Fever
Fever, also referred to as elevated temperature, hyperthermia, and pyrexia is defined as the body’s temperature being higher than average. A short-term elevation in temperature enables the body to drive away illness. However, abnormally high fevers can be a sign or symptom of serious medical conditions that require immediate attention. Understanding fevers will allow you to monitor and get treatment effectively and recover much quicker.
The average temperature of the body is usually around 98.6°F or 37°C. However, it can also vary depending on the person. Moreover, fluctuations in temperature aren’t uncommon. For example, it might be lower during the mornings and then increase in the evening. Exercise, menstrual cycles, and other factors can also impact the body’s temperature. A fever occurs when the temperature goes too high. Some common symptoms are chills and shivering.
Various conditions may trigger fevers. Some possible causes are infections like pneumonia or the flu, immunizations like tetanus or diphtheria, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, blood clots, food poisoning, medications like antibiotics, and even hernia in some cases. Depending on its severity, people may experience intense sweating, shivering, headaches, muscle pain, appetite loss, dehydration, and general weakness.
