Fever in Adults

A fever is a body temperature above normal. A normal oral temperature for a resting, healthy adult is about 98.6°F (37°C). Your temperature can vary from 1 to 2 degrees throughout the day. Fever is an indication of inflammation or infection. Fever is not a disease. A fever is one way your body fights illness—your body temperature goes up to kill bacteria that cannot live at the higher temperatures. Although it may not be comfortable, a temperature of up to 102°F is generally good for you. Most healthy adults can tolerate a fever as high as 103°F to 104°F for short periods of time without having problems.

How to Take Your Temperature

Adults should take their temperature under the tongue. Taking a temperature under the armpit is not very accurate.

Mercury Thermometer

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
• Wash the thermometer in cold water.
• Make sure the top of the mercury is down near the bulb.
• To reset the thermometer, hold the thermometer firmly at the end opposite the mercury bulb and shake it with a downward flick of your wrist. This brings the mercury level down below the normal temperature level.
• Put the bulb end of the thermometer under your tongue and close your mouth. Keep your mouth closed while you take your temp.
• Wait 1 minute then take the thermometer out of your mouth. Hold the thermometer near light to read it; turn it slowly until you see the silver column of mercury. The number at the top of the mercury is your temperature. There is usually a mark on the thermometer showing a normal temperature at 98.6°F (37°C).
• Rinse the thermometer in cold water and clean it with alcohol before putting it away. Be sure to put it out of the reach of children because the mercury can be harmful if the thermometer is broken. What to Do if a Mercury Thermometer Breaks

Digital Thermometers

Digital thermometers can also be used but they can be expensive to buy. They are easy to read, as they have a large digital display for numbers. Before using, make sure the thermometer is clean and turned on. Remove the thermometer once it beeps. Clean it before you put it away.

How to Treat a Fever

• Increase the amount of liquids you’re drinking, especially water. Your body may try to cool itself by sweating and you should replace this loss of fluid.
• Take your temperature every two hours. Each time you take your temperature, write your temperature and the time.
• Take your temperature before the end of two hours if your other symptoms change. For example, if you start throwing up or your temperature is going up each time you take it.
• For fevers that are uncomfortable, sponge the body with lukewarm, not cold. water. Take acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen to get fever down. Do not give aspirin or products that contain aspiring to children or teens under the age of 20.
• Watch for signs of dehydration. Dehydration can happen if the fever causes you to sweat or you have other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Signs of dehydration include: thirst, dry skin, dry mouth, chills, feeling tired or weak, and dark-colored urine.

When to Call Your Doctor

A fever is a symptom of a health problem and would be present along with other symptoms that mean you should call your doctor.

Fever in Newborns

Fever in newborns can be serious and should not be ignored.