What Is a Low Grade Fever?
1. Definition
Low-grade fever occurs when the body temperature is continuously or intermittently elevated between 37.5C (99.5F) to 38.3C (100.9F). It is a symptom seen in various infectious, neoplastic (cancer), and autoimmune disorders. In some cases, there is no particular disorder as seen in habitual hyperthermia, which is considered to be a variant of normal temperature. If there are no symptoms besides the low-grade fever, treatment may not be required. Methods such as drinking more fluids and resting may be adequate. If necessary, medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) and NSAIDs can help lower the fever. Parents should remember to check with their doctor before giving medications to their children. Aspirin should not be given to children while ibuprofen is not recommended for those under the age of 6 months.
