Fever, Age 4 And Older: Check Your Symptoms

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Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

Temperatures in this topic are oral temperatures (a thermometer is placed under the tongue).
Be sure to take your temperature before answering the following questions. For information on how to take an accurate temperature, go to the topic Body Temperature.
If you are unable to measure your temperature, look for other symptoms and answer the questions below.
If your child age 3 and younger has a fever, go to the topic Fever, Age 3 and Younger.
If you are pregnant and have a fever, go to the topic Pregnancy-Related Problems.

Yes: Do you have a fever and any signs of a serious infection?
Yes: Do you have a fever and any breathing problems?
Yes: Do you have a fever and a new skin problem?
Yes: Do you have a fever and signs of a joint infection?
Yes: Do you have a high fever?
Yes: Do you have a mild to moderate fever?
Yes: Have you had an ongoing or recurring fever?
Yes: Do you have a fever and symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration?
Yes: Do you think that your fever may be caused by a medicine or an immunization?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Because fever is only a symptom of another problem, a careful evaluation of your health may help you identify the cause of your fever. Often the importance of a fever can be determined only when other symptoms are evaluated. Do you have any of the following symptoms or problems?

Exposure to a contagious respiratory illness, such as influenza (flu), or respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose, shortness of breath and cough, or nasal drainage: Go to the topic Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger, Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older, or Influenza.
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea: Go to the topic Abdominal Pain, Age 11 and Younger or Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older.
Pelvic or abnormal vaginal discharge: Go to the topic Vaginal Problems.
Pain or burning when you urinate: Go to the topic Urinary Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older or Urinary Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger.
Pain over your eyes or cheekbone: Go to the topic Facial Problems, Noninjury.
An injury to the skin: Go to the topic Cuts.
One or more red, swollen, warm, and painful joints: Go to the topic Arm Problems, Noninjury or Leg Problems, Noninjury.
A skin rash: Go to the topic Rash, Age 11 and Younger or Rash, Age 12 and Older.
Swollen glands: Go to the topic Swollen Glands.
Ear problems: Go to the topic Ear Problems, Age 4 and Older.
A sore throat: Go to the topic Sore Throat.
A recent insect or tick bite: Go to the topic Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites or Tick Bites.
Recent heat exposure: Go to the topic Heat-Related Illnesses.
A sunburn: Go to the topic Sunburn.
Exposure to a sexually transmitted disease (STD): Go to the topic Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Last updated:	April 24, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer

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