Fever is a temporary rise in one’s body temperature in response to the immune system. Most fevers go away on their own within hours. However, in infants and newborns, fevers should not be ignored. The average body temperature is 37 C (98 F) although it may vary from one person to another and time of the day.
Causes of fever.
High body fever may be caused by:
- Bacterial infection.
- Viral infection.
- Effects of some immunization medication e.g. COVID.
- Heat exhaustion.
- Effects of medications such as antibiotics.
- Malignant tumors.
- Some medical conditions such as arthritis.
- Gastro-intestinal infection.
- Skin infection.
Symptoms.
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
- Body sweating.
- Shivering and chills.
- Dehydration.
- Irritability.
- Muscles pains.
- Confusing.
- Poor feeding for children.
- Seizures which may be random.
Types of fevers.
- Low-grade fever- body temperature rises to 38C (100F).
- A moderate fever – the temperature is 39.1-41C (102.2- 104 F).
- High-grade fever- temperature above 39.4C (104F).
- Hyperpyrexia- the temperatures are usually above 41.1C (106F).
Prevention measures.
- Avoid sharing utensils with children when sick.
- Ensure one is immunized so as to prevent attacks of infections such as influenza.
- Proper hand washing before meals and after visiting the toilet to avoid infections.
- One should cover the mouth when coughing and the nose when sneezing to avoid the spread of the virus.
- Use of hand sanitizers especially when in public.
Diagnosis.
- Physical examination.
- Blood test e.g. Full blood count.
- Nasal sample to check for respiratory infections.
- Taking one medical plus family history.
- Chest X-ray.
Treatment of Fever
- To avoid dehydration fluid intake should be increased by either drinking water or through giving iv fluids.
- Use of prescribed medication to treat the underlying condition.
- Proper resting gives the body time to recover.
- Again to help reduce discomfort during a fever, take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
- Ensure you wear light clothes to help regulate your body temperature.
- If you get too uncomfortable, you may sponge bath with some lukewarm water to help bring down your body tem
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