Self Care

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Fever

 

A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal for a particular individual. The actual definition of depends on the individual.A very high fever for one person may be slight fever for another.

From shivers and shakes to sweating and aches, your body’s temperature is an important barometer of how well you are dealing with germs, stress, exertion, or extreme changes in weather.

For good health, the body works best at a temperature of about 97° to 99° F.

Body temperature rises slightly during the day, but this change usually is not important. In fact, many people have a temperature that is always a little above or below the 98.6° F considered normal.

By itself, a high temperature is not necessarily cause for concern, it can actually be a normal way for your body to defend itself against infection. Your body shivers to help produce the heat it needs to fight germs, and sweats to regular the rise in temperature.

A fever can be a cause for Concern in infants under 3 months of age, the elderly, and those with a history of heart and, lung disease. But for most people, no medical reason to try to reduce a fever unless it is accompanied by other symptoms of illness.

Self care

If the fever makes you uncomfortable, take aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, or a generic). For children, use acetaminophen, not aspirin.

If taking aspirin or acetaminophen for fever symptoms, take the medication consistently until the fever goes away. Taking medication only when the fever is rising will create greater highs and lows and make symptoms feel worse.

Treat other symptoms Such as cough, sore throat, or vomiting that may accompany your fever.

Drink eight glasses of fluid a day. When you have a fever, you lose bodily fluids, so it is important to prevent dehydration.

Special concern for children :

Fever is not necessarily harmful, nor does it have to mean serious illness. Be more concerned with changes in eating or sleeping habits, coughing, pain, or other marked changes in a child’s behavior.

Fluids are very important for children so be sure to give plenty of soups, juice, or water.

Do not give aspirin to children or adolescents to reduce fever.

In children between 6 months and 5 years of age, seizures or “fits” sometimes result from fever .These seizures are seldom harmful. During a seizure, try to protect your child from hurting him or herself. Keep the child away from nearby objects, and make sure he or she is breathing freely.

When a child under 3 months of age has a rectal temperature over 100.4° F, consult the doctor.

Signs and Symptoms that needs immediate care :

Fever lasts 3 days or more.

Back pain or painful urination and fever.

Fever with stiff neck or mental confusion.

Fever greater than 100.4° F in an infant younger than 3 months or an adult over age 75.

Fever that returns after being gone for 36 hours.

Fever that does not respond to self-care measures.

Fever for less than 3 days without other symptoms.