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When to go to the doctor for a fever. When to See a Doctor for a Fever: Essential Guidelines and Warning Signs

What temperature is considered a fever. When should you seek medical attention for a fever. How can you treat a low-grade fever at home. What are the emergency symptoms associated with a fever that require immediate care.

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Understanding Fever: What It Means for Your Body

Fever is a common symptom that occurs when the body’s internal temperature rises above its normal range. For most adults, a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) is considered a fever. While fevers can be concerning, they are often the body’s natural defense mechanism against infections.

Dr. Sarah Joseph, an internal medicine and pediatrics specialist, explains, “Your body’s immune system creates a fever to fight off infection.” This elevated temperature can help inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms and enhance the body’s immune response.

What is a Low-Grade Fever?

A low-grade fever is typically defined as a body temperature between 100.4°F (38°C) and 102.2°F (39°C). In many cases, low-grade fevers do not require medical intervention or medication. However, it’s essential to monitor other symptoms and the duration of the fever.

When Should You Contact Your Doctor About a Fever?

While most fevers are not cause for alarm, certain circumstances warrant medical attention. Here are some situations when you should contact your healthcare provider:

  • The fever persists for more than 48 hours
  • A baby under 3 months old has a temperature over 100.3°F (37.9°C)
  • You experience vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 12 hours or containing blood
  • You have a cough producing yellow, green, tan, or bloody mucus
  • The fever comes and goes, accompanied by night sweats and swollen lymph nodes
  • Low-grade fevers recur for a week or more
  • You have a mild fever with a sore throat and fatigue
  • A sore throat and headache persist for more than 48 hours
  • You experience an earache
  • The fever occurs after starting a new medication
  • Your temperature remains above 103°F (39.4°C) despite medication and cooling measures

Emergency Situations: When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

In some cases, a fever may be accompanied by severe symptoms that require urgent medical attention. Seek emergency care if you experience any of the following with a fever:

  • Severe headache
  • Mental confusion
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Neck pain and stiffness when looking down
  • Seizures
  • Severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
  • Pain or burning during urination, possibly with stomach or back pain
  • Unusual sensitivity to light
  • A strange skin rash, especially if it worsens or spreads

Managing Fevers at Home: Effective Strategies

For low-grade fevers or mild cases, there are several ways to manage symptoms at home:

  1. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
  2. Rest and avoid overexertion
  3. Wear minimal clothing to help cool the body
  4. Take a lukewarm or cool bath
  5. Apply cool compresses to the forehead and under the arms
  6. Use over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed

Dr. Joseph advises, “If the temperature is not high, it doesn’t necessarily need to be treated with medication.” However, if you’re unsure about whether to treat a fever or if symptoms worsen, consult your healthcare provider.

Children and Fevers: Special Considerations

Fevers in children can be particularly concerning for parents. While high temperatures in kids are common, it’s essential to pay attention to your child’s behavior and other symptoms. Dr. Joseph emphasizes, “Paying attention to your child’s behavior is far more important than the number on the thermometer, with the exception of infants under 3 months old.”

When to Worry About Your Child’s Fever

Contact your pediatrician if:

  • Your child is under 3 months old and has any fever
  • The fever lasts more than three days
  • Your child appears listless or uncomfortable, even after receiving fever-reducing medication
  • Your child is unable to keep food down
  • Your child complains of a severe headache or stomachache

Fever in the Age of COVID-19: Additional Precautions

In the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, fever takes on added significance as a potential symptom of the virus. Dr. Joseph advises, “In the age of COVID-19, one of the things people should keep in mind is that if they are having any kind of fever that is persisting, they should probably go get tested.”

If you’re experiencing a fever along with other symptoms associated with COVID-19, such as cough, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell, it’s crucial to get tested and follow local health guidelines for isolation and treatment.

Debunking Fever Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

There are many misconceptions about fever that can lead to unnecessary worry or inappropriate treatment. Let’s address some common myths:

Myth: Fever is an illness itself

Fact: Fever is a symptom, not an illness. It’s your body’s natural response to fighting off infections.

Myth: All fevers are dangerous and need to be treated immediately

Fact: Most fevers are beneficial and help the body fight infection. Low-grade fevers often don’t require treatment unless they cause discomfort.

