fever

fever Technically, any body temperature above the normal oral measurement of 37°C (98.6°F) or the normal rectal temperature of 99°F. However, fever is not considered medically significant until the temperature is above 38°C (100.4°F). Fever is part of the body’s own disease-fighting arsenal: Rising body temperatures are apparently capable of killing many disease-producing organisms. For that reason, low fevers should normally go untreated, unless they are accompanied by troubling symptoms. As fevers range to 40°C (104°F) and above, however, there can be unwanted consequences, such as delirium and convulsions, particularly for children. A fever of this sort demands immediate home treatment and then medical attention. Home treatment possibilities include the use of aspirin or, in children, nonaspirin pain killers such as acetaminophen, cool baths, or sponging to reduce the fever. Fever may occur with almost any type of infection or illness. Also called pyrexia.