FEVER
What is Fever?
Fever, or pyrexia or controlled hyperthermia is when the human's body temperature goes above the normal range of 36-37C (98-100F) - it is a common medical sign. As the individual's body temperature goes up, there may be a sensation of cold until the temperature plateaus (stops rising).An elevated body temperature (fever) is one of the ways our immune system attempts combat an infection. Usually the rise in body temperature helps the individual resolve an infection. However, sometimes it may rise too high, in which case the fever can be serious and lead to complications.
Doctors say that as long as the fever is mild, we do not generally need to try and bring it down - if the fever is not severe it is probably having an effect in neutralizing a the bacterium or virus that is causing the infection. Medications to bring down a fever are called antipyretics. If the fever is causing undue discomfort, an antipyretic may be recommended. US and UK doctors say that when the fever reaches or exceeds 39.4C it is no longer mild.
What are the causes of fever?
· An infection - such as strep throat, flu, chickenpox or pneumonia
· Rheumatoid arthritis
· Some medications
· Over-exposure of skin to sunlight (sunburn)
· Heat stroke - may be caused either by exposure to high temperatures (nonexertional heat stroke) or prolonged strenuous exercise.
· Silicosis - a type of lung disease caused by long-term exposure to silica dust.
· Amphetamine abuse
· Alcohol withdrawal
How to prevent fever?
Hygiene - fevers are commonly caused by bacterial/viral infections. Good hygiene practices help reduces the risk of developing an infection. This includes handwashing before and after meals, and after going to the toilet.A person with fever caused by an infection should have as little contact as possible with other people, to prevent the infection from spreading. Whoever is caring for the patient should regularly wash their hands with warm soap and water.
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