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Fever is the process of raising the core body temperature, which the body provides as a protective immune response to the microbes (virus and bacteria) that are causing infection, in order for them to be destroyed.
Most bacteria that infect the body exist very comfortably at body temperature and by increasing body temperature to a higher level, the body is able to kill the bacteria by the millions and stop infection.
A region of the hypothalamus called the thermostat region controls body temperature.
When the body is fighting a viral or bacterial infection it responds by releasing pyrogens, chemicals that affect the thermostat level of the hypothalamus and raise body temperature (some of the pyrogens can also be released by the invading microbe).
Normal body temperature is about 37° celcius (or 98.6° F).
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- Bacterial and viral agents do not survive long in body temperatures higher than 38° C
- The hypothalamus controls body temperature
- Low grade fever is between 37-38° C
- Fever occurs when body temperature is over 38° C (or about 100° F)
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Fever is the body's natural response to fighting a bacterial or a viral infection. The body temperature is raised so that it becomes very uncomfortable for the invading agent and they are killed in the millions.
Some people, though may get complications from fever and should seek immediate medical attention if they have fever. These groups are:
- Babies and toddlers - some children may have fits when they have a fever and in others the temperature may rise too high and not go down that they risk serious complications
- Adults over 65 - the hypothalamus doesnt work as well as we age and temperature can rise too much causing confusion to heart problems
When to seek medical attention:
- Fever that is over 40° C (104° F) in children and adults
- Fever that is over 38° C (100° F) in babies 3 months and younger
In addition to this, if fever persists for more than 24 hours (babies and toddlers) and more than 72 hours (in older children and adults), seek medical attention especially if it is causing a lot of discomfort.
references
- Amar PJ, Schiff ER. Acetaminophen safety and hepatotoxicity--where do we go from here? Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2007 Jul;6(4):341-55. Review
- Fetveit A. Assessment of febrile seizures in children. Eur J Pediatr. 2007 Sep 2
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
- Walsh A, Edwards H, Fraser J. Over-the-counter medication use for childhood fever: A cross-sectional study of Australian parents. J Paediatr Child Health. 2007 Sep;43(9):601-6. Epub 2007 Jun 29
- To learn more, go to NSW Health Fact Sheet on Fever (PDF)
- If you are worried about your child's fever, call the Maternal and Child Health Line - 132 229 - this number is available 24 hours a day (Australia only)
