Overview#
Fever is defined as a body temperature above 98.6 °F (37 °C) orally, or above 100.4 °F (38 °C) when measured in the armpit — the method most commonly used in Indian households. It is the body's natural immune response to infection or inflammation and is one of the most frequent reasons for doctor visits across all age groups in India. While most fevers resolve within 3–5 days, persistent or high-grade fevers warrant prompt investigation.
In tropical regions like India, infections such as dengue, malaria, typhoid, and chikungunya are important causes during monsoon and post-monsoon months.
Common Causes#
- Viral infections — common cold, influenza, COVID-19, dengue, and chikungunya are leading causes.
- Bacterial infections — typhoid (enteric fever), urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, and tuberculosis.
- Malaria — transmitted by mosquito bites; presents with cyclical high fever and chills.
- Ear, sinus, or throat infections — especially common in children.
- Post-vaccination fever — mild, self-limiting fever is normal after many vaccines.
- Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions — rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease can cause low-grade fever.
- Heat-related illness — heat exhaustion during Indian summers can present with elevated temperature.
Associated Symptoms#
Fever may be accompanied by chills, sweating, body aches, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, dehydration, and in children, irritability or febrile seizures.
Home Remedies & Self-Care#
- Stay hydrated — drink ORS, coconut water, buttermilk (chaas), clear soups, and plenty of water.
- Use paracetamol (not aspirin in children) as directed for symptom relief.
- Wear light, breathable cotton clothing.
- Sponge the forehead and body with lukewarm (not cold) water.
- Rest adequately — avoid strenuous activity.
- Eat light, easily digestible foods such as khichdi or dal-rice.
When It's Serious#
Seek immediate medical care if:
- Temperature exceeds 103 °F (39.4 °C) despite paracetamol.
- Fever lasts more than 3 days without improvement.
- You notice a skin rash, petechiae (tiny red/purple spots), or bleeding from gums or nose (possible dengue).
- There is severe headache with neck stiffness (possible meningitis).
- The patient is an infant under 3 months with any fever.
- Confusion, difficulty breathing, or persistent vomiting accompany the fever.
Diagnosis & Tests#
Your doctor may order:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) — to check white cell and platelet counts.
- Peripheral Blood Smear / Malaria antigen test — if malaria is suspected.
- Dengue NS1 antigen & serology — during outbreaks or monsoon season.
- Widal test / Typhidot — for suspected typhoid.
- Urine routine & culture — to rule out urinary tract infections.
- Chest X-ray — if pneumonia or tuberculosis is suspected.
When to See a Doctor#
Consult a doctor if the fever persists beyond 3 days, is high-grade, recurs in a pattern, or is accompanied by any of the red-flag symptoms listed above. Early diagnosis of tropical infections can be life-saving.