Fever

Fever is an increase in body temperature above a certain limit. Since body temperature varies from person to person, throughout the day, depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, and the method of measurement, there is no universal limit that defines fever.

However, in practice, fever is generally spoken of if the temperature is elevated above:

• 37°C in the armpit (axillary temperature)
• 37.5°C in the mouth (oral/buccal temperature)
• 38°C in the anus (rectal temperature), vagina (vaginal temperature) or ear (tympanic temperature)

Fever is often accompanied by muscle pain, headache, sweating, and sometimes chills.

Fever itself is not a disease, but a nonspecific symptom that can be present in a large number of diseases.

Fever is most often caused by infection (caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite), but it can also be caused by other non-infectious diseases, such as autoimmune diseases. Sometimes the cause of the fever cannot be found.

Having a fever is not necessarily serious. It will depend on the accompanying symptoms and the general condition.

In most cases, viral diseases such as pharyngitis, flu or covid resolve well within a few days without the need for treatment.

If a bacterial infection is diagnosed (for example, bacterial sinusitis, streptococcal angina, pyelonephritis), your doctor may prescribe an appropriate antibiotic.

In any case, it is important to rest and drink enough fluids.

If the fever is uncomfortable, you can take paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen to reduce the temperature and ease any associated pains - provided that you have no drug allergies or contraindications for these medications.

Certain situations require you to see a doctor as soon as possible: if you are pregnant, if you have recently travelled outside Europe, if you have severe headaches or a stiff neck, if you have recently undergone surgery, if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs or chemotherapy, if you have severe abdominal, back, side pains, if you have severe vomiting or diarrhoea.

If you are having difficulty breathing, convulsions, if you feel confused or drowsy, an emergency consultation is necessary (call 144).