Fever: How high is dangerous?

[bicentennial_baby]

My fiancee has had a fever since last night, between 102.4-102.9. He was throwing up all liquids, but now seems able to keep down water. As far as the fever goes, at what temp do I take him to the hospital? He has no other symptoms, and is fully coherent. No headache, stiffness, etc.

He's a generally healthy person, I think it's just a bug (I hope)

[Fridays Child]

1. In the absence of other symptoms...

...his temperature of 102.4-102.9 is probably not dangerous. If he's uncomfortable, give him Motrin or Tylenol. In fact, those two medications can be given together in an initial dose. Then re-medicate with Tylenol no more frequently than every four hours and Motrin no more frequently than every six to eight hours.

Ice chips will stay down the best of all liquids. When he can tolerate food, administer the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (dry).

[bicentennial_baby]

4. Sounds good

I just bought a big bag of ice last night, and I'll run out to the store for some meds. Thanks for the advice!

[REP]

2. Mine are often 103+

Taking him to the hospital is overkill, unless he has a chronic illness, is seriously dehydrated, is unconscious, etc. He could stand to be seen by an after-hours clinic.

[bicentennial_baby]

3. I'm just a hypochondriac

and it carries over to my loved ones... He's resting right now, so I won't take his temp for a while.

[unblock]

5. generally, 103

OR any seizure (even if he normally gets seizures due to another condition, such as epilepsy). febrile seizure means take him to the emergency room.

OR if it lasts more than 24 hours.

in the meanwhile, he should drink as much water as you can. sucking ice chips is often the easiest, and it cools as well.

controlling the fever with aspirin, e.g., may make him more comfortable, but personally, i prefer to let a fever run its course. fever has a purpose, it's usually a body's way of creating a more hostile environment for some invading bug. so i figure, who's side am i on?

but, as i said, if it gets over 103, off to hospital he goes.


disclaimer: once upon i time, i was an emt. now i just suffer from male answer syndrome.

[Cheswick2.0]

6. 103 is where the enzymes begin to denature

and can kill you. Enzymes are nessesary for all body fuctions.

Fever of 103° F - 106° F can lead to hallucinations, delirium, permanent organ and tissue damage, death!

[bleedingheart]

11. Yup... adults shouldn't get 103 temps

in fact if it stays above 102 too long...call his doctor.

[prolesunited]

7. Even if the fever is low grade

he should go see a doctor if it lasts more than a couple of days because then it might be a sign of infection and antibiotics could be warranted. Hope he feels better and LOTS of liquids so he doesn't get dehydrated.

[bicentennial_baby]

8. Thanks all!

From 102.9 at 5 am to 101.3 at 8:30. He's keeping down water and ice chips, and took an extra strength Tylenol, which has stayed down thus far. He also took a cool shower and is resting comfortably. Hopefully he's on the mend, but we will go to a doctor if the fever goes too high or keeps up past the weekend.

Thanks for all the great DU advice!! :hi:

[MuseRider]

10. Soaking in a tub of tepid

water helps and remember do not cover him up if he feels chilled but do not let him shiver either. Fevers are good to a point. Be sure he stays hydrated. Poor guy.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

9. For an adult male, that's not good

if it goes higher or lasts much longer he should see a doctor asap.

[ForrestGump]

12. I had a 102-104°F fever for two weeks

I was delirious most of the time. I am, apparently, hard to kill. :-)

Not recommended, though.