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Fever in Adults

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2024.

What is a fever?

A fever is an increase in your body temperature. Normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). Fever is generally defined as greater than 100.4°F (38°C).

What are common causes of a fever?

The cause of your fever may not be known. This is called fever of unknown origin. It occurs when you have a fever above 100.9˚F (38.3°C) for 3 weeks or more. The following are common causes of fever:

What other signs and symptoms may I have?

How is the cause of a fever diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask when your fever began and how high it was. He or she will ask about other symptoms and examine you for signs of infection. He or she will feel your neck for lumps and listen to your heart and lungs. Tell your provider if you recently had surgery or an infection. Tell him or her if you have any medical conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis. You may also need blood or urine tests to check for infection. Ask about other tests you may need if blood and urine tests do not explain the cause of your fever.

How is a fever treated?

You may need any of the following, depending on the cause of your fever:

Treatment options

The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

View more treatment options

What can I do to be more comfortable while I have a fever?

When should I seek immediate care?

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.