Fever

A fever is a higher than normal body temperature, usually around 98.6F / 36.5C. Most fevers are a sign of the body trying to fight an illness or infection, for example a virus or bacterial infection. A high temperature makes it harder for bacteria or a virus to survive.

Symptom recognition
A low-grade fever is an optional symptom in the Holmes criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis. Feelings of feverishness are recognized as a neuroendocrine system symptom in the Canadian Consensus Criteria.

An intermittent fever is a potential symptom of Long COVID in the World Health Organization's definition.

Possible causes
Most fevers are caused by an infection.

Learn more

 * Treating a fever
 * Fever - Medline