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Uncomplicated fever

Very low urgency
Very common-

Body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) that does not pose a risk to the body.

It is usually secondary to infection, although there are non-infectious causes of increased body temperature.

Fever is the prominent symptom, but it is sometimes accompanied by chills, a feeling of thirst and general malaise.

It is diagnosed by ruling out other causes of fever.

Treatment is only antipyretic medication and favoring the loss of body heat with physical measures (removal of clothing, wet cloths, fan, etc.).

Bibliographic references
  1. Reuven Porat, Charles A Dinarello. Pathophysiology and treatment of fever in adults. UpToDate. Jul 26, 2016.
  2. Dinarello CA. Infection, fever, and exogenous and endogenous pyrogens: some concepts have changed. J Endotoxin Res 2004; 10:201.
  3. ATKINS E. Pathogenesis of fever. Physiol Rev 1960; 40:580.
  4. Charles A. Dinarello, Reuven Porat. Fiebre. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19ª Edición. 123:125.
  5. J. García San Miguel, A. Pumarola. Enfermedad infecciosa. Fiebre. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. 2179:2180.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Tachycardia

    Faster breathing rate

    Feeling generally unwell

    Red face

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever not relieved by antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
Abdominal pain that increases rapidly
Difficulty breathing
Neck stiffness
Mental confusion
Signs of dehydration: more tiredness than usual, dizziness, dry mouth and tongue.
Rash
Joint pain or swelling

Self-care

If fever is present (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF) use over-the-counter antipyretics.
Place cold cloths on the forehead, armpits, and groin to reduce body temperature.
Maintain a fluid intake of 6 - 8 cups per day.
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