GENERAL HEALTH
What Is Considered a Fever? Symptoms & Treatment
May 7, 2020
Symptom Guides > General Health > What Is Considered a Fever? Symptoms & Treatment

by
Dr. John Bernard
Dr. Bernard is an emergency medicine physician. He graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, and did his residency in emergency medicine at the University at Buffalo.
It’s relatively common knowledge that the normal body temperature is 98.6° F (37° C), but your core body temperature actually varies by a degree or so throughout the day. For instance, your body temperature will be slightly lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon into the evening. However, certain factors may cause your body temperature to dive below what’s considered normal or spike to pyrexia, more commonly known as a fever.
Unlike hypothermia, an emergency condition that develops when your body temperature reaches 95° F (35° C) or lower, a fever is fairly common and, in most cases, not very dangerous. Developing an elevated body temperature—whether it’s a high or low grade fever—is usually your body’s response to infection. Luckily, fevers typically last only a few days and there are several treatment options that can help you feel more comfortable.
In this article, I’ll explore:
“Any temperature between 98.6-100.4° F (37-38° C) is considered a low-grade fever, while any temperature above 103° F (39.4° C) is considered a high-grade fever.”
Want to feel better fast? Get personalized answers about your symptoms.
Is your temperature higher than normal? Download K Health

by
Dr. John Bernard
Dr. Bernard is an emergency medicine physician. He graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, and did his residency in emergency medicine at the University at Buffalo.
Up Next
When to Worry About Morning Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
Related Articles
When to Worry About Morning Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
When to Worry About Morning Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
When to Worry About Morning Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments