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Posted by on Jun 1, 2016 in TellMeWhy |

Why Do I Have a Fever When I’m Sick?

Why Do I Have a Fever When I’m Sick?

Why Do I Have a Fever When I’m Sick? If your body temperature is higher than 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit when you are sick, you probably have a fever. A fever is almost always a sign that your body has an infection or a disease which is caused when harmful germs invade your body and multiply in large numbers.

When you have a fever, your body feels hot. This is because your body produces more heat than it gives off, making the body temperature rise. Because temperatures over 100 degrees can kill some, kinds of germs, many doctors think that fever is one way your body fights off these invaders.

Fever is usually associated with physical discomfort, and most people feel better when a fever is treated. But depending on your age, physical condition, and the underlying cause of your fever, you may or may not require medical treatment for the fever alone. Many experts believe that fever is a natural bodily defense against infection. There are also many non-infectious causes of fever.

Fever is generally not considered dangerous, but hyperthermia can cause dangerous rises in body temperature. This can be due to an extreme temperature associated with heat injury such as heat stroke, side effects of certain medications or illicit drugs, and stroke. With hyperthermia, the body is no longer able to control body temperature.

In children with fever, accompanying symptoms such as lethargy, fussiness, poor appetite, sore throat, cough, ear pain, vomiting, and diarrhea are important to relay to your doctor.

Content for this question contributed by Roselyn Mabolo, resident of Hampden, Hampden County, Massachusetts, USA