Fever is really a symptom and not a disease in itself. Usually, a fever means your body is fighting a harmful organism such as a virus or bacteria that has entered your body. When this happens, pryogens (fever-producing chemicals) are released. Pryogens reset your body’s internal thermostat to a higher temperature. Often, your body overshoots the mark and has to lose the excess heat. That’s why you get hot and appear flushed and sweaty. But while your body is trying to meet its higher internal temperature, blood flow to your skin is reduced — and that can cause shivering and chills.
The same thing happens when a harmful organism has entered your child’s body. And since your child’s immune system isn’t fully developed, they are more likely to get infections. If they’re part of a playgroup or attend daycare, preschool or school, they may be more susceptible because they’re around other children.
The good news is that these frequent infections are helping to prepare and strengthen your child’s immune system as they grow.
The most common cause of a fever is an infection, including:
-
Cough, cold or flu
-
Throat infections (like tonsillitis)
-
Ear infections
-
Digestive tract infections (gastroenteritis)
-
Urinary tract infections
-
Childhood viral infections, like chickenpox, measles, rubella, roseola
Rare and serious causes of fever include:
-
Meningitis (brain infection)
-
Pneumonia
-
Bone or joint infection
-
Allergic reaction (rare)