Myth: The higher the fever, the more serious the illness

Fact: The severity of a fever doesn’t necessarily correlate with the seriousness of the underlying condition. A mild illness can cause a high fever, while a severe infection might cause only a slight temperature elevation.

Myth: Fever causes brain damage

Fact: Typical fevers (under 104°F or 40°C) do not cause brain damage. Only extremely high fevers, usually resulting from heat stroke or certain medical conditions, pose this risk.

The Role of Fever in Different Medical Conditions

While fever is often associated with common infections like colds and flu, it can also be a symptom of various other medical conditions. Understanding the context of a fever can help determine its significance and the appropriate course of action.

Infectious Diseases

Many infectious diseases, both viral and bacterial, can cause fever. These include:

  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Pneumonia
  • Meningitis
  • Malaria

In these cases, the fever is typically accompanied by other symptoms specific to the infection. Treatment may involve addressing the underlying cause with antibiotics (for bacterial infections) or supportive care for viral illnesses.

Autoimmune Disorders

Some autoimmune conditions can cause recurrent or persistent low-grade fevers. Examples include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Lupus
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

In these cases, fever management often involves treating the underlying condition to reduce overall inflammation in the body.

Cancer

Certain types of cancer, particularly blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, can cause fever. This may be due to the cancer itself or as a result of the body’s immune response to the disease. Fever can also be a side effect of some cancer treatments.

Medication-Related Fever

Sometimes, fever can be a side effect of certain medications. This is known as a “drug fever” and typically resolves when the medication is discontinued. Always consult with your healthcare provider before stopping any prescribed medication.

Measuring Fever: Choosing the Right Thermometer

Accurate temperature measurement is crucial for monitoring fever. There are several types of thermometers available, each with its own advantages:

Digital Thermometers

These are the most common and versatile. They can be used for oral, rectal, or axillary (armpit) readings. Digital thermometers are quick, easy to use, and suitable for all ages.

Tympanic (Ear) Thermometers

These measure temperature by detecting infrared heat waves from the eardrum. They’re quick and comfortable but may be less accurate if not used correctly.

Temporal Artery Thermometers

These scan the forehead to measure the temperature of the temporal artery. They’re non-invasive and good for all ages, but can be affected by external factors like sweating.

Which Method is Most Accurate?

Rectal temperatures are considered the most accurate, especially for infants. However, for older children and adults, oral temperatures using a digital thermometer are generally reliable and more convenient.

Remember, normal body temperature can vary slightly depending on the measurement method. Always follow the instructions provided with your thermometer for the most accurate results.

Fever Prevention: Boosting Your Immune System

While it’s not always possible to prevent fever, especially when it’s a symptom of an underlying infection, there are steps you can take to support your immune system and reduce your risk of illness:

  1. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
  3. Get regular exercise to boost overall health and immunity
  4. Ensure you get adequate sleep each night
  5. Manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices
  6. Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing
  7. Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations
  8. Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can help strengthen your body’s natural defenses against infections that may lead to fever.

The Future of Fever Management: Emerging Technologies

As medical technology advances, new methods for monitoring and managing fever are emerging. These innovations aim to provide more accurate, convenient, and continuous temperature monitoring:

Wearable Temperature Sensors

Several companies are developing wearable devices that can continuously monitor body temperature. These could be particularly useful for tracking fever patterns over time or for monitoring high-risk individuals.

Smart Thermometers

These devices connect to smartphone apps, allowing users to track temperature readings over time, set reminders for medication, and even share data with healthcare providers.

Non-Contact Infrared Thermometers

While not new, these devices have gained popularity due to their ability to measure temperature without physical contact, making them ideal for screening in public spaces.

Fever-Reducing Patches

Research is ongoing into developing patches that can not only monitor temperature but also actively cool the body when a fever is detected.

While these technologies show promise, it’s important to remember that they should complement, not replace, professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of fever and its underlying causes.

This Is When to See a Doctor for Your Fever

Fevers are not always serious. Typically, they’re just your body’s way of fighting off an infection. If you’re concerned about a fever or wondering what temperature is too high, these tips will help you. While there is no specific reading that is going to send you to the hospital in most cases, there are several things to take into consideration.

