However, it usually lasts less than 5 minutes. It does not occur again during a hour period. This type of febrile seizure lasts longer than 15 minutes, comes back more often, and tends to affect only a part of the body, rather than the whole body.
A child who has a complex febrile seizure is more likely to experience epilepsy as they grow older. In most cases, a child who has a seizure should see a doctor. The doctor may suggest controlling their temperature with acetaminophen and ensuring that they drink plenty of fluids.
A fever is a symptom, not an illness. To do so, they will examine the individual and ask them about any other symptoms and their medical history. If the person has recently experienced another infection, if they have recently had surgery, or if there is pain or swelling in one area, it may indicate what kind of infection is likely to be present.
A fever is usually a symptom of an infection. It is not usually a cause for concern, but the underlying illness may need medical treatment.
Often, a fever will resolve without medical attention. However, if a child or an older adult has a fever, if the individual has other severe or worsening symptoms, or if they have a weakened immune system, they should seek medical help. If they start to experience difficulty breathing, someone should call and ask for emergency help. Read the article in Spanish. Hyperpyrexia is a term for a very high fever of over This normally occurs due to another condition and is considered an emergency.
What causes a fever, when does a fever need treatment, and what are the different ways to break a fever? Learn when a doctor should be called. A febrile seizure can occur in a young child when their body temperature suddenly rises, usually as a result of infection or inflammation.
The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Home Infections. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Symptoms of fever Infection is usually the cause of fever Self-treatment suggestions for fever When to see your doctor for fever symptoms When to seek immediate urgent medical attention Diagnosis methods Treatment options Fever in children Where to get help Things to remember.
Symptoms of fever The symptoms of fever can include: Feeling unwell Feeling hot and sweaty Shivering Chattering teeth Flushed face. Infection is usually the cause of fever The cause of fever is usually an infection of some kind. This could include: Viruses — such as colds or upper respiratory tract infections. Bacteria — such as tonsillitis, pneumonia or urinary tract infections. Some chronic illnesses — such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis that can cause fevers that last longer than two weeks.
Some tropical diseases — such as malaria, which can cause bouts of recurring fever or typhoid fever. Heat stroke — which includes fever without sweating as one of its symptoms. Drugs — some people may be susceptible to fever as a side effect of particular drugs.
Malignant tumours. Self-treatment suggestions for fever Suggestions to treat fever include: Take paracetamol or ibuprofen in appropriate doses to help bring your temperature down. Sometimes health care providers advise you to use both types of medicine. Take acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours. It works by turning down the brain's thermostat. Take ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours.
DO NOT use ibuprofen in children 6 months or younger. Aspirin is very effective for treating fever in adults. DO NOT give aspirin to a child unless your child's provider tells you to. Know how much you or your child weighs. Then check the instructions on the package to find the correct dose. In children 3 months or younger, call your child's provider first before giving medicines.
Eating and drinking: Everyone, particularly children, should drink plenty of fluids. Water, ice pops, soup, and gelatin are all good choices. In younger children do not give too much fruit juice or apple juice, and do not give sports drinks.
Although eating is fine, do not force foods. When to Contact a Medical Professional. Call a provider right away if your child: Is 3 months or younger and has a rectal temperature of What to Expect at Your Office Visit. Treatment depends on the duration and cause of the fever, as well as other symptoms. Alternative Names. They can do this by considering your symptoms and medical history, as well as taking any samples to test for bacteria.
If you have a sore throat, for example, they might swab your throat to test for bacteria that causes strep throat. If the sample comes back negative, you likely have a viral infection. They can also take a sample of blood or other bodily fluid to check for certain markers that might indicate a viral infection, such as your white blood cell count.
Instead, treatment usually focuses on providing relief from your symptoms. Common treatment methods include:. Shop for Tamiflu now. You should also call a doctor if you have a baby with a rectal temperature of Learn more about managing fevers in babies.
If you have a fever, keep an eye out for the following symptoms, which all indicate a need for medical treatment:. A viral fever refers to any fever that results from a viral infection, such as the flu or dengue fever.
While most viral fevers resolve on their own within a day or two, some are more severe and require medical treatment.
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