Fever in adults: Characteristics, classification and when serious?

Fever is a common symptom of some illnesses like the flu. This condition occurs when the body temperature rises temporarily, which is a sign that the immune system is busy fighting off infection or other illness. But sometimes a fever in adults can also signal something unusual.

A fever is usually a short-term increase in temperature that helps the body fight illness. A fever begins when the immune system makes more white blood cells to fight infection. An increase in white blood cells causes the brain to heat up. This process will cause a fever. In response, your body tries to cool itself by increasing blood flow to your skin and muscle contractions. This makes you shiver and can cause muscle pain.
In infants and toddlers, even a mild fever can be a sign of a serious illness. In adults, a fever is usually not serious or life-threatening. But a high or persistent fever can be a sign of a dangerous health condition. Normal body temperature ranges from 97 - 99°F (36.1 - 37.2°C). You may develop a fever if your body temperature rises above this level.
SEE ALSO: How many days does viral fever in adults last? Do you need to go to the hospital?

Adults develop a fever if the body temperature rises to 100.4°F (38°C). This is called a low-grade fever. A high fever occurs when your body temperature is above or equal to 103°F (39.4°C). Most fevers go away on their own in 1 to 3 days. Persistent fever may persist or continue to recur for up to 14 days.
A fever that lasts longer than usual can be serious even if it's just a mild fever. Because a recurring fever is a warning sign of a bad health condition or infection. Common symptoms in adults with fever include:
Sweating Chills (chills) Headache Muscle pain Loss of appetite Fatigue Weakness.

Call your doctor right away if you have a high fever - body temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher, a fever that lasts more than 3 days, symptoms that get worse, or appear new symptoms.

A fever can be a sign of a serious illness if you have accompanying symptoms such as:
Severe headache Dizziness Sensitivity to bright light Neck stiffness or pain Skin rash Difficulty breathing Frequent vomiting Dehydration Pain Abdominal Muscle cramps Confusion Confusion Other signs that a fever could be serious are:
Pain when urinating Insufficient urination Dark urine Bad-smelling urine.

More than just a sign of serious illness, a high fever can sometimes cause side effects that deserve attention. Get an emergency room right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
Seizures or seizures Fainting or loss of consciousness Confusion Hallucinations Severe headache Stiffness or neck pain Difficulty breathing Rash or hives Swelling swelling in any part of the body. SEE ALSO: Possible causes of prolonged fever

If you have severe fever symptoms, tell your doctor if you have recently traveled to another country or attended a crowded event. This can help your doctor find the cause. Common causes of fever in adults are:
Viral infections (such as flu or colds) Bacterial infections Fungal infections Food poisoning Heat exhaustion (heatstroke, heatstroke) Severe sunburn Inflammation (caused by other diseases) conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis) Tumor Has a blood clot. Some adults are at high risk of developing a serious fever, such as having a chronic health problem or being treated for a serious illness. People with the following conditions should tell their doctor if they develop a fever:
Asthma Rheumatoid arthritis Diabetes Crohn's disease Heart disease Sickle cell disease Liver disease Kidney disease Chronic lung disease Cystic fibrosis Cerebral palsy Stroke Multiple Sclerosis Muscular Dystrophy HIV or AIDS.

Certain medications and treatments can also lead to fever in adults, including:
Antibiotics Blood pressure medications Seizure medications DTaP vaccines Pneumococcal vaccines Steroids Chemotherapy Radiation therapy Methotrexate Azathioprine Cyclophosphamide Anti-rejection drug after organ transplantation. SEE ALSO: Adults have typhus, what to do?

Fever in adults is usually not harmful by itself. Most adult cases of fever resolve on their own within a few hours to a few days after the body has cleared the infection. You can make yourself feel better with these home remedies:
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, juice, soup or broth Eat light, easily digested foods Rest Rest Use a cool compress or damp cloth to wipe yourself in a warm bath. Wear light, comfortable clothing. Reduce the temperature in the room. Several over-the-counter medications can help relieve fever and symptoms such as headaches and muscle aches, including: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). You may need to be treated by a doctor for serious and potential causes of a fever. Treatment will depend on the cause of the fever in adults. Doctors often prescribe medications to treat serious infections, such as:
Antibiotics Antiviral drugs Antifungal drugs. Fever in adults is usually not harmful, but is just a sign that the body is dealing with an infection or other illness. But do not be subjective when you have a fever, instead get enough rest and drink plenty of water to help your body recover. See your doctor if you have a fever that lasts more than 3 days or other serious symptoms. If you have a chronic illness or have been treated for a serious illness, let your doctor know when you have a fever. In some cases, a high or persistent fever can be a sign of a serious illness that requires urgent medical attention.
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Reference source: healthline.com