HYPERPYREXIA
What is hyperpyrexia?
Normal body temperature is typically 98.6°F (37°C). However, slight fluctuations can
occur throughout the day. For example, your body temperature is lowest in the early
hours of the morning and highest in the late afternoon.
You’re considered to have a fever when your body temperature rises a few degrees
above normal. This is typically defined as 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
In some cases, your body temperature can rise greatly above its normal temperature
due to things other than fever. This is referred to as hyperthermia.
When your body temperature exceeds 106°F (41.1°C) due to a fever, you’re
considered to have hyperpyrexia.
When to seek emergency medical care
Call your doctor if you or your child has a temperature of 103 degrees or higher. You
should always seek emergency medical care for a fever if you’re experiencing the
following symptoms:
temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in children under three months of age
irregular breathing
confusion or sleepiness
seizures or convulsions
severe headache
skin rash
persistent vomiting
What is hyperpyrexia?
Normal body temperature is typically 98.6°F (37°C). However, slight fluctuations can
occur throughout the day. For example, your body temperature is lowest in the early
hours of the morning and highest in the late afternoon.
You’re considered to have a fever when your body temperature rises a few degrees
above normal. This is typically defined as 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
In some cases, your body temperature can rise greatly above its normal temperature
due to things other than fever. This is referred to as hyperthermia.
When your body temperature exceeds 106°F (41.1°C) due to a fever, you’re
considered to have hyperpyrexia.
When to seek emergency medical care
Call your doctor if you or your child has a temperature of 103 degrees or higher. You
should always seek emergency medical care for a fever if you’re experiencing the
following symptoms:
temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in children under three months of age
irregular breathing
confusion or sleepiness
seizures or convulsions
severe headache
skin rash
persistent vomiting
