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The facts about fever

A woman wrapped in a blanket on a couch with water and pill bottles on a coffee table.

Oct. 20, 2025— If you've ever had a fever, you understand how miserable it can be. The chills that make your teeth rattle and your body shake. Skin that's hot to the touch. Sweating once the fever subsides. And you may have additional symptoms, says Merck Manual, depending on the illness that is causing your fever.

Fever can come on suddenly, and it also can be alarming. Fortunately, fever usually isn't severe or life-threatening. In fact, it helps your body fight infection and often goes away on its own within a few days. To understand what to do when fever strikes, it helps to learn more about it.

Fever facts

Fever happens when your body temperature rises temporarily in response to an illness. Many infections can bring on a fever. Some of the most common culprits include:

  • COVID-19.
  • Influenza (the flu).
  • Colds.
  • Bronchitis.
  • Arthritis.
  • Autoimmune disorders.

In addition, some forms of cancer and some medications may spark fever.

Normal body temperature can vary from person to person and can even change throughout the day, but typically, it's around 98.6 degrees. For adults, a temperature above 100.4 degrees is considered fever—but note that the thermometer reading may vary a bit depending on whether you take your temperature by mouth, in the armpit, in the ear or on the forehead. (Learn the basics about fever in children.)

How to treat fever

Having a fever can feel terrible. So it might be surprising to know that most fevers don't pose a serious risk to your health or require any treatment—although the illness that causes them might. Think antiviral medicines to help fight off flu or COVID-19 or antibiotics to treat strep throat.

To help ease a fever, your best bet is to stay home, drink lots of fluids and get plenty of bedrest. To lower your temperature (and feel a bit better), you can take common, over-the-counter medicines as directed on the label. Options include:

  • Acetaminophen.
  • Ibuprofen.
  • Aspirin.
  • Naproxen.

Avoid at-home treatments, such as applying rubbing alcohol or ice to your skin or taking cold baths. These measures could be counterproductive.

Recognize red flags

Fevers are rarely dangerous in adults unless they are over 107.6 degrees, says MedlinePlus. But, in some cases, fevers can be a symptom—and important warning—of a serious illness. Get medical care right away if you have a fever and:

  • Mental confusion.
  • A headache or stiff neck.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • A rapid heart rate.
  • You feel light-headed.

Also talk with your doctor if:

  • You have recently traveled to a place where serious infectious diseases, such as malaria, are common.
  • Your temperature is higher than 104 degrees.
  • Your fever has lasted for more than a couple of days.

An ounce of prevention

You can improve your chances of avoiding fever in the first place by getting your annual COVID-19 and flu vaccines and washing your hands properly and frequently.

Sources

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