A fever is the body's natural defense against infection, and occurs when the hypothalamus tells the body to raise its normal temperature, according to the textbook "Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology." While the average normal body temperature for people is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, a significant variation exists from person to person, and activity level can dramatically affect body temperature. Thus doctors only consider temperatures above 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit to constitute true fevers. When someone has a high fever, consult a physician before beginning home treatment.
How Fevers Work
When a foreign pathogen such as a virus or bacteria invades the body, the hypothalamus raises body temperature. Many infections cannot survive under elevated body temperatures, so a fever can help the body fight off infection. White blood cells travel to the site of infection and provide natural defenses against harm. While fevers caused by viruses cannot typically be treated with medications, fevers caused by bacteria frequently require antibiotic treatment, according to "Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology." It's impossible to determine whether an illness is caused by a virus or bacteria based upon symptoms, so consult your doctor.
High Fever Risks
In an article for "Scientific American," Peter Natlin, a professor of clinical family medicine, explains that fevers above 105 degrees Fahrenheit can cause life-threatening symptoms. Babies are especially susceptible to seizures, according to pediatrician William Sears, and adults can suffer brain damage and damage to the body's cells.
Fever Medications
Acetaminophen and Tylenol -- both available over-the-counter -- contain fever-lowering ingredients that can help with the unpleasant side effects of fevers under 105 degrees. If the fever rises above this temperature, your doctor may prescribe prescription-strength medications or intravenous fluids to lower body temperature.
Home Treatment
Fevers frequently cause chills, which cause the patient to alternate between feeling very hot and very cold. Keep a stable room temperature and avoid the use of heat blankets and space heaters. While these may help a patient feel less cold, they can also increase body temperature. Cold liquids, especially water and juice, are also effective at lowering body temperature, according to Sears.
Emergency Treatment
If a fever is high enough to be life-threatening -- above 105 degrees -- go to an emergency room immediately. You may be advised to bathe in ice cold water or to cover the body in cool compresses. While these treatments can be jarring and uncomfortable, they effectively lower body temperature until the underlying infection can be treated.
References
- Scientific American: What Causes a Fever?
- Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology; Gerald Audesirk et al.
- The Portable Pediatrician; William Sears. M.D. et al.
