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All You Need To Know About First Aid For Fever!

By socialpanga +2 more

Fever is not a medical condition by itself; rather, it is a symptom of an underlying condition, often due to infections. Fever is generally accompanied by weakness, malaise and the general feeling of discomfort. It gets better with treatment, depending on the age, susceptibility and underlying cause. The average body temperature ranges between 97 F (36.1 C) and 99 F (37.2 C). A fever of more than 100 F in children needs urgent care. Fevers are not always dangerous but should never be ignored in certain conditions like heat stroke. The body is unable to control the rise in temperature, which may lead to hyperthermia, which requires immediate medical intervention, therefore, do not self-diagnose or take medications without proper consultation.

Causes of Fever Include:

  • Infection- viral, fungal or bacterial
  • Severe allergic reaction  
  • Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
  • Cancers

Look for These Signs During Fever:

  • Temperature above 37 0C or 98.6 F as measured on a thermometer
  • Shivering, chills and pale skin followed by a hot, flushed face
  • A headache and pain in different body parts
  • Sweating

Also Read: How to Reduce Fever in Adults: Research-Based Remedies

Fever First Aid

What Do You Need to Do?

  • Make the person comfortable. Place a light sheet or a duvet over them.
  • During high-grade fever, water sponging is helpful (do not use very cold water).
  • Give plenty of fluids.
  • Give the recommended dose of paracetamol after consulting with the doctor. Avoid giving aspirin to anyone without a doctor’s advice.
  • Check for pulse and breathing to look for signs of improvement.
  • Keep a record of temperature and associated symptoms.

For fever in children, seek medical care when babies from 3 months to 24 months have a temperature above 100 F and present with lethargy, dizziness or irritability.

Also read: Allergies or Cold? Understanding if Allergies Can Cause a Sore Throat

When to Seek Emergency Care?

Emergency care is advised when a patient shows fever with symptoms like:

  • Fever temperature over 100.4F (38 °C) in infants under 3 months  
  • Fever temperature over 102F (38.9 °C) in children between 3-6 months, for those between 6 months and a few years they need medical attention if the same temperature occurs for more than a day
  • A fever temperature over 103F (39.4 °C) is considered a high fever in adults. Contact your doctor immediately and ask for advice.  
  • A severe headache
  • No sweating
  • Seizures
  • Stiff neck, swelling in the neck.
  • Diarrhoea and vomiting
  • Confusion, delirium or any other unusual symptom
  • Skin issues like rashes or redness
  • Breathing difficulties or chest pain
  • Loss of balance, difficulty walking  
  • Hallucinations

Fever is a symptom of an underlying condition that requires diagnosis and management by a doctor. Do not self-medicate, as fever-lowering medicines can provide symptomatic relief but will not address the underlying cause, e.g., an infection or an autoimmune disorder.  

Also Read: Home Remedies for Viral Fever

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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