Final answer:
A fever of 38.3°C (101°F) is usually caused by an upward adjustment of the body's temperature set point, often due to an infection. Fevers aren't generally harmful unless they exceed 38°C (100.4°F), but temperatures around 40°C (104°F) and higher can be dangerous and require medical intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fever and Body Temperature Regulation
Fever is considered to be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as an infection, tumor, or circulatory problem. The average normal body temperature is 37.0°C (98.6°F). A fever is generally defined as a body temperature that is higher than the normal range of 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F). The cause of a fever of 38.3°C (101°F) can be attributed to an upward adjustment of the body temperature set point, which can be due to the heat caused by a viral or bacterial infection. A fever is typically considered not to be harmful unless it exceeds 38°C (100.4°F); however, very high fevers, such as those around 40°C (104°F) and above, like hyperpyrexia, can be harmful.
Hypothermia is characterized by a body temperature that is less than 35.0°C (95.0°F). When body temperatures reach extremely high levels, physiological functions can be compromised, and at a certain point, it could even be life-threatening. It is important to seek medical attention when fever is persistently high or accompanied by severe symptoms.