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Fever in Adults Directory
The average body temperature is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Sometimes your body temperature rises due to exercise, a warm bath, or other factors. Your body will also raise its temperature when it needs to fight infection. High fevers can be caused by illness such as the flu or pneumonia and usually return to normal temperature in a short time. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how a fever is contracted, how to treat it, and more.
Medical Reference
What Are the Symptoms for Strep Throat?
Strep throat is easily confused with other causes of sore throats. How can you tell if it’s strep? You look at the symptoms.
What Are the Treatments for Strep Throat?
Strep throat is caused by bacteria, which means you or your child have antibiotics you can take to treat it. And there are things you can do at home to feel better, too.
Strep Throat: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Strep throat can leave you feeling sore and scratchy. Learn what causes this infection and how to tell strep from other sore throat causes.
Is Strep Throat Contagious?
Can you catch strep throat? Learn how this infection passes from person to person.
Features
OTC Pain Relief: Acetaminophen
Taking acetaminophen for fever or pain relief is generally safe and effective. But it can be harmful if not taken correctly. Know the benefits and risks of acetaminophen and how to use it safely.
Coronavirus: Do You Need a Mask?
As the coronavirus continues to spread around the world, protection is on everyone’s mind. Many celebrities have posted photos of themselves on social media wearing masks over their noses and mouths to try to ward off the virus.
Pepper and Soap Trick Teaches Kids to Wash Hands
A pre-K teacher in Miami found a unique way to help her students learn about the best way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new (novel) strain of coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. It causes mild flu-like symptoms, but severe cases can be fatal. Learn how to spot symptoms, prevent spreading of the disease, and find out what to do if you think you have it.
Video
How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer
A step-by-step guide to make your own hand sanitizer when there’s a shortage.
What We Can Do to Control Spread of COVID-19
As COVID-19 spreads, what habits should we practice in our daily lives to avoid infecting others? WebMD’s Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, speaks with U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams to address common questions and misinformation about this virus.
COVID-19’s Impact on Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Today’s guest on Coronavirus in Context, renowned cardiologist Eric Topol, speaks with WebMD Chief Medical Officer John Whyte on what we don’t yet know about COVID-19, how certain medications and pre-existing conditions impact our ability to fight the virus, and factors that will exacerbate this pandemic.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Most Common Symptoms (Video)
What are the most common coronavirus signs to look out for and how long do these symptoms typically last?
Slideshows & Images
Picture of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This disease is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii and is transmitted by a number of different ticks. Despite its geographical title, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is present in many locations throughout the United States and the entire Western Hemisphere. After infection by tick bite, there is an incubation period of 2–14 days. The abrupt onset of the disease includes severe headache, fever, chills, arthralgia, and myalgia. After 2–3 days of these constitutional symptoms, erythematous macules erupt on the wrists, hands, forearms,legs, and ankles, as seen in these figures. Lesions then spread to the palms and soles and the trunk. The macules originally blanch with pressure but soon become purpuric and even necrotic. The disease causes a severe vasculitis and complications include disseminated intravascular coagulation, hemorrhage into the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts, and cardiovascular collapse.
Picture of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever: early Erythematous and hemorrhagic macules and papules appeared initially on the wrists of a young child.
Picture of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever on Ankles
Rocky Mountain spotted fever: early Erythematous and hemorrhagic macules and papules appeared initially on the ankles of an adolescent.
Blogs
What to Eat to Boost Your Immune System
Wouldn’t it be nice if eating a particular food could magically protect you against all the nasty bugs floating around? (Even better, if ...
Coronavirus Fears When You Have Diabetes
A couple of nights ago, I did what every scientific expert on COVID-19 virus has warned against: I panicked. After a day spent reading ...
What Is a 'Silent Spreader'?
In the avalanche of new terminology related to coronavirus, you might be hearing about 'silent spreaders' - but what does that term really mean? ...
Coronavirus in Context: How Hospitals Will Prepare for Surge of COVID-19 Cases
WebMD's Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, speaks with the President of the Society of Critical Care Medicine