Wake up and think to yourself "I have a fever"? But you're not entirely sure? Here is a clear, short explanation of what is a fever, including symptoms and treatment
When you have a fever, your body temperature is higher than the normal level. Your normal body temperature should be 37 degrees Centigrade or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. A fever is one way the body responds to infection. Fevers may be caused by many factors. The most common include a viral illness such as a throat, chest infection or flu, or an urinary infection. It might be due to diseases, or caused by sunburn and heatstroke. Fevers may even be caused by a reaction to a particular drug.
As well as your body temperature going up, you might feel shivery and chilled. Or hot and flushed. If the fever continues, you might get dehydrated.
Although you might feel hot and you can compare your temperature with someone who feels healthy by feeling the warmth from each forehead, the only accurate way to truly check if by using a thermometer. There are aural digital thermometers, you put the tip of it inside your ear and wait for the beep and read the temperature display. For other digital thermometers, you put them in your mouth or squeeze in your armpit - again waiting for the beep.
You should see your doctor if you're feeling feverish and unwell, particularly if you have another specific symptom - for example you might have earache, or a rash or a bad cough including a cough with phlegm.
Go see a doctor immediately if:
- your temperature is over 39.4 degrees C of 103 degrees Fahrenheit
- You are confused or feeling drowsy
- If you are having trouble breathing
- If you have a headache, stiff neck, a sensitivity to light and/or a rash
There are painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol will can help to reduce fever symptoms including fever chills and headaches. Take the painkiller as instructed on the packet as soon as you are feeling feverish or have fever chills.
If the fever lasts more than two days despite attempts to bring it down - pay a visit to the doctor, and if you develop other symptoms.
You can also help yourself treat a fever by resting. Do not go to work and take it easy. Keep yourself hydrated - drink lots of water or diluted fruit juice. Caffeine found in coffee and tea can dehydrate you further so avoid this. The old housewives were right - chicken soup or broth can help too if you are off your appetite. Don't over wrap yourself - wear light, loose clothing and make sure the temperature in the room is not too hot (but not too cold too).
If you are feeling shivery or have the fever chills, there is a temptation to wrap yourself up in blankets and comforters. Don't do that as you might make your temperature rise even further - especially if there is a fever in children. Instead, use a sheet or light blanket as a cover. If you're all hot and sweaty, use a damp, lukewarm towel to warm down your face from time to time.
When you have a fever, your body temperature is higher than the normal level. Your normal body temperature should be 37 degrees Centigrade or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. A fever is one way the body responds to infection. Fevers may be caused by many factors. The most common include a viral illness such as a throat, chest infection or flu, or an urinary infection. It might be due to diseases, or caused by sunburn and heatstroke. Fevers may even be caused by a reaction to a particular drug.
As well as your body temperature going up, you might feel shivery and chilled. Or hot and flushed. If the fever continues, you might get dehydrated.
Although you might feel hot and you can compare your temperature with someone who feels healthy by feeling the warmth from each forehead, the only accurate way to truly check if by using a thermometer. There are aural digital thermometers, you put the tip of it inside your ear and wait for the beep and read the temperature display. For other digital thermometers, you put them in your mouth or squeeze in your armpit - again waiting for the beep.
You should see your doctor if you're feeling feverish and unwell, particularly if you have another specific symptom - for example you might have earache, or a rash or a bad cough including a cough with phlegm.
Go see a doctor immediately if:
- your temperature is over 39.4 degrees C of 103 degrees Fahrenheit
- You are confused or feeling drowsy
- If you are having trouble breathing
- If you have a headache, stiff neck, a sensitivity to light and/or a rash
There are painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol will can help to reduce fever symptoms including fever chills and headaches. Take the painkiller as instructed on the packet as soon as you are feeling feverish or have fever chills.
If the fever lasts more than two days despite attempts to bring it down - pay a visit to the doctor, and if you develop other symptoms.
You can also help yourself treat a fever by resting. Do not go to work and take it easy. Keep yourself hydrated - drink lots of water or diluted fruit juice. Caffeine found in coffee and tea can dehydrate you further so avoid this. The old housewives were right - chicken soup or broth can help too if you are off your appetite. Don't over wrap yourself - wear light, loose clothing and make sure the temperature in the room is not too hot (but not too cold too).
If you are feeling shivery or have the fever chills, there is a temptation to wrap yourself up in blankets and comforters. Don't do that as you might make your temperature rise even further - especially if there is a fever in children. Instead, use a sheet or light blanket as a cover. If you're all hot and sweaty, use a damp, lukewarm towel to warm down your face from time to time.
Jennifer Carver is a writer, researcher. Her latest topic is on the lot of confusing, vague and even bad information out there on taking care of leopard gecko pets.
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