Fevers

• Heat exhaustion • Extreme sunburn • Inflammatory conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis) • Malignant tumors • Some forms of kidney cancer • Certain medications (antibiotics, blood pressure drugs, or seizure medication) • Some immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus or pneumococcal vaccines)

A fever typically causes an individual to sweat, shiver, and lose their appetite. They may also suffer headaches, muscle aches, dehydration, and general weakness. Common symptoms of fevers that reach temperatures between 103 F and 106 F include confusion, irritability, convulsions, and hallucinations. In a small percentage of children younger than five, fever-induced seizures (called febrile seizures) may occur, where a child’s temperature rises or falls rapidly with brief periods of unconsciousness and convulsions.