What is considered a fever in adults?

As an adult, one of the most common symptoms that you may face when you are not feeling well is a fever. But what exactly constitutes as a fever? Is it just your body feeling hot and bothered or is there more to it than meets the eye? In this article, we will be examining everything related to fevers in adults – from their definition to how they can be treated.

The Definition of Fever

Before we dive into discussing what causes fevers and how they can be treated, let’s first define what precisely a fever is. A fever is considered an increase in your internal body temperature above its normal range that usually hovers around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (36 degrees Celsius).

Different Types of Fevers

Not all fevers are created equal; there are several different types of fevers out there! Here’s a quick rundown:

Low-grade fever: This type of fever occurs when your temperature sits between 99°F (37°C) and 100.4°F (38°C).
Walking pneumonia: Not quite ‘walking dead’-level stuff but definitely not something you should ignore!
High-grade fever: If your internal temperature touches 103°F (39 Degrees C), congrats – You have entered the high-grade zone!

If You’re Hitting These Levels Of Hotness… Screw Winter Wear! You Need T-Shirts! 😂🌡️

Understanding the Causes Behind Fevers

Fevers are caused by various reasons — some minor, while others require immediate medical attention and treatment. Let’s take a look at some possible causes below:

Infections

The most common cause behind developing a temperature higher than 100°F is through an infection. Simple bugs like colds and flu can cause fevers, as can more serious infections involving the urinary tract, lungs, or other body parts.

Inflammatory conditions

People who have autoimmune diseases or arthritis are also susceptible to experiencing a fever because their bodies’ immune systems see healthy tissues as something that needs fighting off!

Medications

Some medications you’re currently taking could be another potential reason why your temperature may rise; these include antibiotics and drugs used in chemotherapy.

Don’t Bog Yourself Down With Worries..Hey! A High-grade Fever Can Also Be Just Your Inner Wrestler 🤼‍♂️ Seeking Some Attention & Roasts!

How Fevers Affect Adult Health

Although it is never pleasant to experience a fever, there are reasons behind why our bodies get warm when we become sick:

Fever increases blood flow: When your body has to fight off an infection/illness/disease/etc., it will increase its internal temperature to raise blood circulation. Better circulation aids white blood cells (WBC) do their job better by carrying healing cytokines (signalling proteins).
Temperature Influences Body Functions: Depending on the severity of the elevated temperature levels which impact enzymes within our body responsible for critical functions such as metabolism – so chances might occur where during this time one may lose energy faster than usual.

Let’s not forget about “fever dreams” either! Sometimes if you dream while having a fever… oh boy! Buckle up because things tend to go looking like they were directed by Quentin Tarantino 😲😄

Recognizing Symptoms That Come with A Fever9

Symptoms associated with fever differ from person-to-person based on individual medical history and initial symptoms. Here are some of them that people generally suffer from when combating with any kind of raised temperatures:

Chills combined with tremors
Loss of appetite
Muscle soreness
Sweating and general dehydration

How to Treat & Prevent Fevers

Now that we’ve delved into what fevers are, let’s discuss how they can be treated and prevented:

Staying Hydrated

Make sure you drink plenty of fluids such as water or any other cooling natural juices (just stay away from artificial sugary drinks) because a fever tends to cause body dehydration.

Over-The-Counter Medications

Aspirin, Paracetamol help with fever reduction but do confirm proper dosages versus your good-to-go pill popping habits! Otherwise you face the possibility for having worse symptoms!

If You’re Like Us And No One Has Ever Said This To You… Let’s Make It Official: Please Avoid Self-Medication

In closing up this interesting ‘heatwave’ conversation regarding fevers, we must not forget regular whole-body health checks-ups including trips to doctors – regardless if there is an occurrence of raised temperatures or not since it is always better to remain proactive before those temperates pop high like corns in a cooker!