infections
Fever in Adults
Key Points
Most fevers in healthy people are caused by a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection due to a virus. If people with a fever have any Warning signs , they should see a doctor right away. Doctors can usually identify an infection based on a brief medical history, a physical examination, and occasionally a few simple tests, and then doctors use these results, particularly symptoms, to determine which other tests are needed. Doctors consider underlying chronic disorders, particularly those that impair the immune system, as a possible cause of fever that lasts a long time. Takingacetaminophenor an NSAID usually lowers fever and usually makes people feel better, although for most people, treatment is not crucial. In older people, infections are less likely to cause fever, and other symptoms may be less noticeable. 