What's Fever?

Fever is also known as Pyrexia, and it is understood to be an increase in the body temperature beyond the normal variation that's seen in one's body - normally the body temperature varies between 36.5℃ and 37.5℃ (97.7℉ - 99.5℉).

The normal body temperature is considered to be 98.6℉ (37℃).

Fever and its Types

Fever is broadly classified into two types:

1. based on the duration of the fever, and

2. based on the elevation of the temperature

Based On Duration Of The Fever

1. Acute - the fever lasts less than 7 days; malaria and viral infection fevers are examples

2. Subacute - fever lasts up to 2 weeks; typhoid fever is a typical example

3. Chronic - fever lasts beyond 2 weeks; tuberculosis related

Based On Elevation Of Temperature

1. Mild or low-grade fever - 100.5℉ to 102.2℉

2. Moderate grade fever - 102.2℉ to 104℉

3. High-grade fever - 104.1℉ to 106℉

4. Hyperpyrexia - greater than 106℉

Fever is often associated with an illness. Fever is an indication that something is happening in your body that is not normal. In adults, a fever is a serious concern when the temperature reaches 103℉ or beyond. For infants and toddlers, any elevated temperature above normal needs to be seen as a possibility of a serious infection.

Visit a doctor when you have a fever, and never take fever lightly!