Fever: All Questions Answered
Did you know that a fever is your body’s natural defense against infections? Yes. In most cases, fever occurs on its own as a way of clearing infection and therefore doesn’t need any medical treatment. However, when the temperature increases to 100.4 F or 38 degrees Celsius, then you may need to be examined by a doctor.
What is A Fever?
A fever is an increase in body temperatures as a result of an infection or abnormal occurrence in the body.
The normal human body temperature ranges between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius or 98.6 F. Usually, the body temperature will fluctuate during the day. For instance, the temperatures are lower in the evening and higher in the afternoon. However, when there is an abnormal situation happening in your bodies such as inflammation or infection, the temperatures can increase to 100.4 F, which is classified as fever.
A typical fever should clear on its own without medication within a few days. However, when the temperature is higher than 38 degrees Celsius you may need to seek urgent care near you.
What Method is Best for Checking Body Temperature?
We all know we need a thermometer to measure body temperature, but what’s most important is where and when the thermometer is used. There are three ways you can measure your body temperature: through the mouth, ear, and rectum.
- The mouth thermometer is what is mostly used at home, although it’s not as effective for children as you need to have the mouth closed for correct reading, something that is hard for them to do. Avoid eating hot foods and drinks 15 minutes before taking the temperature as they alter the results.
- The ear temperature is commonly used by doctors, but you can still get the ear thermometer at home. The ear temperature reading is more accurate than the mouth one.
- A rectal temperature reading is the most accurate and ideal for children who are six months and younger. Ensure you get two different thermometers for the rectum and mouth to avoid any mishaps in the future.
Always clean the thermometers with alcohol after use to eliminate bacteria.
How Can You Tell Its Fever and Not Body Temperature Fluctuations?
As aforementioned the body temperatures will change throughout the day. However, in general, when your body temperature rises to 30 degrees Celsius or 100.4 F, you may have a fever.
Apart from a high temperature, you will have the following symptoms too:
- Headaches
- Chills
- Aching muscles
- Sore eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Body weakness
- Swollen lymph nodes
Children may also develop lethargy, irritability, paleness, flushed skin, refusal to breastfeed or eat, and difficulty swallowing.
What Causes Fever?
According to researchers, fever is a natural body response to infection. However, other causes can lead to an increase in body temperatures such as a virus, heat exhaustion, bacterial infections, inflammatory diseases, and some medications.
When to See a Doctor?
A fever is not a cause of alarm, but some circumstances need urgent treatment. Visit our Alamo City urgent care when the temperature is 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for adults and 102 degrees Fahrenheit for children. Also, visit an ER near you if the high temperatures are accompanied by severe headache, mental confusion, persistent vomiting, seizures, convulsions, stiff neck, and chest pain.
How to Reduce the Effects of Fever?
Unless the fever is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, it can be managed at home, and here are a few tips:
- Stay hydrated to replenish body fluids and prevent dehydration.
- Take fever-reducing medications such as ibuprofen
- Rest until the fever clears up as activities tend to increase temperatures
- Stay away from cold water. Yes, it may be tempting to get a cold shower, but this will only increase the body temperature further. Instead, sponge bathe with warm water
Since fever is a natural body occurrence, it doesn’t require treatment, However, don’t hesitate to come to Alamo City Urgent Care when the fever worsens or is accompanied by other severe symptoms.