A fever is not an illness itself. Typically, it is a sign that something's happening within the body. Believe it or not, fevers aren't necessarily a bad thing. In reality, they seem to play a key role in helping the body combat numerous bacterial and viral infections.
In adults, a fever usually isn't dangerous unless it measures 103 F or higher. In young children and infants, however, even slightly elevated temperatures may be indicative of a serious infection. In newborns, a subnormal temperature — rather than a fever — may be a sign of serious illness.

Because it is associated with so many different conditions, other signs and symptoms which accompany the fever can help identify the cause in many cases. If unsure of why the fever exists, it's best not to try to lower the temperature. Reason being is that be lowering the temperature, your symptoms may become masked and determining the cause may become difficult. Aside from that, some experts think that treating all fevers aggressively can actually interfere with the body's immune response. The viruses that cause colds and other respiratory infections thrive at cool temperatures. Producing a low-grade fever may be the method in which the body uses to help eliminate the virus. In most cases, fevers usually go away within a few days.

A fever occurs when body temperature rises above its normal range. The average body temperature is 98.6 F but in some people, it could be slightly higher or lower. A "significant" fever is usually defined as an oral or ear temperature of 102 F or a rectal temperature of 103 F. Bear in mind, a rectal temperature reading is generally 1 degree Fahrenheit higher than an oral reading.

Depending on what the root cause of the fever is, additional signs and symptoms may include:

- Sweating

- Shivering

- Headache

- Muscle aches

- Lack of appetite

- Dehydration

- General weakness

Fevers which are very high (between 103 and 106 F), may cause hallucinations, confusion, irritability and even convulsions.

Even when a person is completely well, the body temperature fluctuates throughout the day. The average temperature for an adult is 98.6 F.

The hypothalamus, which is an area at the base of the brain that acts as a thermostat for the entire body is what sets a person’s temperature. When a problem occurs, normal temperature is simply set a few points higher.

When a fever starts and your body tries to elevate its temperature, you feel chilly and may shiver to generate heat. At this point, you probably wrap yourself in your thickest blanket and turn up the heating pad. But eventually, as your body reaches its new set-point, you likely feel hot. And when your temperature finally begins to return to normal, you may sweat profusely, which is your body's way of dissipating the excess heat.

In most cases, a fever usually is a sign that the body is responding to a viral or bacterial infection. Fever can be triggered by heat exhaustion, an extreme sunburn or certain inflammatory conditions such as temporal arteritis as well. In rare instances, a malignant tumor or some forms of kidney cancer may cause a fever.

Certain medications such as antibiotics and drugs used to treat hypertension or seizures can also cause fevers.

The regimen outlined below includes a holistic approach to treating & preventing fevers:

Always wash hands and limit exposure to ill people.

A person with a fever should drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration and eat light, easy-to-digest meals.

A lukewarm bath or shower can help make a person with a fever more comfortable.

The supplements listed below may also help:

Vitamin A with Carotenoids (take as directed on label) - Combats infection and strengthens the immune system.

Free-form Amino Acid Complex (take as directed on label on an empty stomach) - Aids tissue repair damaged by fever.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (5,000 - 20,000 mg daily in dived doses) - Flushes out toxins and reduces fever.

Garlic (2 capsules 3 times daily) - Natural antibiotic and powerful immunostimulant. I recommend the brand Kyolic by Wakunaga of America, which is an odorless and powerful organic garlic supplement.

Royal Jelly - Has antifungal properties and improves adrenal function.

Catnip Tea - Lowers fever.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.