A High Temperature Is Different To A Fever

Overview

Your body temperature functions as an internal temperature control system which maintains all your bodily systems in proper operation. The human body maintains a precise temperature range which supports all its operational functions and the typical body temperature is around 37°C. The normal body temperature exists as a range instead of a single fixed value. The body temperature shows natural variations between morning and late afternoon hours. Natural variations can also occur during menstrual cycles, after physical activity and after drinking hot beverages.

What Is a High Temperature?

Your body temperature rises above normal levels when your internal thermostat operates at elevated settings. Medical professionals identify fever through body temperature readings above 38°C.

What Is a Fever?

A fever represents a body symptom which does not constitute an illness by itself. Your immune system activates this controlled process to fight off pathogens including viruses and bacteria. Your body increases its temperature to create an environment that makes it difficult for pathogens to survive while your white blood cells become more effective at their work.

Causes of fever

The typical causes of fever stem from viral and bacterial infections, and the most common ones that cause fever include flu, COVID-19, RSV and common cold viruses. These are the most frequent causes. Other common causes include strep throat, urinary tract infections and pneumonia. Ear infections commonly affect children but they can also occur in adult patients. Common 'gastro' also results from viral or bacterial infections. Your body develops protection against infections when you experience a mild fever after receiving vaccinations.

Difference between temporary rise in temperature vs. a sustained fever caused by illness.

Your body temperature increases briefly before it returns to its normal state. The situation requires medical attention if the person shows no signs of improvement while their fever persists.

Home Care Tips

Your body needs comfort care instead of fever reduction because it serves as a defense mechanism against illness.

• The first priority for fever management should be to drink water and other fluids that include juice and electrolyte solutions.
• Your body requires rest because it needs to fight off the infection so listen to its needs and take a break.
• The body can release heat better when you wear light clothing and use a light sheet instead of heavy blankets.
• The recommended dosage on the packaging should be followed when using paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and alleviate pain.

Note: The administration of aspirin to children under 12 years old requires direct medical authorisation from their doctor due to risk of serious side effects.

When to consult GP

The online GP should be contacted when the fever lasts for more than three days or when you need to discuss particular symptoms that affect young children or elderly patients or people with ongoing medical conditions.

How Hola Health Can Help

The need to leave home becomes unnecessary when you or someone you care about develops a fever. The Australian telehealth appointment service Hola Health provides online GP access to patients who need medical assistance. Hola Health enables patients to access online doctors who provide medical consultations and prescription services through electronic pharmacy delivery.

FAQs

What temperature range is considered dangerous for adult patients?

A doctor needs to evaluate patients who maintain body temperatures above 39.4°C for an extended period. The number of symptoms including confusion and breathing difficulties becomes more important than the actual temperature reading.

Do all fever cases result from infections?

The majority of fever cases stem from infections but other medical conditions can also trigger this symptom. The body experiences fevers because of infections but also can be a result of inflammatory diseases and certain medications and heat exposure.

What signs indicate heat exhaustion instead of a fever?

The situation requires understanding of all circumstances. The body temperature of someone with heat exhaustion will decrease after receiving cooling treatment while their skin remains wet to the touch. The body temperature of someone with a fever caused by illness will rise regardless of outside weather conditions while they experience body aches and chills.

Does stress cause body temperatures to rise?

Yes, stress can lead to a temporary increase in body temperature. The body temperature increase from psychogenic fever remains mild and brief when someone experiences intense emotional or psychological stress.

Is a High Temperature a Reason To See a Doctor?

A high temperature can be a sign of an underlying illness or infection. If an adult has a temperature above 39°C that doesn’t reduce with home remedies or over-the-counter medications, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Additionally, if the fever is accompanied by other severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a rash, immediate medical attention should be sought.

When Does a High Temperature Become Dangerous?

A temperature exceeding 40°C is considered dangerous for most adults. At this point, the risk of complications increases and if someone’s temperature reaches this level, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Prolonged high temperatures can lead to dehydration, hallucinations, confusion, and in severe cases, organ failure.