Is 98.8 A Fever

A fever is when your body temperature is higher than normal. The average body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C).

Symptoms of Fever in Adults, Children, and Babies, and When to Seek Help

A fever is when your body temperature is higher than normal. The average body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C).

Your average body temperature may be higher or lower than that. It can also fluctuate slightly throughout the day. These fluctuations can vary with age and how active you are. Your body temperature is typically highest in the afternoon.

When your body temperature rises higher than normal, it may be a sign that your body is in the process of fighting off an infection. It’s usually not a cause for alarm.

The following temperatures or higher indicate a fever:

  • Adults and children: 100.4°F (38°C) (oral)
  • Babies (under 1 year): 99°F (37.2°C) (armpit) or 100.4°F (38°C) (rectal)

Read on to learn more about what to expect with a fever, how and when to treat it, and when to seek help.

The general symptoms associated with a fever can include:

  • chills
  • aches and pains
  • headache
  • sweating or feeling flushed
  • lack of appetite
  • dehydration
  • weakness or lack of energy

Febrile seizures in children

Children between 6 months and 5 years of age may develop febrile seizures. These seizures can occur during very high fevers. About one-third of children who have a febrile seizure will have another. Typically, children outgrow febrile seizures.

It can be very scary when your child has a febrile seizure. If this happens, you should do the following:

  • Place your child on their side.
  • Don’t place anything in your child’s mouth.
  • Seek medical attention if you suspect your child is having or had a febrile seizure.

Low-grade vs. high-grade fevers

A low-grade fever for adults and children is when your body temperature is elevated slightly above normal. This is generally between 98.8°F (37.1°C) and 100.3°F (38°C).

People with high-grade fevers should seek medical advice. For adults, this is an oral temperature of 103°F (39.4°C). For children over 3 months old, this is a rectal temperature of 102°F (38.9°F) or higher.

If your baby is under 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, seek medical attention immediately.

When a fever breaks

When a fever breaks, your temperature will return to what’s normal for you, usually around 98.6°F (37°C). You may start to sweat or feel flushed as this is happening.

In adults and children

In cases of a mild or low-grade fever, it may not be a good idea to try to bring your temperature down too quickly. The presence of the fever could be helpful in fighting off an infection in your body.

In case of a high fever or a fever that’s causing discomfort, the following treatments may be recommended:

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Popular options include ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). They can help relieve your aches and pains and lower your temperature. Be sure to check dosing information for children.
  • Antibiotics. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection that’s causing your fever. Antibiotics can’t be used to treat viral infections.
  • Sufficient fluid intake. A fever can lead to dehydration. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, like water, juice, or broth. Rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte can be used for young children.
  • Keep cool. Wear lighter clothing, keep your environment cool, and sleep with light blankets. Taking a lukewarm bath may also help. The key is to keep cool, but not to induce shivering. This can make you feel worse.
  • Rest. You’ll need sufficient rest to recover from whatever is causing your fever. Avoid any strenuous activities that could elevate your body temperature.

Warning

Children and anyone under the age of 18 should never take aspirin for an illness. This is because of the risk of a rare, but fatal, condition called Reye’s syndrome.

In babies

If your baby has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, seek medical attention immediately. Don’t give your baby OTC medications at home without first consulting their doctor for dosing and guidance.

See also  Stage 2 Breast Cancer

A fever could be the only indication of a more serious condition. Your baby may need to receive intravenous (IV) medication and be monitored by a doctor until their condition improves.

In adults

Seek medical attention if you’re experiencing a fever with any of the following symptoms:

  • a fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
  • vomiting or diarrhea
  • difficulty breathing
  • pain in your chest
  • severe headache
  • skin rash
  • abdominal pain
  • painful urination
  • a stiff neck or pain in your neck when you bend your head forward
  • feelings of confusion
  • light sensitivity
  • being dizzy or lightheaded

In children and babies

Seek medical attention for your child if they:

  • are younger than 3 months old and have a fever with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
  • are over 3 months old and have a fever of 102°F (38.9°F) or higher
  • are over 3 months old and have had a fever for longer than 2 days

Also seek medical attention for your child if they have a fever and:

  • difficulty breathing
  • headache
  • skin rash
  • lack of energy or appear listless or lethargic
  • are inconsolable or crying continuously
  • stiff neck
  • appear confused
  • lack of appetite
  • aren’t consuming adequate fluids to produce wet diapers

A fever is when your body temperature is higher than normal. This is typically a sign that your body is in the process of fighting off some sort of infection. Fevers will typically go away within a few days.

