Is 40.9 a high fever

Fevers are common in children. Fever by itself does not tell you whether your child is seriously sick.

A fever temperature ranging between In general, the height of the temperature does not relate to the severity of the illness. Most fevers are caused by viral illnesses, and even fewer are caused by bacterial illnesses. Viral infections typically include colds and flu and cannot be cured by antibiotics. A bacterial infection may follow after a viral infection, usually affecting the sinuses, lungs or ears, and will require antibiotics to cure.

Is 40.9 a high fever

Fever is a rise in body temperature above the normal temperature, usually caused by infection. There may also be minor fluctuations over the course of the day and night. Most cases of mild fever resolve by themselves within a couple of days. In children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years, fever can trigger convulsions. A fever of Since fever is a symptom and not an illness, the underlying cause must be found before specific treatment can begin. Some tests may be necessary if the cause of the fever is not clear after your doctor has taken a medical history and performed an examination. These tests may include:. Treatment depends on the cause — for example, chronic tonsillitis may require surgery to remove the tonsils tonsillectomy. In cases of mild bacterial infection, it is usually best to allow your immune system to handle the problem, rather than take antibiotics. If you suspect that your child has a fever, you can use a thermometer to measure their temperature. There are several types of reliable thermometers available, which come with instructions on how to use them. They are available from a chemist. If you are in doubt about which one to choose for your child, or have questions about how to use it, ask your pharmacist to explain.

Call triple zero for an ambulance if the fit lasts more than 5 minutes. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water little and often is best.

Back to Health A to Z. A high temperature fever is very common in young children. The temperature usually returns to normal within 1 to 4 days. A normal temperature in babies and children can vary slightly from child to child. Use a digital thermometer, which you can buy from pharmacies and supermarkets, to take your child's temperature. If your child has just had a bath or been wrapped in a blanket, their temperature may be higher for a short time.

A high temperature can be caused by many different conditions ranging from minor to very serious problems. If your cat has a high temperature, you may notice that they feel hot to touch especially their feet, ears or face , hide away, not want to eat , shiver and breathe more quickly than usual. You know your cat best, if you are concerned that they have a high temperature, or they show any of the signs listed above, get in touch with your vet. This is a tricky condition to treat. It can take some time, and several different tests before a cause is found and the correct treatment is started.

Is 40.9 a high fever

Top of the page Check Your Symptoms. A fever is the body's normal and healthy reaction to infection and other illnesses, both minor and serious. It helps the body fight infection. A fever is a symptom, not a disease. In most cases, having a fever means that you have a minor illness. When you have a fever, your other symptoms will help you know how serious your illness is. Temperatures in this topic are oral temperatures. Oral temperatures are usually taken in older children and adults.

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Fevers are broadly categorized as being low-grade, moderate-grade, high-grade, and hyperpyrexia. Home Treatment. If you have a child with a fever, see fever in children. A normal temperature in babies and children can vary slightly from child to child. Check out how to use thermometers. If your baby is between 3 and 6 months and has a high or very high fever, contact your GP. Sometimes a high temperature in children is associated with more serious signs and symptoms, such as:. Information: Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you do not have a high temperature. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Young babies and pregnant women Babies under 3 months with a fever must see a GP. If someone has a fever but feels fine for the most part, treatment isn't necessary. Give feedback about this page. If your child or baby has a high temperature, you can usually look after them at home. Symptoms That Need Emergency Care No matter how high a fever is, call or rush to the nearest emergency room if a fever is accompanied by the following severe signs and symptoms: Stiff neck with severe headache Sudden, extreme sensitivity to light photophobia Convulsions or seizures febrile seizures Confusion and disorientation Difficulty waking or staying awake Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Severe persistent vomiting A purplish or blood-colored rash roseola rash Inability to urinate urinary retention. These symptoms may be a sign of meningitis.

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If it isn't possible to contact your GP, call the GP out of hours service. Curr Opin Virol. Harvard Medical School. Children's paracetamol or ibuprofen work as antipyretics, which help to reduce fever, as well as being painkillers. The same applies to babies 3 months or younger with F, 3 to 12 months with F, and 2 years or younger with fevers longer than 48 hours. Premature babies. If your child has a convulsion you should: Try to stay calm and don't panic. A high fever can also occur if certain infections are left untreated and either get worse or start to affect other organs. Babies under 3 months with a fever must see a GP. Rheumatic Fever. Common conditions that can cause fevers include: respiratory tract infections flu influenza and flu-like conditions colds tummy bugs gastroenteritis ear infections infection of your tonsils tonsillitis kidney or urinary tract infections Common childhood illnesses that can cause fevers include: chickenpox scarlet fever rubella German measles whooping cough rheumatic fever You might have a mild fever after getting a vaccine. Causes of High Fever.