​Illustration by JR Bee, Verywell

When Can a Doctor Help?

You should contact your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms along with fever:

  • The fever lasts for more than 48 hours
  • A baby under 3 months old with any temperature over 100.3 F
  • Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 12 hours or is bloody
  • A cough that produces yellow, green, tan, or bloody mucus
  • The fevers come and go and you have night sweats and swollen lymph nodes
  • The fevers come and go for a week or more, even if they are low-grade
  • A mild fever comes and goes along with a sore throat and tiredness
  • A sore throat and headache for more than 48 hours
  • An earache
  • When you have recently started taking a new medicine and have no other symptoms
  • When your temperature remains above 103 degrees despite medication and other cool-down measures such as taking a cool bath, cool compresses on your head and under your arms or drinking cool drinks

When a Fever Is an Emergency

Seek medical treatment immediately if any of the following occur with fever:

  • A severe headache
  • Exposure to high temperatures outside and you can’t get your temperature down after attempting cool-down measures
  • Mental confusion
  • A strange skin rash, particularly if it starts to get worse and/or spread
  • Breathing difficulties or chest pain
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Pain and stiffness in your neck when you look down
  • Seizures
  • Severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting
  • Pain or burning when urinating possibly accompanied by stomach or back pain
  • Having unusual sensitivity to light

Fevers Aren’t Harmful in Themselves

Although people worry about fever, it’s only a symptom of an illness, not an illness itself. 

A fever is the body’s way of fighting off an infection and is almost never harmful.

Most of the reasons listed above for seeking medical attention are so you can be evaluated and treated if the cause of the fever is something serious. If you’re unsure if your fever requires medical intervention, try this symptom checker for fever to help you decide.

Children and Fevers

Kids frequently have high fevers and although it may be concerning as a parent, paying attention to your child’s behavior is far more important than the number on the thermometer (with the exception of infants under 3 months old, as stated above).

If your child feels better and plays after you give her a fever-reducing medicine, you probably don’t need to worry. However, if your child doesn’t have any energy, can’t keep food down, has a bad headache or stomachache, or has the fever for more than three days, be sure to call your doctor.

What’s considered a fever and when to see a doctor

Humans – like all mammals – are warm-blooded, meaning our bodies stay warm, or at a fairly consistent temperature, even when the temperature of our surroundings change.

For most of us, our bodies tend to hover between 97 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit. But in certain circumstances, our body temperate rises, resulting in a fever.

“Your body’s immune system creates a fever to fight off infection,” said Sarah Joseph, MD. As an internal medicine and pediatrics specialist, Dr. Joseph treats children and adults of all ages for a wide range of illnesses.

Low-grade fever

The medical community generally defines a fever as a body temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. A body temp between 100.4 and 102.2 degree is usually considered a low-grade fever.

“If the temperature is not high, it doesn’t necessarily need to be treated with medication,” Dr. Joseph said.

A low-grade fever usually doesn’t require treatment, unless the fever is occurring in a very young infant, or if it’s accompanied by other worrisome symptoms, such as confusion or the inability to eat or drink without vomiting.

To bring down a fever without medication, Dr. Joseph suggests wearing minimal clothing or bathing in lukewarm or cool water. You should also be sure to drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated.

And keep in mind that even a mild fever could be a sign of a contagious illness. Washing your hands and covering your cough are always good practices.

“In the age of COVID-19, one of the things people should keep in mind is that if they are having any kind of fever that is persisting, they should probably go get tested,” Dr. Joseph said.

Not sure whether you need a test or where to get tested? Use our digital assistant, Clare, located in the lower right corner of the OSF HealthCare website.

High fever

When body temperature rises above 102. 2 degrees, it can be a sign of a more serious infection.

Most fevers will resolve in a few days, but Dr. Joseph says some circumstances could be reason to see a provider, either in a primary care office or urgent care clinic.

Consider seeing a doctor if:

  • Fever lasts longer than three to five days
  • Fever doesn’t respond to fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (Tylenol or Advil)
  • Other symptoms include confusion, neck stiffness or sensitivity to light

“Another reason to seek medical attention is if you don’t feel right about how things are going,” Dr. Joseph said.

