Treating High Fevers

Fact Checked

Overview

• Fever is higher-than-normal body temperature (Normal temparature-37⁰C or 98.6⁰F)
• Indicates an abnormal process in the body
• Fever is a symptom and not disease
• Also called ‘pyrexia’
• Low fever:98.8⁰F to 100.8⁰F
• Mild to moderate:101⁰F to 103⁰F
• High fever:104⁰F and above

Causes

• Hot weather
• Childhood immunization
• Bacterial/viral infection
• Spending much time in the sun
• Allergy to medication / food

Symptoms

• Hot flushed face
• Lack of interest in food
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Head and body ache
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

High fever may be associated with –

• Delirium
• Convulsion

Treatment

• Monitor temperature using a thermometer
• Remove the excess clothing
• Keep the person in a cool place
• Give a sponge bath in luke warm water
• Give plenty of fluids
• Give prescribed doses of acetaminophen /paracetamol
• Do not give aspirin to a person with fever
• Do not wrap the person in blankets / warm clothing

Consult a Doctor in case of –

• Irregular breathing
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Rashes
• Persistent, sore throat
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Painful urination
• Convulsions

 Related Video On Fevers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K85LoYZ83w