Fever 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) or higher
The degree of a fever does not always relate to the seriousness of the illness. It is more important to evaluate other symptoms, rather than focus on the number on the thermometer.
High fevers that do not get better with home treatment may mean that a serious infection is present and may lead to other problems, such as dehydration or sepsis. Abscesses, such as an abscessed tooth or from a puncture wound, can cause serious systemic infections.
Remember, fever is only a symptom. Often the importance of a fever can be determined only when other symptoms are evaluated.
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Editor | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | April 24, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
April 24, 2007
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