A fever is your body’s way of fighting infection.

When a fever gets too high, however, it can be dangerous to thecentral nervous system.

A sustained temperature greater than 107.6 F (41.5 C) can even lead tobrain damage.

Causes of Fevers

Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou

A low-grade fever will usually resolve at home and can be managed with fever-reducing medication.

Fever accompanied by certain other symptoms or high fevers, however, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Fevers are broadly categorized as being low-grade, moderate-grade, high-grade, andhyperpyrexia.

Kashif J. Piracha, MD

It can occur in people with a severe infection or a brain hemorrhage.

Can a high fever kill you?

Rest and plenty of fluids can help your body fight the underlying infection.

Warning to Parents

Children and teenagers shouldneverbe given aspirin for a fever.

Summary

A fever is one of the ways that the body fights infections.

If a fever reaches 105 F or more, seek immediate emergency care.

A Word From Verywell

Having a high fever can be a serious condition.

Always act promptly when dealing with a high fever to prevent complications.

Harvard Medical School.Fever in adults: When to worry.

Harvard Health Publishing.How high a fever is too high?

American Academy of Pediatrics.Fever without fear: Information for parents.

National Library of Medicine.Fever.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Bacterial meningitis.

2014;9:9196. doi:10.1016/j.coviro.2014.09.013

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of urinary retention.