Introduction
Fever is an increase in body temperature above the normal level of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 Celsius), and it can be both a sign and symptom of illness. A fever can indicate that your body is fighting off an infection or underlying health condition. As such, it’s important to recognize when a fever is too high and requires medical attention.
A Guide to High Fever: What Temperature is Too High?
To understand what temperature is considered too high, it’s important to first look at what is considered a normal body temperature. According to the Mayo Clinic, a normal temperature range is between 97.8 and 99.1 degrees Fahrenheit (36.5 to 37.3 Celsius). Temperatures higher than this may indicate a fever.
The definition of a “high fever” varies depending on age. Generally, a fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 Celsius) or higher is considered a high fever. However, babies and children tend to have higher fevers than adults. In these cases, a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 Celsius) or higher is considered a high fever.
How to Recognize When Fever is Serious Enough to Need a Hospital Visit
When it comes to high fever, it’s important to pay attention to other symptoms as well. These can include chills, headache, fatigue, body aches, dehydration, and rash. If the fever is accompanied by any of these symptoms, then it’s likely time to seek medical attention.
It’s also important to watch out for warning signs of complications. These include difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe abdominal pain, and seizures. If any of these symptoms occur in combination with a high fever, then you should seek emergency medical care right away.
Knowing When High Fever Requires Emergency Medical Care
It’s important to understand the difference between urgent and emergent care when dealing with a high fever. Urgent care is appropriate for situations that are not life-threatening, but require immediate medical attention. Emergent care is necessary for conditions that are life-threatening or could result in long-term disability or death if not treated quickly.
If you experience any of the warning signs of complications mentioned above, then you should call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. Do not wait for your regular doctor to become available.
Understanding When to Go to the Hospital for High Fever
When deciding whether to go to the hospital for a high fever, it’s important to consider factors such as age and underlying health conditions. Babies and young children are more prone to developing complications from a high fever, so they should be taken to the hospital sooner rather than later. The same goes for elderly people and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Even if you don’t think you need to go to the hospital, it’s important to take action to reduce the risk of complications. This includes drinking plenty of fluids and taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce the fever. It’s also important to monitor the fever closely and seek medical attention if it does not improve or worsens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, high fever can be a sign of an infection or underlying health condition. Although it’s important to be aware of what temperature is considered too high for your age, it’s also important to pay attention to other symptoms and warning signs of complications. If you experience any of these symptoms, then it’s best to go to the hospital or call 911 for emergency medical care. Finally, it’s important to consider factors such as age and pre-existing health conditions when deciding whether to go to the hospital for a high fever.
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