What Do You Really Know About Fever?

One minute you're hot; the next, you're chilled and your teeth chatter. You've got a fever. But look on the bright side: Fever seems to serve a helpful function in the body. See how much you know about fever by taking this quiz.

1. At which point is an elevated body temperature considered a fever? a. 98.8 degrees b. 99 degrees c. 99.6 degrees d. 100 degrees or higher

2. What should you do if a child has a temperature of 103.5 degrees two hours after taking fever medication? a. sponge child with rubbing alcohol b. sponge child with tepid water c. give liquids d. b and c

3. Why should you avoid bundling up with blankets when chills occur with a fever? a. will cause the fever to rise b. will cause fever to last longer c. doesn't stop the chills d. will cause heavy sweating

4. What is the best way to cool the body if the fever is low-grade (102 degrees or lower)? a. sponge with cold water b. sponge with tepid water c. chew ice d. use an ice pack

5. Which of these cases warrant a call to the doctor when fever is a symptom? a. an older child has a fever of 101 degrees b. an infant younger than 3 months has a 101-degree fever c. fever in an older child doesn't subside after 48 hours d. b and c

6. Children can experience seizures as the result of fever. At which age are these seizures most likely to occur? a. 6 months old b. 2 years old c. 3 years old d. 5 years old

7. What else besides viruses, fungal, parasitic and bacterial infections can cause fever? a. dehydration b. drug overdose c. medications d. all of the above

8. How high can strenuous exercise raise the body temperature? a. to 100 degrees b. to 102 degrees c. to 104 degrees d. to 110 degrees

9. The body is at what temperature when heatstroke can occur? a. 105 degrees b. 104 degrees c. 107 degrees d. 108 degrees

10. Ice helps reduce body temperature if fever results from heat exhaustion. Where should you apply an ice pack? a. behind the neck b. in the armpits c. in the groin d. any of the above

The answers

1. d, 100 degrees or higher. The average normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees.

2. d, b and c. Sit the child in a bath filled with lukewarm water up to the navel for as long 20 minutes if possible. Pat dry; don't rub.

3. a, will cause the fever to rise. Chills result from a fever spike -- when the temperature goes up suddenly and reverses just as quickly.

4. b, sponge with tepid water. Tepid water is effective and less jolting than cold water.

5. d, b and c. Get medical help if an infant has a fever of 101 degrees or if fever in an older child doesn't subside after two days.

6. a, 6 months, although it can happen from 6 months to 5 years. If a small child convulses during a fever, place the child on the floor on his or her side to prevent choking. Don't restrain the child, and be sure no objects are in the mouth. Call 911 if the seizure hasn't stopped after 10 minutes. Call your doctor to report any seizure.

7. d, all of the above.

8. c, 104 degrees. Extreme exertion, such as running a marathon, can raise body temperature to as much as 107 degrees.

9. b, 104 degrees. Too much exercise without enough water or salt contributes to heatstroke. Fever of 104 or even higher from illness can occur without heatstroke.

10. d, any of the above. Also sponge with tepid water and give fluid if the person is alert. If the person is not alert, call 911 immediately.