Dos and Don’ts When You Have Fever

This essay deals with steps you need to take when you, someone you know, or your family member, including your child, has a fever.

Before we discuss it in detail, lets discuss fever facts in short.

Fever is our body’s defense mechanism, which starts working as soon as any kind of infection attacks our body.

Fever is a positive sign. It tells us that our body is working against the enemy’s (infections, bacteria, etc.) attack, and nothing as such is wrong with the body.

Average body temperature is 37°C or 98.6°F, but it can vary depending upon the individual, time of the day, physical condition, and so on.

Even in children, some variation in body temperature during the day is considered normal. Unless fever is persistent and high, should we visit the doctor? Otherwise, if we are getting normal fever without significant symptoms, drinking a lot of fluid and resting is enough.

Self-medication is a strict NO-NO.

Let us come to the core issue—some things to keep in mind when we are trying to lower body temperature.

• If you are experiencing chills, do not bundle up yourself.
• The room temperature should be standard.
• Clothing should be light, and the environment should be normal and comfortable.
• Avoid blankets. One single blanket and comfortable cotton clothing are ideal.
• The fan can be switched on.
• A slightly warm or sponge bath is likely to help you cool if you have a fever. It is effective after medication. Without it is quite possible that the temperature bounces right back.
• Cold baths may cool the skin, but it can cause shivering, which may result in a sudden rise in the body’s temperature.

Heat Stroke

If you or someone you know is complaining of heatstroke, just take this to a cooler and more comfortable environment.

1- Sponge her/him with lukewarm water.

2- Place ice packs in armpits, in the groin, and behind the neck.

3- Give fluids if the person is awake and conscious.

4- Contact physician, Self-medication may be harmful, do avoid it. “I repeat no taking a chance with self-medication.”

Some advice about taking medicines to reduce fever is:

Aspirin may be effective during fever in adults but never give aspirin to children unless your doctor has prescribed it.

Medicines to bring fever in control come in different concentrations; therefore, it is always better to check the instructions before using it.

We should avoid using medicine to reduce fever in children below three months of age without contacting a health care provider.

When you visit the doctor, answer all his questions with an alert mind.

If you have taken the child, don’t be worried and give wrong information, as your mind may not be working.

Think. You are already in the doctor’s care. So take it easy. Relax and answer her/his queries as correctly as possible so that your doctor can make the right decisions.