• Consumer Health: Fevers 101

a young Asian teenage girl looking sick with cold or fever and mother holding her face

A fever is a common sign of illness, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, fevers seem to play a key role in fighting infections. So should you treat a fever or let the fever run its course?

First, it's important to get an accurate reading to know the severity of the fever. Check out these instructions for how to take your temperature.

The age of the patient and level of fever will determine whether treatment is indicated. Here's a quick guide to treating a fever and some specific information about what to do if your child has a fever.

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