A fever is a common sign of illness, but it is not always a cause for concern. A fever means that your body temperature is higher than normal, which is caused by a variety of factors. In this blog post, we will explain what a fever is, what causes it, how to diagnose it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it.
In pyrexia or elevated temperature, your body temperature rises above what is normal. Most people have a normal body temperature of around 98.6°F (37°C), but it may vary slightly depending on your age, activity level, and other factors. A fever is typically defined as anything above 100.4°F (38°C) for adults and children, and above 99.5°F (37.5°C) for infants.
A fever is not a disease by itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. When a fever is too high or lasts too long, it can cause discomfort, dehydration, and other complications. However, a fever can also help your immune system fight infections by making bacteria and viruses harder to survive.
There are many possible causes of a fever, but infection is the most common one. The hypothalamus in your brain raises your body temperature when it detects a foreign invasion, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. You kill the germs and prevent them from spreading by doing this as part of your body's natural defense system.
Some examples of infections that can cause a fever are:
The flu
The common cold
Pneumonia
Urinary tract infections
Ear infections
Sinus infections
Strep throat
Meningitis
Appendicitis
COVID-19
Other causes of a fever include:
Some immunizations, such as diphtheria or tetanus shots
Teething in infants
Some inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease
Some cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma
Some medications, such as antibiotics or antihistamines
Some hormonal disorders, such as hyperthyroidism or adrenal insufficiency
Heat stroke or sunburn
Food poisoning
The easiest way to diagnose a fever is to measure your body temperature with a thermometer. You can use an oral, rectal, ear, forehead, or armpit thermometer. Make sure that your thermometer is clean and accurate by following the instructions that come with it.
It is recommended to place a thermometer under your tongue and close your mouth for about three minutes to measure your oral temperature. Using petroleum jelly, you should lubricate the thermometer's tip and gently insert it for about three minutes into your anus. To measure your ear temperature, you should gently pull your ear back and insert the thermometer into your ear canal until you hear a beep. If you are taking the temperature of your forehead, you should swipe the thermometer across your forehead from one temple to the other. If you are taking the temperature of your armpits, place the thermometer in your armpit and cross your arms over your chest for about four minutes.
You should also look for other signs and symptoms that may indicate the cause of your fever, such as:
Coughing
Sneezing
Runny nose
Sore throat
Earache
Headache
Muscle ache
Rash
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Burning sensation when urinating
If you have any of these symptoms along with a fever, you should consult your doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
As soon as the underlying infection or condition is resolved, fevers usually go away on their own without any special treatment. It is, however, important that you seek medical attention if you have a high fever (above 103°F or 39.4°C) or persistent fever (lasting more than three days).
Meanwhile, you can relieve your discomfort and prevent dehydration by doing the following at home:
Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, soup, or oral rehydration solutions.
Rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous activities.
Wear light clothing and keep your room temperature comfortable.
Take over-the-counter medications that can lower your fever and reduce pain or inflammation, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers, as it can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
Apply a cool compress to your forehead, neck, or armpits, or take a lukewarm bath or shower.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods, as they can worsen your dehydration and irritation.
The best way to prevent a fever is to avoid getting sick in the first place. You can do this by:
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of used tissues properly.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick or have symptoms of infection.
Getting vaccinated against common diseases that can cause a fever, such as the flu, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, hepatitis, meningitis, and COVID-19.
Eating a balanced diet and drinking enough fluids to boost your immune system.
Getting enough sleep and managing your stress levels.
Fever is a natural response of your body to fight infections and diseases. However, a fever can also cause discomfort and complications if it is too high or lasts too long. Therefore, it is important to monitor your body temperature and seek medical help if necessary. The tips above can help you treat your fever effectively and prevent it from occurring again. Stay healthy and stay safe!