Rarely, a fever could be a sign of a medical emergency.

Call 911 or go directly to an emergency room if you have a fever and any of the following symptoms:

  • Seizures
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Pain or burning with urination
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain
  • Difficulty holding down fluids
  • Severe headache

When to Worry, When to Relax – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Fevers can be a very scary thing for parents, especially for first-time moms and dads. (How high is too high? Should I call the doctor immediately?)

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

But every child will eventually experience a fever, no matter how careful you are, says pediatrician Tracy Lim, MD. And it’s important for parents to know what to do when this happens. That starts with taking your child’s temperature using any variety of thermometers available, from standard oral thermometers to the newer temporal artery scanners.

“You can use any of these
devices, but a digital thermometer is generally all you need,” she says.

It’s most accurate to use a
rectal thermometer for infants and young children. “If you feel uneasy doing
this, use whichever device makes you most comfortable,” Dr. Lim says. “In older
children, an oral temperature is most accurate, if the child is able to
tolerate it.

When
to keep your cool

So what is a fever? Fever is
defined as a temperature over 100.4 F (38.0 C). Normal body temperature is 98.6
F (37 C). Everyone’s body temperature varies throughout the day and can differ
by age, activity level and other factors.

Don’t be alarmed if your child’s temperature varies. The magic number for fever is 100.4 F.

When should you not worry about your
child’s fever? Dr. Lim says doctors tend not to worry about:

  • Fevers of less than five days if your child’s behavior is relatively normal. You don’t need to be concerned if your child continues to be playful and is eating and drinking normally. (He or she may seem more tired than usual).
  • Temperatures of up to 102.5 F if your child is 3 months to 3 years of age, or up to 103 F if your child is older. These temperatures can be common, but not necessarily worrisome.
  • Low-grade fevers if your infant or child was recently immunized. These can be normal if they last less than 48 hours.

When
to call your doctor

Now for the important
question: When should
you be worried about a fever? Call a doctor when:

  • An infant younger than 3 months of age develops a fever. Fevers may be your infant’s only response to a serious illness. In newborns, a low temperature can also be a sign of serious illness. Call your pediatrician if your baby temperature drops below 97.7 rectally.
  • Your child’s fever lasts more than five days. Your pediatrician may need to investigate further for underlying causes.
  • Your child’s fever is higher than 104 F (> 40 C).
  • Your child’s fever does not come down with fever reducers.
  • Your child is not acting himself or herself, is difficult to arouse, or is not taking in enough liquids. Babies who aren’t wetting at least four diapers per day and older children who are not urinating every eight to 12 hours may become dangerously dehydrated, she says.
  • Your child was recently immunized and has a temperature above 102 F or a fever for more than 48 hours.
  • You are concerned. If you are uncomfortable with your child’s temperature or illness, call your doctor or nurse practitioner to discuss it.

What
to do if a seizure occurs

Seizures are a very scary side effect of fevers in some children, Dr. Lim notes. “Febrile seizures” occur in 2 to 4% of all children under age 5. Not all seizures cause jerking movements in the body. Some seizures look like “passing out.” If your child develops a seizure:

  1. Put your child on his or her side.
  2. Do NOT put anything in your child’s mouth.
  3. Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than five minutes.

If the seizure lasts less
than five minutes, call your physician or seek immediate medical attention.

What
to do about multiple fevers

If your child has persistent
or multiple episodes of fever and a pediatrician cannot figure out what is
causing them, they may refer your child to a specialist, Dr. Lim says. A
pediatric infectious disease expert or pediatric rheumatologist may be able to get
to the bottom of the issue.

Fever in Adults – Infections

Doctors first ask questions about the person’s symptoms and medical history. Doctors then do a physical examination. What they find during the history and physical examination often suggests a cause of the fever and the tests that may need to be done.

A doctor begins by asking a person about present and previous symptoms and disorders, drugs currently being taken, any blood transfusions, exposure to infections, recent travel, vaccinations, and recent hospitalizations, surgeries, or other medical procedures. The pattern of the fever rarely helps the doctor make a diagnosis. However, a fever that returns every other day or every third day is typical of malaria. Doctors consider malaria as a possible cause only if people have traveled to an area where malaria is common.

