What Is a Low Grade Fever?
The most widely known definition of a fever is when a person’s body temperature runs over 98.6°F, the average body temperature for most people.iv However, a fever can be broken down into further categories based on temperature, and one of those categories is “low-grade”. Healthcare professionals define a low-grade fever as a body temperature of 99.6°F to 100.3°F. A low-grade fever is usually a sign that your body is fighting off the infection that has caused your temperature to rise, but most likely won’t need medical attention.v One important thing to note is that body temperature can fluctuate by one or two degrees from various factors such as stress or heavy clothing, and even medications can have an effect on the body’s temperature.vi
Low-Grade Fever Causes
If you notice that your temperature remains high over an extended period of time, then this a clear indication that you have a low-grade fever. Here are few low-grade fever causes you should be aware of:
- Certain medications (antibiotics or drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure)
- Bacterial infection or virus
- Vaccines
- Heat exhaustion
- Other underlying conditionsvii
Low-Grade Fever Treatment
Depending on your symptoms, a health professional may not recommend that you seek treatment for your low-grade fever, as minor fevers can help with fighting off the microorganism in your body.viii
No matter your symptoms, if you think you may need medical attention to help with your low-grade fever, contact your doctor immediately. It’s important to closely monitor your low-grade fever, as there may be a sudden spike in temperature that could indicate something more serious. For more health tips, check out our resource center where you can find articles about cold and flu symptoms and more.