A Simple Guide to Fever

A Simple Guide to Fever
-----------------------------

What is Fever?
-----------------

A person's normal body temperature is 37.0 degrees Celsius.
Once above this, it is classified as a fever.
Fever is a symptom not an illness.

What is the cause of Fever?
---------------------------------

A Person's body temperature can be influenced by factors such as
1. infection,

2. metabolic rate and

3.environmental temperature.

When any infection entered the body and localised in a part of the body such as the throat ,intestine, nose, urinary tract etc, it does not cause any fever, only symptoms such as sore throat, diarrhoea, nasal discharge or frequent passing of urine.

However once the germ(whether bacteria,virus or parasite) enter the blood stream from the infected area, the body responses immediately by raising the body temperature.
The raising of the body temperature is the body's way of trying to kill the germ by heating the environment which the germ is trying to survive.

High fevers (above 39 degrees Celsius) however can also damage the body especially the brain.
It can cause seizures in children below the age of five (febrile fits).

Toxins from bacteria and viruses released into the bloodstream can cause chills and shivering in between or sometimes during temperature spikes.

What are the Symptoms of Fever?
----------------------------------------

1. Headache

2. Bodyaches

3. Chills

4. Shivering

5. Giddiness

6. Loss of appetite

What is the Treatment of Fever?
--------------------------------------

Fever is the body's natural response to a infection, increase in the temperature of the environment and increased metabolic rate.

If the fever is mild (<37.5)and no other problems are present, no medical treatment is necessary.
Just drink more water and rest.

Sponging or bathing in a tub of tepid water can help to reduce the fever. Evaporation of the water cools the skin and thereby reduces body temperature.

Give the person a correct amount of paracetamol which helps to bring down the temperature.

You should see a doctor:
1.If a child of less than 6 months old has a fever.

2.If a fever of more than 39 Degree Celsius cannot be brought down by paracetamol and sponging.

3.If fever lasts for more than 5 days.

4.If there is associated stiff neck and vomiting

5.If there is drowsiness or loss of consciousness

Once the cause of the fever is found and eliminated, the body temperature will reduce spontaneously back to normal.