A fever is when the body temperature is higher than normal. It's a sign of your body's natural fight against infection.

 Adults have a fever when their body temperature exceeds 100.4°F. When the body temperature exceeds 100.4°F (when taken through the rectum), the child develops a fever. 99.5°F (measured orally); or 99°F (measured under the arm). The average normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (or 37 degrees Celsius). If you or your child has a fever a few degrees above normal, it's a sign that your body is healthy and fighting infections. In most cases, this is a good thing.

 However, if the fever exceeds 40°C, it should be treated at home. If the fever does not go away after a few days, the doctor should treat it.

 What if my child has a fever?

In most cases, you don't need to worry about your child's mild fever. A low-grade fever can be uncomfortable for children. Even if you're perhaps a little more tired, it's not uncommon to feel sad, still play games, and seem like you're eating and drinking normally. Your fever should go away in a few days.

 If your child has a high fever, contact your child's doctor if:

 Your child's fever lasts more than 5 days. It is higher than 104°F. Medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen do not reduce fever. (Do not give aspirin to children younger than 17 because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.)

 You are worried that your child is not behaving as usual or that you are sick because of something else, due to a fever or illness. Some children have the dreaded side effect of fever called febrile seizures. This occurs in 2% to 4% of children under the age of five. Some seizures cause jerky movements or the child appears to have fainted. In such cases, lay the child on his side and do not put anything in his mouth. Call 911 if the seizures last longer than 5 minutes or if your child's lips turn blue.

 If it takes less than 5 minutes, notify your doctor and see your doctor right away.

 What are the symptoms of fever?

The main symptoms of fever are:

•  Temperature rise (more than 100.4 °).
• Trembling, shaking, trembling.
• Body aches and headaches.
• Fatigue (fatigue).
• Intermittent or continuous sweating.
• Rinse skin and warm skin.

 What is the cause of the fever?

Fever has many causes and can be a symptom of almost any disease. The most common are:

 Cold or flu. Earache. bronchitis. throat ache. Urinary tract infection. mononucleosis. However, if your or your child's body temperature is above average and is not a sign of other illnesses, don't assume something is wrong. A person's body temperature changes throughout the day and is subject to many normal activities and emotions.

 For example, stress, excitement, heavy clothing, food, certain medications, menstrual cycle, and exercise can increase body temperature. Also, children tend to have a slightly higher body temperature than adults.