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Personal Care for High Fever

What is considered a high fever in adults? How about high fever in kids? Dignity Health St. John's doctors recommend you seek emergency care for adults with a fever over 103 degrees and for children with a high fever temp over 104 degrees.

For infants three months and younger with a high fever over 100.4 degrees, talk to your doctor immediately or get emergency treatment at Dignity Health St. John's. We offer personalized treatment for high fever.

 

Interpreting High Fever Symptoms at Dignity Health St. John's

Your body naturally fights infections and other conditions by increasing your temperature. This is a healthy, normal immune response in both adults and children. A high fever, however, requires medical care to prevent more serious problems.

In addition to a high fever, you can have sweats, body aches, chills, or weakness. Dignity Health Central Coast emergency doctors recommend immedicare care if you also have these symptoms:

  • Dehydration
  • Dotted, purplish-red rash
  • Seizures
  • Rapid heart rate or pulse
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stiff neck, abdominal pain, or severe headache
  • Confusion or hallucinations

We care about your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Get emergency care for high fever symptoms, especially in infants.

 

Causes of High Fever Temperatures

Most of us have had a high fever during our life. Usually, the common causes are bacterial or viral infections, including influenza, meningitis, kidney infection, and pneumonia. Other, noninfectious causes involve drug reactions, cancer, or autoimmune diseases such as lupus or inflammatory bowel disease.

The cause of your fever will determine your treatment plan. Most of the time, people with high fevers feel better after taking over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Your doctor also will treat any infection as needed.

Your doctor will also suggest that you drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and get plenty of rest. For compassionate, emergency care for high fever, trust the experts at Dignity Health.