FEVER

     Fever or  Pyrexia

Fever OR  pyrexia  is when a 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).


 HIGH FEVER



           An elevated body temperature (fever) is one 
of the ways our immune system attempts to 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. 

signs and symptoms of fever

A symptom is something the patient reports and feels, while a sign is something 
other people, including a doctor may detect. For example, a headache may be 
a symptom while a rash may be a sign. 

When somebody has a fever, signs and symptoms 
are linked to what is known as sickness behavior, 
and may include:-

• Feeling cold when nobody else does
• Shivering
• Anorexia - lack of appetite
• Dehydration - preventable if the patient drinks plenty of fluids
• Depression
• Hyperalgesia - the individual is much more sensitive to pain
• Lethargy
• Problems concentrating
• Sleepiness
• Sweating

Treatment for fever

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Tylenol (paracetamol) 

or ibuprofen can help bring a fever down. However, a mild fever may be helping

 combat the source of the infection (bacterium/virus) - it may not be ideal to 

bring it down. 

If the fever has been caused by a bacterial infection the doctor may prescribe 

an antibiotic. 

If a fever has been caused by a cold, which is caused by a viral infection, 

NSAID's may be used to relieve uncomfortable symptoms. Antibiotics have 

no effect against viruses, but may sometimes be prescribed to prevent 

secondary infections. 

Fluid intake - the patient with a fever should consume plenty of fluids (liquids) 

to prevent dehydration. 

Heat stroke - NSAIDs will not be effective if the person's fever was caused by 

hot weather or sustained strenuous exercise. The patient needs to be cooled. 

If they are confused or unconscious they should be treated by a doctor 

straight away.