Is 38.4 degrees a fever?
Fever is a common symptom that can be caused by many different reasons, such as infections, inflammations or other diseases. But is 38.4 degrees a fever? Let’s take a closer look.
What is fever?
Fever is usually defined as an increase in body temperature above the normal limit. Normal body temperature is generally considered to be around 36.1-37.2 degrees Celsius. A fever usually starts when the body temperature rises above 38 degrees.
38.4 degrees: Fever limit
When the body temperature rises to 38.4 degrees, it exceeds the generally accepted limit of fever. This means that 38.4 degrees can be considered a fever. The causes of fever can vary and may include:
- Infections: Bacterial or viral infections are the most common causes of fever.
- Inflammations: Inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatic diseases, can cause fever.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause fever as a side effect.
- Other diseases: For example, cancer or autoimmune diseases can cause fever.
When to see a doctor?
Although 38.4 degrees is a fever, it is not necessarily dangerous. However, there are situations in which it is necessary to see a doctor:
- The fever lasts more than three days.
- Fever is accompanied by other serious symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, chest pain or severe headache.
- Fever rises above 40 degrees.
- Fever occurs in a newborn or small child.
Fever treatment
The treatment of fever depends on its cause. Common treatments include:
- Rest: Rest helps the body fight infection.
- Ingestion of fluids: Adequate hydration is important because fever can cause dehydration.
- Medications: Medicines that reduce fever, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help relieve symptoms.
It is important to remember that a fever is often a sign that the body is fighting something. If you are unsure about the cause of the fever or its treatment, it is always a good idea to contact a healthcare professional.
Sources:
Terveyskirjasto
Mayo Clinic
