Development of fever
The fever is produced by certain centers in the brain (hypothalamus) that are responsible for the body’s heat regulation. This involves increasing the set point of the normal body temperature (between 36° and 38° Celsius). First, there is a chill, whereby the body generates heat by the trembling of the muscles, thus increasing the body temperature.
Later, the familiar feeling of warmth and sweating occurs. One speaks of fever as soon as the body core temperature is above 38.0° Celsius. This can be measured in various ways (e.g. with a thermometer under the armpit, in the mouth, or in the ear), but the most accurate value is obtained by measuring in the buttocks (rectal measurement method).
If the measured temperature with the chosen method appears unusually low or not correct, a rectal measurement should always be performed in parallel. A value above 39.5° Celsius is called high fever and it is advisable to consult a doctor for advice. A body temperature above 41° Celsius is life-threatening and should therefore always be treated with antipyretic therapy.
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