What is Fever?

Fever is a natural response of the body to infections or inflammations. It occurs when the body raises its temperature to fight off pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Normally, a healthy person’s body temperature ranges between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius. With a fever, this temperature rises above 38 degrees Celsius. Fever is a symptom, not a disease, and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as chills, fatigue, or sweating.

Causes of Fever

Fever can be triggered by a variety of causes, most commonly infections from viruses or bacteria, such as colds, flu, or stomach infections. Inflammation, heatstroke, vaccinations, or autoimmune diseases can also cause fever. In rare cases, fever can indicate more serious illnesses like pneumonia or sepsis. Knowing the cause of fever is important to rule out severe conditions.

Long-term Effects of Fever

In most cases, fever subsides after a few days once the body has fought off the infection. Long-term effects are rare, but persistent or very high fever can lead to complications, especially in young children and the elderly. These include dehydration, seizures, or organ damage if body temperature remains excessively high for an extended period. Therefore, fever lasting more than three days or reaching very high levels should be medically evaluated.