Is 39.3 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 39.3 degrees a fever? The answer is yes, 39.3 degrees is clearly a fever. In this article, we will discuss what a fever is, what it means, and how it should be treated.

What is fever?

Fever is an increase in body temperature above the normal limit, which is usually around 36.1-37.2 degrees Celsius. Fever is the body’s natural reaction to infections and other illnesses, and it helps the body fight pathogens. The definition of fever varies slightly, but generally a fever is considered to be a temperature above 38 degrees.

39.3 degree fever: What does it mean?

When the body temperature rises to 39.3 degrees, it is a sign that a strong inflammatory reaction is going on in the body. This can be caused by, for example, a bacterial or viral infection. Such a high fever can cause discomfort and other symptoms such as headache, muscle aches, fatigue and sweating.

When to see a doctor?

Even though fever is often harmless and goes away on its own, there are situations where you should see a doctor. These situations include, for example:

• The fever lasts more than three days.
• Fever rises to over 40 degrees.
• Fever is accompanied by other serious symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, chest pain, severe headache or rash.
• Fever occurs very young children or the elderly.

Fever treatment

The treatment of fever depends on its cause. Common treatments include:

1. Rest: The body should get enough rest to fight the infection.
2. Liquid intake: Fever can cause dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of water.
3. Medicines: The fever can be reduced with, for example, paracetamol or ibuprofen. However, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and dosages.
4. Cool wraps: Cool wraps on the forehead or a bath can help lower body temperature.

Summary

39.3 degrees is clearly a fever and can be a sign of a serious infection or other illness. It is important to monitor the duration of the fever and related symptoms, and if necessary, consult a doctor. Treatment for fever includes rest, adequate hydration and, if necessary, medication. More information about fever and its treatment can be found, for example, at Terveyskirjasto and Mayo Clinic website.