Fever - Home Doctor & Self Therapy

In a fever, your body temperature is raised persistently above the normal level of 98.6°F (37°C). A fever is one way in which the body responds to infection, so it is likely to result from a viral illness such as the flu, or a throat, chest, or bladder infection. It can also be due to other diseases, heatstroke, sunburn, or reactions to drugs. At first you feel warm; if your temperature continues to rise, you feel chilled and may shiver, then as it drops you feel hot and flushed. You may become dehydrated if a fever persists.

See your doctor first

Arrange to see your doctor promptly if you feel weak and very ill, and/or if you have a specific symptom with a fever, such as an earache, a rash, or a cough with phlegm.

What you can do yourself

Use the following measures in conjunction with any treatment from your doctor.
● Rest; you don’t have to stay in bed, but don’t overexert yourself. Don’t go to work.
● Take an analgesic (see DRUG REMEDIES, below).
● Drink at least 8 glasses of water or diluted fruit juice to help prevent dehydration. Try to have 1 glass of fluid an hour. Avoid caffeinated drinks. Try soups and broths if you feel unable to eat.
● Keep cool, but avoid getting cold. Wear light, loose clothes. In hot weather, use an electric fan.
● To check your temperature, use a digital thermometer (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, below).
● If you are shivering, don’t try to warm yourself. Instead, cover yourself up with a sheet or with a light blanket.
● If you feel hot and sweaty, sponge your face with lukewarm water.

WARNING

Get medical help immediately if:

● Temperature is over 103°F (39.4°C)

● You have a headache, sensitivity to light, stiff neck, and/or a rash

● You are drowsy or confused

● You have difficulty breathing

DRUG REMEDIES

Analgesics such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen will reduce fever and help to  relieve headache and muscle aches. Start taking an analgesic as soon as you begin to feel feverish.

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE

Checking your temperature Use a digital thermometer placed in your mouth or armpit, or an aural thermometer, the tip of which is inserted in the ear. Forehead temperature strips are not reliable.

Using a digital thermometer: Hold in place until it beeps, then read the temperature display.

Seek further medical advice

Arrange to see your doctor if:
● Your temperature keeps rising despite attempts to bring it down
● The fever has not subsided within 2 days and/or you have developed other symptoms.