Temperature in human body varies a lot depending upon age, activity and time of the day. Normal body temperature for humans is 98.6 degrees F. If it goes up by 1 degree or more, it is called Fever. Fever in itself is neither bad nor is a problem. But it is usually an indication of some underlying problem. Fever plays an important role in fighting against various infections. Rise in body temperature to a particular lever is not dangerous. But if it goes beyond 103 degrees, it maybe risky.

Fever has various symptoms including headache, shivering, muscle ache, sweating, dehydration, lack of appetite and general weakness. If the fever goes beyond 103 degrees, it can also cause confusion and hallucination. If a small child develops high fever, here might be febrile seizures. If the temperature rises or falls suddenly, the child may get seizure or lose consciousness for a while.

Hypothalamus is like a thermostat of a body and is located at the base of the brain. When you get Fever, body’s temperature rises and you start shivering in order to generate heat. So, you just try to wrap yourself up to feel comfortable. Then you start feeling hot and temperature starts coming back to normal. At this stage, you start sweating which indicates that body is getting rid of the excess heat.

Fever is a reaction to viral or bacterial infection in the body. At times, inflammation can also trigger fever. Some kinds of tumor and kidney cancer can also cause fever. In kids, it can be due to some immunization vaccine. But many times, the fever maybe because of unknown reasons.

Usually, Fever takes its time and can be cured with simple paracetamol. But if the child is less than three months of age, fever is more than 103 degrees, child had fever and is very cranky, child feels lethargic and is unresponsive, you need to get the medical help immediately.