Fever refers to a temporary rise in body temperature, which is higher than normal. It indicates your body is fighting naturally against infection. Usually, 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) is a normal body temperature. For a child or adult, a body temperature higher than 100.4°F is a fever. Through a fever profile test in Noida or your locality, you can know whether it is a common fever or something serious.
Fever symptoms
Body temperatures differ from one person to another at different times in the day. However, a temperature higher than 100.4° F is a fever. And when it occurs, it shows many visible symptoms in children and adults. Here are common symptoms of a fever:
- Sweating
- Headaches or body aches
- Chills, shaking or shivering
- Dehydration
- Irritability
- Hot skin or flushed complexion
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
- General weakness
How to measure body temperature to know if it is a fever
When you notice fever symptoms in you, your kids, or close ones, you should measure your body temperature to confirm it is a fever. For measuring body temperature, you can select any type of thermometer like oral, ear, rectal, or forehead.
In general, rectal and oral thermometers produce highly accurate body temperatures. On the other hand, ear and forehead thermometers produce less accurate temperatures even being convenient for taking body temperatures. For infants, temperatures measured using rectal thermometers are highly accurate. While producing body temperatures for your healthcare service provider, you should mention the thermometer type with the reading.
What causes you to have a fever?
A fever occurs due to several reasons and can be a sign of any illness. Here are some common causes of fever:
- Colds or flu
- A viral or bacterial infection
- Earaches
- Heat exhaustion
- Bronchitis
- Particular inflammatory conditions such as inflammation lining of joints
- Strep throat
- A cancerous tumour
- Urinary tract infections
- Mononucleosis
Suggest to Check:- Full Body Checkup in Ghaziabad
When should you see a doctor?
You should consult a doctor if a fever:
- Causes irritability, confusion, or neck stiff
- Lasts for more than 2 days and body temperature remains above 103° F (39.5° C) constantly for more than 2 days after home treatment
- Leads you or your kid to have a rash
- Causes dehydration or photophobia (light irritation)
Prevention or how to stay safe from fever
A common fever can happen to you at any time in your life. However, you can reduce its occurrence by lowering your exposure to infection. Here are some steps that you should follow:
- Take vaccines for infectious diseases like Covid-19, influenza, and malaria
- Always wash your hands after touching anything inside or outside your home and encourage your kids to do the same
- Never forget to wash your hands before taking your meal, after coming out of the crowded area, and after using a toilet
- Carry a hand sanitizer to use where you have no water and soap to wash your hands
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands. Otherwise, you can call viral or bacterial infection
- Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or hands whenever you sneeze or cough or turn away from others to sneeze or cough into your elbow
- As far as possible, avoid sharing your water bottles and utensils with unknown or infected persons
Conclusion
A fever is a common health problem. It shows a rise in body temperature when it occurs. Having an idea about symptoms, causes, temperature measurements, and preventive tips can help you lower your fever risks and stay healthy.
