What Is a High-Grade Fever?

December 13, 2022

Fevers are one of the more common side effects of illness, especially for influenza! If you take your temperature and notice you are running a fever, don’t worry. In most cases, fevers are our body’s way of taking care of us when we are ill.

Some fevers can be minor and be barely noticeable, while others are considered serious and produce unpleasant secondary symptoms. If you are wondering what symptoms to look out for when it comes to fevers, read on to get all the details from our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team below.

What Body Temperature Indicates a Fever?

If you take your temperature one day and realize that it is a little higher or lower than the typical 98.6 degrees, don’t panic! Our bodies fluctuate temperature a little throughout the day. This is why an official fever is not diagnosed until your body temperature reaches 100.4 degrees or higher. Once you hit that threshold, this is considered a low-grade fever.

Low-grade fevers are your body’s way of tackling illness. The rise in temperature encourages more white blood cell formation that can help overcome your illness faster. You might not have many symptoms if your fever is low-grade, but it is common to experience mild side effects of an elevated body temperature.

Common Side Effects of a Fever

Chills, shivering or shaking
Body aches
Fatigue
Sweating or flushed skin

What if My Fever Gets to 103 Degrees?

Thankfully, most fevers resolve on their own within one to three days as your body overcomes the illness. If the infection is no longer a threat, your fever is no longer needed! Our bodies have a great way of knowing what we need.

If this doesn’t happen and your body temperature keeps rising, keep a close eye on it. If it reaches 103 degrees or higher, it is considered a high-grade fever. High fevers could indicate a more serious illness or condition, so it is important to visit with your medical provider quickly to investigate further.