What Causes a Fever?

A fever is a common symptom of many illnesses, and can be caused by a variety of factors. Generally speaking, a fever occurs when the body’s temperature rises above its normal range of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. While most fevers are harmless and will resolve on their own without medical treatment, it is important to understand the potential causes in order to determine if medical attention is necessary.

Infections are one of the most common causes of fever. This includes bacterial infections such as strep throat or urinary tract infections as well as viral infections like influenza or mononucleosis. When the body detects an infection, it produces chemicals called cytokines that help fight off the infection by increasing body temperature and stimulating immune system activity.

Other illnesses that can cause fever include autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, certain cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma, and some medications such as antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs. Additionally, certain environmental factors can also trigger a fever response in some people; for example, extreme heat exposure may cause heat exhaustion with symptoms similar to those of a low-grade fever.

It is important to note that not all fevers require medical treatment; however if your temperature remains high for more than three days despite home care measures such as rest and fluids then you should seek medical attention from your doctor at once. Additionally if your child has a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit then you should seek medical attention immediately regardless of how long they have had the fever for.

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fever, 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, infections, bacterial, viral, autoimmune disorders, cancers, medications, environmental factors, medical treatment, home care measures,

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