Most low-grade and mild fevers are nothing to worry about. You should be able to relieve discomfort by taking OTC medications, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest.

Any fever in an infant younger than 3 months, or high grade-fevers in adults and children, should be assessed by a medical professional.

Last medically reviewed on October 12, 2020

Is 98. 8 consider as fever? As fever?

Flag this Answer

Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.

doctor profile image doctor profile image doctor profile image doctor profile image+187

Consult with a doctor
Online now
Pulmonologist 20 yrs exp Gorakhpur
Give more details

Flag this Answer

Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
General Physician 5 yrs exp Delhi
What else do you have Symptoms wise . Need to know more details
Next Steps
Chat and Consult

Flag this Answer

Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?

Articles you may like

Is 98.8 A Fever

Myth vs. Truth – Fever

Dr.Ashish M Narsana

Fever – How bad it is for our Body. Do’s and Don’ts of Fever.Once at evening an anxious mother called me for her daughte . Read more

Is 98.8 A Fever

Tips to Avoid and Cure Cold – Fever Naturally

Dr.Manoj Madhukar Deshpande

Protect Yourself From THESE things To Avoid Cold-FlueIn cold and rainy season ,avoid cold drinks,cold food stuff, cold w . Read more

Is 98.8 A Fever

My Child Has Fever! What to Do?

Fever is one of the most commonly encountered problem in a child . It is really a testing time for the whole family to . Read more

Is 98.8 A Fever

Save Your Self From Fever

As the monsoon season is coming and the dictum “Prevention is better than cure” has always been right, few precautions a . Read more

See also  Causes and Treatments of Diastasis Recti Among Men

Is 98.8 A Fever

Fevers-Pyrexia of Unknown Origin–PUO

Dr.Neelam Nath Bhatia

Day 1- Patient X has fever for a day in the range of 99-102 degree F. Symptoms are Shivering off an on but not wrapping . Read more

Is 98.8 A Fever

Fighting Off Your Viral Fever: The Ayurvedic Way

Introduction to FeverA fever can be a mild increment in your body temperature to an exceptionally high change in the sam . Read more

Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Get unlimited online consultations

Internet is not a doctor

Internet is not a doctor

Consult with real doctors online

  • Private consultation
  • 5-min response
  • Free follow-ups

Consult with a doctor
Online now
Consult with a doctor
Online now

The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.

Articles you may like

Is 98.8 A Fever

Myth vs. Truth – Fever

Dr.Ashish M Narsana

Fever – How bad it is for our Body. Do’s and Don’ts of Fever.Once at evening an anxious mother called me for her daughte . Read more

Is 98.8 A Fever

Tips to Avoid and Cure Cold – Fever Naturally

Dr.Manoj Madhukar Deshpande

Protect Yourself From THESE things To Avoid Cold-FlueIn cold and rainy season ,avoid cold drinks,cold food stuff, cold w . Read more

Is 98.8 A Fever

My Child Has Fever! What to Do?

Fever is one of the most commonly encountered problem in a child . It is really a testing time for the whole family to . Read more

Is 98.8 A Fever

Save Your Self From Fever

As the monsoon season is coming and the dictum “Prevention is better than cure” has always been right, few precautions a . Read more

Is 98.8 A Fever

Fevers-Pyrexia of Unknown Origin–PUO

Dr.Neelam Nath Bhatia

Day 1- Patient X has fever for a day in the range of 99-102 degree F. Symptoms are Shivering off an on but not wrapping . Read more

Is 98.8 A Fever

Fighting Off Your Viral Fever: The Ayurvedic Way

Introduction to FeverA fever can be a mild increment in your body temperature to an exceptionally high change in the sam . Read more

Tell us what’s troubling you

Want relief from cold & cough?

Down with fever or flu?

Stomach out of order?

Tired of clinic wait times?

