Page 14 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

12 COMMON CONDITIONS

GENERAL SYMPTOMS

Fever

In a fever, your body temperature is raised persistently above the
WARNING
normal level of 98.6°F (37°C). A fever is one way in which the body
responds to infection, so it is likely to result from a viral illness Get medical help immediately if:
such as the flu, or a throat, chest, or bladder infection. It can also ● Temperature is over 103°F (39.4°C)
● You have a headache, sensitivity
be due to other diseases, heatstroke, sunburn, or reactions to
to light, stiff neck, and/or a rash
drugs. At first you feel warm; if your temperature continues to ● You are drowsy or confused
rise, you feel chilled and may shiver, then as it drops you feel hot ● You have difficulty breathing
and flushed. You may become dehydrated if a fever persists.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Arrange to see your doctor promptly if you
feel weak and very ill, and/or if you have a Analgesics such as acetaminophen (see p.177)
specific symptom with a fever, such as an and ibuprofen (see p.185) will reduce fever and help
earache, a rash, or a cough with phlegm. to relieve headache and muscle aches. Start taking
an analgesic as soon as you begin to feel feverish.

What you can do yourself
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Use the following measures in conjunction with
any treatment from your doctor.
Checking your
● Rest; you don’t have to stay in bed, but don’t temperature Use a digital
overexert yourself. Don’t go to work. thermometer placed in your mouth
or armpit, or an aural thermometer,
● Take an analgesic (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
the tip of which is inserted in the
● Drink at least 8 glasses of water or diluted fruit ear. Forehead temperature strips
juice to help prevent dehydration. Try to have are not reliable.
1 glass of fluid an hour. Avoid caffeinated drinks.
Try soups and broths if you feel unable to eat. Using a digital thermometer
Hold in place until it beeps, then
● Keep cool, but avoid getting cold. Wear light, read the temperature display.
loose clothes. In hot weather, use an electric fan.
● To check your temperature, use a digital
thermometer (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, right).
Seek further medical advice
● If you are shivering, don’t try to warm yourself.
Instead, cover yourself up with a sheet or with Arrange to see your doctor if:
a light blanket.
● Your temperature keeps rising despite
● If you feel hot and sweaty, sponge your face attempts to bring it down
with lukewarm water. ● The fever has not subsided within 2 days
and/or you have developed other symptoms