Christian L.

Magpantay
BSED III MAPEH

What is a fever?

The definition of fever is an elevation in body temperature or a high body temperature.

Technically, any body temperature above the normal oral measurement of 98.6 degrees
Fahrenheit (37 Celsius) or the normal rectal temperature of 99 F (37.2 C) is considered
elevated. However, these are averages, and one's normal body temperature may
actually be 1 F (0.6 C) or more above or below the average of 98.6 F. Body temperature
can also vary up to 1 F (0.6 C) throughout the day.

Fever is not considered medically significant until body temperature is above 100.4 F
(38 C), which is the temperature considered to be a fever by medical professionals.
Anything above normal but below 100.4 F (38 C) is considered a low-grade fever. Fever
serves as one of the body's natural infection-fighting defenses against bacteria and
viruses that cannot live at a higher temperature. For that reason, low-grade fevers
should normally go untreated, unless accompanied by troubling symptoms or signs.

Also, the body's defense mechanisms seem to work more efficiently at a higher
temperature. Fever is just one part of an illness, many times no more important than the
presence of other symptoms such as cough, sore throat, sinus congestion, fatigue, joint
pains or aches, chills, nausea, etc.

Fevers of 104 F (40 C) or higher may be dangerous and demand immediate home
treatment and prompt medical attention, as they can result in delirium and convulsions,
particularly in infants, children, and the elderly.

Fever should not be confused with hyperthermia, which is a defect in your body's
response to heat (thermoregulation), which can also raise the body temperature. This is
usually caused by external sources such as being in a hot environment. Heat
exhaustion and heat stroke are forms of hyperthermia. Other causes of hyperthermia
can include side effects of certain medications or medical conditions.

Fever should also not be confused with hot flashes or night sweats due to hormonal
changes during perimenopause (the time period around menopause). Hot flashes and
night sweats cause a sudden and intense feeling of heat, and may be accompanied by
flushing (skin redness and tingly feeling) and sweating, but are not the same thing as a
fever.

What are the signs and symptoms of a fever?

A fever can cause a person to feel very uncomfortable. Signs and symptoms of a fever
include the following:

 Temperature greater than 100.4 F (38 C) in adults and children

 Shivering, shaking, and chills
 Aching muscles and joints or other body aches
 Headache
 Intermittent sweats or excessive sweating
 Rapid heart rate and/or palpitations
 Skin flushing or hot skin
 Feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded
 Eye pain or sore eyes
 Weakness
 Loss of appetite
 Fussiness (in children and toddlers)
 Also important to note in children are symptoms that can accompany an
infection, including sore throat, cough, earache, vomiting, and diarrhea
 With very high temperatures (>104 F/40 C), convulsions, hallucinations,
or confusion is possible. Always seek medical attention for a high fever or if these
symptoms occur.
How should someone take a temperature for fever?

Always use a digital thermometer to check someone's temperature. Various types are
available:

 Rectal thermometers are used in the rectum.

 Oral thermometers are used in the mouth.
 Temporal artery thermometers use an infrared scanner to measure the temperature
of the temporal artery in the forehead.
 Armpit (axillary) and ear (tympanic membrane) thermometers. These thermometers
are less accurate.

The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend use of mercury

thermometers (glass), and they encourage parents to remove mercury
thermometers from their households to prevent accidental exposure to this toxin.

No matter which type of thermometer you use, take these precautions when using it:

 Read the instructions that came with the thermometer.

 Clean it before and after each use with rubbing alcohol or soap and lukewarm water.
 Don't use the same thermometer for both oral and rectal temperatures. Get two and
label which is used where.
 Never leave a child unattended while taking his or her temperature.

What is the treatment for a fever?

Generally, if the fever does not cause discomfort, the fever itself need not be treated. It
is not necessary to awaken an adult or child to treat a fever unless instructed to do so
by a doctor.

The following over-the-counter fever-reducing medications may be used at home:

 Acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) can be used to lower a fever. The

recommended pediatric dose can be suggested by the child's pediatrician. Adults
 without liver disease or other health problems can take 1,000 mg (two "extra-
strength" tablets) every six hours or as directed by a physician. The makers of
Tylenol state the maximum recommended dose of acetaminophen per day is
3,000 mg, or six extra-strength tablets per 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor.
Regular-strength Tylenol tablets are 325 mg; the recommended dosage for these
is two tablets every four to six hours, not to exceed 10 tablets per 24 hours. If
your fever is accompanied by vomiting and you are unable to keep oral
medications down, ask a pharmacist for acetaminophen suppositories, which are
available without a prescription.
 Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) can also be used to break a fever in patients over 6
months of age. Discuss the best dose with a doctor. For adults, generally 400 mg
to 600 mg (two to three 200 mg tablets) can be used every six hours as fever
reducers.
 Naproxen (Aleve) is another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that
can temporarily reduce fever. The adult dose is two tablets every 12 hours.
 Aspirin should not be used for fever in children or adolescents. Aspirin use in
children and adolescents during a viral illness
(especially chickenpox and influenza, or flu) has been associated with Reye's
syndrome. Reye's syndrome is a dangerous illness that causes prolonged
vomiting, confusion, and even coma and liver failure.

What are home remedies for a fever?

An individual with a fever should be kept comfortable and not overdressed.

Overdressing can cause the temperature to rise further. Tepid water (85 F [30 C]) baths
or sponge baths are a home remedy that may help bring down a fever. Never immerse
a person with a fever in ice water. This is a common misconception. Never sponge a
child or an adult with alcohol; the alcohol fumes may be inhaled, causing many
problems.

Other home remedies for fever include staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water and
fluids, and avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages, which can contribute to dehydration.
Popsicles can also be cooling and provide fluids while also soothing a sore throat if that
is present.

A fan to circulate air or an open window may be helpful, as well as applying a cool damp
washcloth to the forehead. If you are caring for a child, make sure the child does not
feel too cold.

Treating fever in a child

Children with relatively high fevers may not look or act particularly sick. Treating a fever
depends on the degree of discomfort. If your child is uncomfortable or restless, these
home care strategies may help:

 Encourage your child to drink fluids

 Dress your child in lightweight clothing.
 Use a light blanket if your child feels chilled, until the chills end.

Pain relievers also may help, but note these precautions:

 Don't give aspirin to anyone age 18 or younger.

 Don't give an infant any type of pain reliever until after you've contacted a medical
provider or your child has been evaluated.
 Children under 6 months may be given acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) as directed
on the label.
 Children ages 6 months and older may be given acetaminophen or ibuprofen (Advil,
Children's Motrin, others). Follow the directions on the label.
 Don't give ibuprofen to children under 6 months.
 Don't give acetaminophen to infants under 6 weeks.
Treating fever in an adult

Adults with fevers of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher will generally look and act sick. The main
goal of treatment is to relieve discomfort and help you get rest.

To treat a fever at home:

 Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

 Dress in lightweight clothing.
 Use a light blanket if you feel chilled, until the chills end.
 Take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others). Follow
the directions on the label.

Is it possible to prevent a fever?

Prevention of fever is possible only to the extent that the specific cause of the fever can
be prevented. Most fevers are caused by infection. Avoiding sources of infection and
maintaining good hygiene practices are the best way to prevent a fever.

Some ways to prevent the spread of infection include the following:

 Proper hygiene: Wash hands frequently.

 Avoid contact with sick people.
 Make sure immunizations are up to date.