Recent travel may give the doctor clues to the cause of a fever because some infections occur only in certain areas. For example, coccidioidomycosis (a fungal infection) occurs almost exclusively in the southwestern United States.

Recent exposures are also important. For example, people who work in a meatpacking plant are more likely to develop brucellosis (a bacterial infection spread through contact with domestic animals). Other examples include unsafe water or food (such as unpasteurized milk and milk products, and raw or undercooked meat, fish, and shellfish), insect bites (such as ticks or mosquitoes), unprotected sex, and occupational or recreational exposures (such as hunting, hiking, and water sports).

Pain is an important clue to the possible source of fever, so the doctor asks about any pain in the ears, head, neck, teeth, throat, chest, abdomen, flank, rectum, muscles, and joints.

Other symptoms that help determine the cause of the fever include nasal congestion and/or discharge, cough, diarrhea, and urinary symptoms (frequency, urgency, and pain while urinating). Knowing whether the person has enlarged lymph nodes or a rash (including what it looks like, where it is, and when it appeared in relation to other symptoms) may help the doctor pinpoint a cause. People with recurring fevers, night sweats, and weight loss may have a chronic infection such as tuberculosis or endocarditis (infection of the heart’s lining and usually the heart valves).

The doctor may also ask about the following:

  • Contact with anyone who has an infection

  • Any known conditions that predispose to infection, such as HIV infection, diabetes, cancer, organ transplantation, sickle cell disease, or heart valve disorders, particularly if an artificial valve is present

  • Any known disorders that predispose to fever without infection, such as lupus, gout, sarcoidosis, an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), or cancer

  • Use of any drugs that predispose to infection, such as cancer chemotherapy drugs, corticosteroids, or other drugs that suppress the immune system

  • Use of illicit drugs that are injected

The physical examination begins with confirmation of fever. Fever is most accurately determined by measuring rectal temperature. Then the doctor does a thorough examination from head to toe to check for a source of infection or evidence of disease.

When to Call the Doctor for Your Child’s Fever

Nervous about your child’s fever? Here’s what you need to know. 

By Katie Sweeney 

What should you do if your child has a fever? When should you call the doctor? And how is fever related to COVID-19 and a new, rare condition in kids called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)?  

Christopher Tolcher, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician with Agoura-West Valley Pediatrics—part of the CHLA Health Network—shares the facts on fever and what parents need to know.  

What counts as a fever? 

A normal body temperature for a child ranges from 97 to 100 degrees, with an average of around 98.6 F. When a person’s temperature reaches 100.4 or above, it’s a fever. (With an oral thermometer, anything over 99. 5 is considered a fever.) 

Fever is good 

Christopher Tolcher, MD

Fevers are common in children. And while a fever is never fun, in most cases it’s nothing to fear. It’s part of the body’s way of fighting an infection. 

“Fever helps the immune system,” Dr. Tolcher explains. “It slows down the spread of viruses and bacteria. It helps the body make more antibodies and chemicals that fight the infection, and it helps the immune system’s cells move around better in the body.” 

How high is too high? 

“Fevers are almost never dangerous, with the exception of ‘hyperthermia’, or a high body temperature from the body’s being unable to cool off in a very hot environment,” he says. “A fever has to reach 107 to cause damage to tissues. That’s extremely rare.” 

That said, if your child’s fever reaches 105, call your doctor. “It doesn’t mean the child is in danger,” he adds, “but the child should be checked by the doctor that day to see what’s going on.”  

When to call the doctor 

Call your child’s doctor right away for: 

  • A fever that lasts more than four to five days 
  • A fever (over 100.4) in a newborn younger than 2 months old 
  • If you can’t reach your doctor, go to the emergency department. 
  • A fever of 105 or higher in a child of any age, including teens 
  • A fever in an infant (less than a year old) over 102 for more than two days—without a clear reason for the fever 

If your child has a fever AND any of the following signs, call your doctor right away or go to the emergency department: 

  • Widespread, red or purple rash  
  • Stiff neck and bad headache  
  • Severe pain, including bad abdominal pain 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Extreme weakness or altered mental state  
  • Dehydration (diapers are dry, child is not peeing much and urine is very dark)  

Fever and seizures 

Children under 5 can sometimes have a seizure during a fever. “Seizures are scary as heck to watch, but most of the time, you don’t need to go to the ER,” Dr. Tolcher says.  

