Fever, Age 4 and Older

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Seizure. Note: If a fever seizure has occurred, see the topic Fever Seizures for immediate first aid treatment.
• Changed level of consciousness
• Sweating with any symptoms of a heart attack
• Signs of severe dehydration
• Signs of shock
• Signs of heatstroke
• Signs of moderate to severe difficulty breathing

Note:

After calling 911 or other emergency services, see the topic Dealing With Emergencies. If the person feels hot and is sweating but does not have a fever, he or she may be having symptoms of a heart attack. If symptoms of a heart attack are present and the person is awake, alert, not vomiting, and not allergic to aspirin, have the person chew and swallow 1 adult (325 mg) aspirin. Be sure to tell the emergency medical personnel that an aspirin was taken and when it was taken. See the topic Chest Pain.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

Temperatures in this topic are oral temperatures (a thermometer is placed under the tongue). Be sure to take your temperature before answering the following questions. For information on how to take an accurate temperature, go to the topic Body Temperature. If you are unable to measure your temperature, look for other symptoms and answer the questions below. If your child age 3 and younger has a fever, go to the topic Fever, Age 3 and Younger. If you are pregnant and have a fever, go to the topic Pregnancy-Related Problems.

Yes	Do you have a fever and any signs of a serious infection?
Yes	Do you have a fever and any breathing problems?
Yes	Do you have a fever and a new skin problem?
Yes	Do you have a fever and signs of a joint infection?
Yes	Do you have a high fever?
Yes	Do you have a mild to moderate fever?
Yes	Have you had an ongoing or recurring fever?
Yes	Do you have a fever and symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration?
Yes	Do you think that your fever may be caused by a medicine or an immunization?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Because fever is only a symptom of another problem, a careful evaluation of your health may help you identify the cause of your fever. Often the importance of a fever can be determined only when other symptoms are evaluated. Do you have any of the following symptoms or problems?

• Exposure to a contagious respiratory illness, such as influenza (flu), or respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose, shortness of breath and cough, or nasal drainage: Go to the topic Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger, Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older, or Influenza.
• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea: Go to the topic Abdominal Pain, Age 11 and Younger or Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older.
• Pelvic or abnormal vaginal discharge: Go to the topic Vaginal Problems.
• Pain or burning when you urinate: Go to the topic Urinary Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older or Urinary Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger.
• Pain over your eyes or cheekbone: Go to the topic Facial Problems, Noninjury.
• An injury to the skin: Go to the topic Cuts.
• One or more red, swollen, warm, and painful joints: Go to the topic Arm Problems, Noninjury or Leg Problems, Noninjury.
• A skin rash: Go to the topic Rash, Age 11 and Younger or Rash, Age 12 and Older.
• Swollen glands: Go to the topic Swollen Glands.
• Ear problems: Go to the topic Ear Problems, Age 4 and Older.
• A sore throat: Go to the topic Sore Throat.
• A recent insect or tick bite: Go to the topic Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites or Tick Bites.
• Recent heat exposure: Go to the topic Heat-Related Illnesses.
• A sunburn: Go to the topic Sunburn.
• Exposure to a sexually transmitted disease (STD): Go to the topic Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: April 24, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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