What is fever?

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Fever is something people in Nigeria often deal with.

It can affect anyone, but certain groups are more likely to get it.

Children tend to have fevers more often because of infections, while older adults might get fevers because of ongoing health issues or a weaker immune system.

Fever is usually a sign that something else, like an illness, is going on.

Illnesses that cause fever put a big strain on Nigeria's healthcare system and make up a large share of hospital admissions and doctor visits.

Fever can keep people out of work and school, which ends up costing both individuals and society, both directly and indirectly.

What is not fever?

• Feeling unwell isn’t a fever
• Body pains aren’t a fever
• A headache isn’t a fever
• Stomach pain isn’t a fever
• An upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea isn’t a fever
• A cough isn’t a fever
• Feeling tired or weak isn’t a fever
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy isn’t a fever
• Body or leg swelling isn’t a fever
• A runny nose, sneezing, or sore throat isn’t a fever
• Ear pain, fluid leaking from the ear, or ringing in the ear isn’t a fever
• Feeling your heart racing isn’t a fever
• Breathing fast isn’t a fever
• Heartburn, indigestion, or loss of appetite aren’t a fever
• Joint pain, back pain, or muscle aches aren’t a fever
• Confusion isn’t a fever
• Convulsions aren’t a fever
• Tremors or shaking aren’t a fever
• Feeling anxious or feeling down isn’t a fever
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much isn’t a fever

So, What Then Is a Fever?

A fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, often caused by an illness.

A thermometer is used to measure body temperature to determine if someone has a fever.

Typically, a fever is considered to be a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

Anything other than an increase in body temperature is not considered a fever.

What are the causes of a fever?

The following are causes of fever:

• Infections:
  • Viral infections (such as the common cold, chickenpox)
  • Bacterial infections (such as strep throat, pneumonia, tuberculosis, meningitis, typhoid fever)
  • Parasitic infections (such as malaria)
  • Fungal infections (such as candidiasis)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Appendicitis
• Heat stroke
• Cancers (such as leukemia, lymphoma)
• Vaccination: It’s common to experience a mild fever after receiving a vaccine
• Thyroid problems
• Blood clots