What Is a Low-Grade Fever?

If you’ve had a bout of flu, then you likely also had a fever, one of the common symptoms of a flu.¹ Many people who have a fever usually experience symptoms such as sweating, chills and shivering, muscle aches, dehydration and general weakness.² Though a temperature of 100.4°F or greater can be cause for concern, doctors recommend keeping an eye on more mild fevers, commonly known as low-grade fevers.³ See what a low-grade fever is, what can cause one and find how to get relief with Theraflu-D, now formulated with pseudoephedrine, the most powerful oral nasal decongestant available without a prescription.

What Is Considered 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.² However, a fever can be broken down into further categories based on temperature, and one of those categories is “low-grade,” defined as a body temperature of 99.6°F to 100.3°F.³ This temperature range of a low-grade fever is usually a sign that your body is fighting off the infection and helping your immune system build strength.²

One important thing to note is that body temperature varies by person, and it can fluctuate by one or two degrees.⁴ Various factors such as exercise and your menstrual cycle can have an effect on the body’s temperature.⁴ In addition, body temperature is typically lower in the morning and higher in the evening.⁴

Potential Causes of a Low-Grade Fever

If you notice that your temperature remains high over an extended period of time, then this an indication that you might have a low-grade fever. Here are few low-grade fever causes you should be aware of:²

Certain medications (antibiotics or drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure, for example)
Bacterial or viral infections
Certain immunizations (as a side effect)
Heat exhaustion
Inflammatory conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis)

Treatment for Low-Grade Fevers

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 infection in your body.²

Theraflu-D syrups are the only flu relief syrups that include pseudoephedrine, the most powerful oral nasal decongestant available without a prescription. The “D” in Theraflu-D stands for decongestant and gives credit to the presence of pseudoephedrine, a nasal decongestant that is used to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds and common allergies.⁵ Formulated to fight your toughest flu symptoms, Theraflu-D flu syrup offers multi-symptom relief including cough, sore throat, headache and nasal and sinus congestion. That means you won’t have to combine different medications to feel better.

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.

References

By clicking any of the links below you will be taken to an external website that is independently operated and not managed by Haleon. Haleon assumes no responsibility for the content on the website. If you do not wish to leave this website, do not click on the links below.

1. Versus Flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/coldflu.html. Accessed 6/24/2020.

2. Fever. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759/. Accessed 6/24/2020.

3. Fever. Cedars-Sinai. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/f/fever.html. Accessed 6/24/2020.

4. Fever. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10880-fever/. Accessed 7/19/2024.

5. Legal Requirements for the Sale and Purchase of Drug Products Containing Pseudoephedrine, Ephedrine, and Phenylpropanolamine. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/legal-requirements-sale-and-purchase-drug-products-containing-pseudoephedrine-ephedrine-and/. Accessed 7/19/2024.

Recommended Articles

Haleon Huddle unlocks exclusive savings on brands including Theraflu, Advil, Sensodyne and more.

*indicates required field.

I consent to the Haleon group of companies and brands (“Haleon”) collecting my Consumer Health Data. Continue reading...I understand that my Consumer Health Data may be used by Haleon as described in our Washington Consumer Health Data Notice, where I can find the categories of data collected, the purposes of collection, and with whom we may share your information. I understand that if I choose not to consent to Haleon’s collection of my Consumer Health Data, I may not be able to receive certain marketing or informational materials or other forms of communication directly from Haleon or participate in surveys and focus groups. I further understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time as described in the Haleon Washington Consumer Health Data Notice or the Haleon Privacy Notice.

I consent to the Haleon group of companies and brands (“Haleon”) sharing my Consumer Health Data with third parties Continue reading... as described in the Washington Consumer Health Data Notice. I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time as described in the Haleon Washington Consumer Health Data Notice or the Haleon Privacy Notice.

By signing up for Haleon newsletters, you are certifying you are 18 years of age and older.

What Is a Low-Grade Fever?

What Is Considered a Low-Grade Fever?

Potential Causes of a Low-Grade Fever

Treatment for Low-Grade Fevers

Recommended Articles

4 Foods and Drinks to Make When You Feel Sick

Cold and Flu Season Tips

What Is a Fever?

Why Do We Get the Chills When We Have a Fever?

Check your inbox for a confirmation email from Haleon Huddle to receive coupons!