  • If your child has a seizure that lasts less than two minutes, call your doctor. 
  • If a seizure lasts more than four to five minutes, call 911. 

COVID-19, MIS-C and Kawasaki disease 

  • COVID-19. In children, COVID-19 symptoms can be similar to colds and flu and can include fever, runny nose and cough, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. If you think your child might have COVID-19, call your doctor.  
  • MIS-C. MIS-C is a new health condition seen in some children who have been infected with the novel coronavirus and recovered—but later had an immune response that caused high levels of inflammation in their body. The symptoms are very similar to Kawasaki disease. MIS-C and Kawasaki disease are not contagious, but can be life-threatening. 

Call your doctor if your child has any fever for more than four or five days. Also call your doctor if your child has a high fever AND any of the following: cracked red lips, red tongue, red eyes, swollen hands and feet, rash, abdominal pain or enlarged lymph nodes. 

“I want to reassure parents that MIS-C is rare,” he adds. “We need to watch for it, but don’t freak out.” 

Tips for treating a fever 

  • Treat the child, not the number. “Focus on how the child is doing, not the number on the thermometer,” Dr. Tolcher says. “If the fever is 100.5, but the child is crying from a headache or earache, give a pain reliever. But if they have a 104 and aren’t that bad, just give them fluids and keep them comfortable.”  
  • Don’t over-bundle. Too many layers and heavy blankets will raise the fever higher—and make your child more miserable. The child should dress comfortably. Lightweight pajamas and light blankets are fine.   
  • Give plenty of fluids. “The body burns through water a lot faster when it has a fever, which is why extra fluids are important,” Dr. Tolcher explains. “You don’t want your child to get dehydrated.” 

Tip: Watch how much your child is peeing. If your child’s urine is dark, or your child is not peeing as often as normal, give more fluids. Good options: water, clear soups, electrolyte solution or popsicles.  

  • Focus on comfort. “You don’t have to get the fever down to 98.6,” Dr. Tolcher says. “If a child has a 104 and a lot of body aches, giving one medicine will bring it down two or three degrees. That’s enough. You just want to make the child more comfortable. 

“If you aggressively try to keep it down to 98.6, you slow the immune response to the infection,” he notes.  

  • Be careful with dosing medicine. Keep track of what medicine you give and when. You don’t want the child to get extra doses. And don’t exceed the dosing intervals on the medicine label. If the directions say wait six hours, wait at least six hours. 

The best medicines for fever are acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Never give aspirin. If COVID-19 is suspected or diagnosed, acetaminophen should be your first choice. 

The bottom line? Keep your child comfortable, hydrated and at home. “We all need to rest when we’re sick,” Dr. Tolcher says. “That’s one of the benefits of fever. It slows you down and gets you to take a break.”

Fever – Better Health Channel

Fever is a rise in body temperature above the normal temperature, usually caused by infection. Normal body temperature is around 37°C (give or take a degree, depending on individual differences). There may also be minor fluctuations over the course of the day and night. Contrary to popular belief, the severity of fever isn’t necessarily related to the seriousness of the illness – for example, life-threatening meningitis might only cause a small temperature rise.

The fever triggered by a viral or bacterial infection is caused by chemicals produced by the immune system, which reset the body’s thermostat to a higher level. Most cases of mild fever resolve by themselves within a couple of days. A mild fever (up to 39°C) can actually help the immune system to get rid of an infection. In children between the ages of six months and six years, fever can trigger convulsions. A fever of 42.4°C or higher, particularly in the elderly, can permanently damage the brain.

Symptoms of fever

The symptoms of fever can include:

  • Feeling unwell
  • Feeling hot and sweaty
  • Shivering
  • Chattering teeth
  • Flushed face.

