Fever in Adults: A fever is a body temperature of 100.4 F or greater. A fever may be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, blood clot, tumor, drug, or the environment. Treatment of fever in adults usually involves ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin. Normal body temperature can vary depending on the individual, the time of day, and even the weather. For most people, a temperature of 98.6 F (Fahrenheit) (37 C or Celsius) is baseline.
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Understanding Allergy and Hay Fever Medications
There are many types of medications available to combat the symptoms of allergies and hay fever. The types of medications include antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec), decongestants (Sudafed), anticholinergic nasal sprays (Atrovent), corticosteroid nasal sprays (Flonase, Nasonex), antiallergy eyedrops (Patanol), leukotriene inhibitors (Singulair), and mast cell inhibitors (Nasalcrom). -
Can Migraines Cause Fever and Chills
A migraine headache causes symptoms such as severe head pain and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells. Migraines do not, however, cause a fever or chills. Fever and chills may be red flags of another condition if accompanied by other signs such as night sweats, weight loss, or a sudden "thunderclap" headache. If these symptoms occur, you should see a doctor immediately. -
Can Scarlet Fever Go Away on Its Own
While scarlet fever can go away on its own, the illness can lead to complications including a serious disease called acute rheumatic fever which can damage the heart, so antibiotic treatment is recommended. Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that causes a red rash and often a sore throat. Scarlet fever is caused by the same bacteria that cause strep throat. -
Can You Have a Fever with Allergies
Allergic reactions do not cause a fever. If you have allergy symptoms and a fever, you may have another condition such as bacterial or viral infection, extreme sunburn, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, or an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. See a doctor if you have allergy symptoms along with fever. Sudden, severe, widespread symptoms due to allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) are potentially life-threatening and require emergency care. -
Hay Fever vs Cold
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is another term for allergies, caused by an immune overreaction to pollen and other allergens in the air. The common cold is an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus that usually affects the nose but may also affect the throat, sinuses, Eustachian tubes, trachea, larynx, and bronchial tubes - but not the lungs. -
Mild Headache
What causes headaches? Even when mild, headaches can be a cause for concern. Learn about potential causes, types, home remedies, and treatment. -
Flu in Adults
Influenza (flu) is an upper respiratory infection. Learn about symptoms of the flu vs. cold vs. COVID-19, treatment options, and how the flu shot can provide protection from infection. -
Is 99.9 a Fever
Normal temperatures can vary throughout the day (lower temperatures in the early morning and higher temperatures in the late afternoon). A temperature of 99.9° F (in the armpit) would be considered a fever only in babies under one year. A core (rectal) body temperature of 100.4° F (38.0° C) or higher in adults, and 99° F (37.2° C) (armpit) or 100.4° F (38° C) (rectal) in babies under one year is considered a fever. -
Sore Throat
Sore throats are generally named for the anatomical site affected, such as: the pharynx, tonsils, adenoids, larynx, and epiglottis. Sore throat treatment depends on the cause, infection, viral, or fungal. -
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a contagious disease caused by bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the back of the throat. Learn about symptoms and treatment. -
Vomiting and Nausea
The many causes of vomiting and nausea include food poisoning, viruses, vertigo, head injuries, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, migraine, brain tumors, and infections. Learn about home remedies and treatment. -
What Is Considered a Real Fever
A fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature. A fever is not an illness in itself, but a sign the body is fighting an infection. Fever is often defined as a core (rectal) body temperature of 100.4° F (38.0° C) or greater in adults and 99°F (37.2°C) (armpit) or 100.4°F (38°C) (rectal) in babies under one year. A fever usually isn't a concern unless it is 103° F (39.4° C) or higher.
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Fever in Adults Topic Guide - Visuals
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Fever in Adults Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
Acetaminophen And PhenyltoloxamineAcetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer...learn more »
Acetaminophen (oral/rectal)Acetaminophen is used to reduce fever and relieve minor pain caused by conditions such as colds or flu, headache, muscle aches, arthritis, and menstrual cram...learn more »
Fever in Adults Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Hay Fever
Most likely you or someone you know has allergies, often referred to as hay fever (allergic rhinitis). The telltale signs include itchy, puffy, watery eyes, and...learn more »
Fever in Children
What are causes, symptoms, and treatment (acetaminophen) of fever in children? Learn when to worry, when a high fever is an emergency, and how to take a rectal ...learn more »
Rheumatic Fever
The main symptom of rheumatic fever is the onset of fever 1-5 weeks after a strep throat infection. Learn more about rheumatic fever symptoms, long-term effects...learn more »
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a tick-borne disease. A bite from a tick infected by the Rickettsia rickettsi bacteria causes symptoms and signs that inc...learn more »
Seizures and Fever
Febrile seizures, also known as convulsions, body spasms, or shaking, occur mainly in children and are caused by fever. (Febrile is derived from the Latin fe...learn more »
Swine Flu
Prior to 2009, swine flu was a form of influenza that predominately affected swine. The virus was not easily transmitted to humans. However, the swine flu virus...learn more »
Typhoid Fever (Enteric Fever)
Typhoid fever is a disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. Symptoms and signs of typhoid fever include: high fevers, stomach pains, headache, a...learn more »
Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is a viral infection transmitted by an infected multimammate rat. Signs and symptoms of mild cases of Lassa fever include headache, fever, malaise, ...learn more »
Ebola Virus Disease (Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever)
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a highly contagious disease with a 90% mortality rate. Learn about signs to look for, as well as causes, risk factors, and treatmen...learn more »
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a disease transmitted to humans via mosquito bites. Dengue fever symptoms and signs include rash, fever, headache, and joint pain. Diagnosis may...learn more »
Legionnaires' Disease and Pontiac Fever
Legionella bacteria cause both Legionnaire's disease and Pontiac fever. Legionnaire's disease causes severe pneumonia, while Pontiac fever is a self-limited ...learn more »
Yellow Fever
Symptoms of yellow fever include jaundice, high fever, backache, headache, nausea and/or vomiting. Learn more about what causes yellow fever and how it can be t...learn more »