FEVER!
Ina fever, your body temperature is raised persistently above the normal level of 37°C (98.6°F). A fever is one way in which the body responds to infetions, so it is most likely to result from a viral illness such as flu, or a throat, chest, or urinary infection. It can also be due to another diseases, to heatstroke, sunburn, or reactions to drugs. At first you feel warm; if your temperature goes on rising, you feel chilled and shivery, then as it drops you feel hot rising, you feel chilled and shivery, then as it drops you feel hot and flushed. You may become dehydrated if the fever persists.
What you can do yourself
- Rest; you don’t have to stay in bed but don’t overexert yourself. Don’t go to work.
- Take a painkiller (see DRUG REMEDIES)
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water or weak fruit juice to help prevent dehydration. Aim 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 cloths. In hot weather, use electric fan.
- To check your temperature, use a digital thermometer (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES)
- If you are feeling shivery, don’t try to warm yourself. Instead, cover yourself with a sheet or a light blanket.
- If you feel hot and sweaty, sponge your face with lukewarm water.
DRUG REMEDIES
Painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen will reduce fever and help to relieve headache and muscle aches. Start taking a painkiller as soon as you begin to feel feverish.
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES
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.