Related Questions

About internal fever temperature

9440 Views

I checked my temperature by thermometer.. It is 98.7 .I think I have internal fever but I can not say sur . Read More

Fever & very hot body temperature

1244 Views

Dear Sir, From today morning around 3 am. I am suffering from heavy fever & very hot body temperature . Read More

Fever or not

1102 Views

My temperature orally are lies between 98.6 to sometimes 99.2 , but max its 98.5 to 98.8. Is it fever? . Read More

Fever.

Is underarm temperature of 98.6 considered as fever?? Or what is temperature which is considered as fever . Read More

Fever & cold

My nephew is unexpectedly suffering from fever and cold without any indication. So i was gave him half ta . Read More

Fever temperature

Can you please let me know what body temperature is considered as fever? I am bit confused when I am goog . Read More

Low grade fever

Last 2 month i suffer low grade fever 98.8 to 99 oral template during day time 11 to 6 i done CBC monocyt . Read More

Fever fever

I’m having headache .when I check the temperature it is showing 99.8 but I don’t have shivering or feelin . Read More

UTI and 98.8 – 99 temperature

Hi, I have frequent urination, burning and itching sensation. I am having antibiotic ferobuzz 300 but my . Read More

Fever,body temperature high

Fever occurs in evening.chills.cough, sweating.liver function sgot and sgpt are varying.dengue, typhoid, . Read More

Tell us what’s troubling you

Want relief from cold & cough?

Down with fever or flu?

Stomach out of order?

Tired of clinic wait times?

Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Reasons for flagging icon-radioNot Relevant icon-radioHateful or abusive content icon-radioSpam or misleading icon-radioAdvertisement

About Us

Family Medicine

Family MedicineIn 2024 our team of doctors and nurses provide a comprehensive range of family planning services. Our doctors have expertise in antenatal care, preconception planning, and STD checks. Contraceptive advice including Mirena and Implanon insertion is available.

  • Early detection of illness;
  • Family planning;
  • Promotion of healthy lifestyle;
  • Skin cancer checks;
  • Sports injuries;
  • Weight reduction;
  • Workers compensation and third party.

  • Children's Health

    Children's HealthBaby Weighing Service. Babies can be booked with our Nurse for weighing, a doctors appointment is not required to use this service. Contact reception for a appointment to have your baby weighed.

    Immunisations. At Tuggeranong Square children's immunisation is regarded an important part of your childs health care. Our doctors take immunising children very seriously. and to ensure all children are immunised Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice doctors BULK BILL for all childhood immunisations. Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice also ensures the Practice Nursing Staff are highly trained in childhood immunisations.


    Women's Health

    Women's HealthOur practice is dedicated to treating a wide spectrum of women’s health concerns. We offer pre-natal, antenatal and postnatal care, contraceptive options, pap screening, and preventative health care advice. We provide assistance, advice and support through all stages of life, recognising the many issues many women may face from adolescence through to the peri and post-menopausal period.

    • Cervical Screening tests;
    • Reproductive health. Including Mirena and Implanon insertion;
    • Shared antenatal care.

    Men's Health

    Men's HealthWe encourage men to present routinely to their GP to discuss all aspects of their health. We provide comprehensive advice and support for men to address the prevention and management of various health conditions. This may include assessments for cardiovascular risk, diabetes, cancer prevention, mental health assessments, STD screening, sports injuries and the importance of sleep as it relates to other areas of health.


    • Preventative Healthcare. Including cardiovascular screening, mental health and cancer checks;
    • Prostate examination.
Alex Koliada, PhD

Alex Koliada, PhD

Alex Koliada, PhD, is a well-known doctor. He is famous for his studies of ageing, genetics and other medical conditions. He works at the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics NAS of Ukraine. His scientific researches are printed by the most reputable international magazines. Some of his works are: Differences in the gut Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio across age groups in healthy Ukrainian population [BiomedCentral.com]; Mating status affects Drosophila lifespan, metabolism and antioxidant system [Science Direct]; Anise Hyssop Agastache foeniculum Increases Lifespan, Stress Resistance, and Metabolism by Affecting Free Radical Processes in Drosophila [Frontiersin].
View All Articles