Fever
- Summary
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- Fever is an increase in body temperature, usually caused by an infection.
- Fever caused by viral illnesses should not be treated with antibiotics, because these medications have no effect against viruses.
- High fever (around 41.5°C or higher) is very dangerous and can cause seizures.
About fever
A fever is an increase in body temperature above normal, usually caused by an infection. Normal body temperature is around 37°C (or thereabouts, but this can vary from person to person). There may also be slight fluctuations throughout the day and night.
A fever caused by a viral or bacterial infection is caused by chemicals produced by the immune system, which reset the body's thermostat to a higher level.
Contrary to popular belief, the severity of a fever does not necessarily correlate with the severity of the illness; for example, life-threatening meningitis may cause only a slight increase in temperature.
Most cases of mild fever go away on their own within two days. A mild fever (up to 39°C) can help the immune system clear the infection. In children between 6 months and 6 years, a fever can cause seizures. A fever of 42.4°C or higher, especially in older people, can permanently damage the brain.
Symptoms of fever
Symptoms of fever may include:
- feeling unwell
- Feeling hot and sweaty
- Shivering or shaking
- Grinding teeth
- blushing.
- Fever is often caused by an infection.
- Fever is often caused by some kind of infection. This may include:
Illnesses caused by viruses, such as colds, flu, Covid-19, or other upper respiratory infections.
Illnesses caused by bacteria, such as tonsillitis, pneumonia, or urinary tract infections.
Some chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, can cause fever that lasts longer.
Some tropical diseases, such as malaria, which can cause recurrent attacks of fever or typhoid fever.
Heat stroke – which includes fever (without sweating) as one of its symptoms
Medications – some people may be susceptible to fever as a side effect of certain medications.
Self-treatment suggestions for fever.
Fever treatment suggestions include:
Take Paracetamol or ibuprofen in appropriate doses to help bring down the temperature.
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee, as these drinks can cause mild dehydration.
Clean exposed skin with lukewarm water. To enhance the cooling effect of evaporation, you can try standing in front of a fan.
Avoid showering with cold water. The skin reacts to cold by constricting blood vessels, trapping body heat. Cold can also cause shivering, which can lead to more heat.
Make sure you get plenty of rest, including bed rest.
When should you see your doctor if you have fever symptoms?
You should always see your doctor if:
You still have a fever after 3 days, despite home treatment.
Your temperature is above 40°C.
You shiver and shake involuntarily, or your teeth chatter.
You seem to be getting sicker with time. You have unusual symptoms such as hallucinations, vomiting, neck stiffness, rash, rapid heartbeat, chills, or muscle spasms.
You feel confused and sleepy.
You have a severe headache that doesn't respond to pain medication.
I recently traveled abroad.
When to seek urgent medical attention right away
You should seek urgent medical attention if you or someone else has the following symptoms:
Fever with headache and neck stiffness.
A rash that doesn't turn white when you press on the skin (indicating bleeding into the skin) - this may be a sign of a life-threatening illness.
Diagnostic methods
Since fever is a symptom and not a disease, the underlying cause must be found before starting a specific treatment. Some tests may be necessary if the cause of the fever is not clear after your doctor has taken a medical history and performed an examination. These tests may include:
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