Most fevers are viral colds, whether viral or bacterial, and all have varying degrees of temperature elevation. Viral respiratory infections are generally herd-like, with one person in the family catching a cold and a large group of people catching a cold, while bacterial are relatively conservative. Viral colds generally have a runny nose and more pronounced throat symptoms, while bacterial ones have more inflamed tonsils or a red, swollen throat. A blood draw can tell more accurately which one it is. If the total white blood cell count is low or normal, it is usually a viral infection, and if the total white blood cell count or neutrophils are elevated, it is usually a bacterial infection. If you have a fever, you can take antipyretic medication, oral ibuprofen, drink more water and take rest.