[5\] - Crackers and soup are a good choice - Avoid dairy products like milk and cheese  ### 3\. Rest Up Get plenty or rest and sleep\[5\] - Reduce activity and remaining in a cooler environment can also help\[7\]  ### 4\. Stay Cool Use damp cloths on your forehead and neck\[5,6\] - You can also use an ice pack to help relieve fever symptoms and bring down your body temperature\[6\] Take lukewarm baths or showers\[5,6\] Dress in loose fitting clothing\[7\] Taking a medicine that contains ibuprofen such as [MOTRIN® IB](https://www.motrin.com/products/motrin-ib) can also temporarily relieve a fever. ## References 1. Balli S, Shumway KR, Sharan S. Physiology, Fever. \[Updated 2022 Sep 11\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from:, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562334/> 2. Morrison SF, Nakamura K. Central neural pathways for thermoregulation. Front Biosci. 2011;16:74–104, 3. Fever. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed 8/22/2023, <https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10880-fever/> 4. Bush LM. In: Merck Manual Professional Version. Updated August 2022. Accessed 8/22/2023, <https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/biology-of-infectious-disease/fever> 5. Fever in Adults: When to Worry. Harvard Health Publishing. Accessed 8/04/2023, <https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/treating-fever-in-adults> 6. 5 Methods to Safely Break a Fever. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed 8/22/2023, <https://health.clevelandclinic.org/breaking-a-fever/> 7. Sparks D. Home Remedies: Fighting a Fever. Mayo Clinic. July 21, 2017. Accessed 8/22/2023, <https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-remedies-fighting-a-fever/> Links to other parties’ articles and websites are provided for convenience only. Kenvue is not responsible for their content. ## Related Products ## Related Articles [Dosing + Use Adult Dosing Follow these dosing directions for MOTRIN® IB and MOTRIN® PM. Read More](https://www.motrin.com/safety-dosing/adult-dosing-chart) **Adjust Your Cookie Settings** Whoops! This form is unavailable because of your cookie settings. Go to the Cookies Settings and turn on functional cookies to signup. 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JUMP TO 1. [SYMPTOMS](https://www.motrin.com/adults/cold-flu/managing-fever#managing-fever-symptoms) 2. [TEMPERATURE](https://www.motrin.com/adults/cold-flu/managing-fever#managing-fever-temperature) 3. [TIPS](https://www.motrin.com/adults/cold-flu/managing-fever#managing-fever-tips) 4. [Related Products](https://www.motrin.com/adults/cold-flu/managing-fever#relatedproducts) 5. [Related Articles](https://www.motrin.com/adults/cold-flu/managing-fever#relatedarticles) 6. [References](https://www.motrin.com/adults/cold-flu/managing-fever#references) What Is Considered a Fever? What Temperature Is Considered a Fever? Tips To Consider To Break a Fever ## References 1. Balli S, Shumway KR, Sharan S. Physiology, Fever. \[Updated 2022 Sep 11\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from:, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562334/> 2. Morrison SF, Nakamura K. Central neural pathways for thermoregulation. Front Biosci. 2011;16:74–104, 3. Fever. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed 8/22/2023, <https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10880-fever/> 4. Bush LM. In: Merck Manual Professional Version. Updated August 2022. Accessed 8/22/2023, <https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/biology-of-infectious-disease/fever> 5. Fever in Adults: When to Worry. Harvard Health Publishing. Accessed 8/04/2023, <https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/treating-fever-in-adults> 6. 5 Methods to Safely Break a Fever. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed 8/22/2023, <https://health.clevelandclinic.org/breaking-a-fever/> 7. Sparks D. Home Remedies: Fighting a Fever. Mayo Clinic. July 21, 2017. Accessed 8/22/2023, <https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-remedies-fighting-a-fever/> Links to other parties’ articles and websites are provided for convenience only. Kenvue is not responsible for their content.