Infection is usually the cause of fever

The cause of fever is usually an infection of some kind. This could include:

  • Viruses – such as colds or upper respiratory tract infections.
  • Bacteria – such as tonsillitis, pneumonia or urinary tract infections.
  • Some chronic illnesses – such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis that can cause fevers that last longer than two weeks.
  • Some tropical diseases – such as malaria, which can cause bouts of recurring fever or typhoid fever.
  • Heat stroke – which includes fever (without sweating) as one of its symptoms.
  • Drugs – some people may be susceptible to fever as a side effect of particular drugs.
  • Malignant tumours.

Self-treatment suggestions for fever

Suggestions to treat fever include:

  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen in appropriate doses to help bring your temperature down.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water.
  • Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these drinks can cause slight dehydration.
  • Sponge exposed skin with tepid water. To boost the cooling effect of evaporation, you could try standing in front of a fan.
  • Avoid taking cold baths or showers. Skin reacts to the cold by constricting its blood vessels, which will trap body heat. The cold may also cause shivering, which can generate more heat.
  • Make sure you have plenty of rest, including bed rest.

When to see your doctor for fever symptoms

You should always consult with your doctor in the following cases:

  • You are still feverish after three days, despite home treatment.
  • Your temperature is over 40°C.
  • You are shivering and shaking involuntarily, or your teeth are chattering.
  • You are hot, but not sweating.
  • You seem to be getting sicker as time goes by.
  • You have unusual symptoms such as hallucinations, vomiting, neck stiffness, skin rash, rapid heart rate, chills or muscle spasms.
  • You feel confused and drowsy.
  • You have a severe headache that doesn’t respond to painkillers.
  • You have recently travelled overseas.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else has the following symptoms:

  • Fever with headache and a stiff neck
  • Rash that does not blanche to skin pressure (indicates bleeding into the skin) This can indicate a life threatening illness

Diagnosis methods

Since fever is a symptom and not an illness, the underlying cause must be found before specific treatment can begin. Some tests may be necessary if the cause of the fever is not clear after your doctor has taken a medical history and performed an examination. These tests may include:

  • Blood tests
  • Urine examination and culture
  • Throat swabs or mucus sample examination and culture
  • Stool examination and culture
  • X-rays.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the cause – for example, chronic tonsillitis may require surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy). Fevers caused by viral illnesses shouldn’t be treated with antibiotics, since these drugs have no effect against viruses. In cases of mild bacterial infection, it is usually best to allow your immune system to handle the problem, rather than take antibiotics.

Fever in children

On average, a child has up to 10 infections per year. Body temperature isn’t a reliable indicator of illness for babies and young children – a child may have a mild temperature according to the thermometer (slightly over 37°C), but seem happy and healthy. Trust your own instincts, but seek medical help if your child:

  • Is aged six months or less
  • Has a rash
  • Has a fever of 40°C or more
  • Is still feverish after a day or so, despite four-hourly doses of baby paracetamol
  • Vomits or has persistent diarrhoea
  • Refuses food or drink
  • Cries inconsolably
  • Seems listless, floppy or just looks ill
  • Convulses or twitches
  • Has trouble breathing
  • Is in pain
  • If you feel at all worried or concerned at any stage, consult with your doctor.

Where to get help

  • Your doctor
  • The Maternal and Child Health Line is available 24 hours a day Tel. 13 22 29.
  • NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)

Things to remember

  • Fever is a rise in body temperature, usually caused by infection.
  • Fevers caused by viral illnesses shouldn’t be treated with antibiotics, since these drugs have no effect against viruses.
  • High fever (about 41.5°C or more) is extremely dangerous and could trigger convulsions.

When Should I Visit Urgent Care with a Fever?

A fever happens when your core body temperature rises above the average and can occur both independently and in conjunction with another infection or illness. You will be able to tell your precise temperature by checking it with a digital thermometer in your ear or under your tongue for the most accurate reading. Being able to tell what the cause of the fever is can be critical to determining whether or not you will need to see a doctor at urgent care for treatment.

Causes & Symptoms of Fever

A fever’s symptoms may vary based on the degree and cause. Most fevers include sweating due to the heightened bodily temperature, as well as aches and weakness. You may experience shivering and body chills as your temperature continues to rise, as well as symptoms of dehydration. You may also lose your desire to eat until the fever breaks. A fever can be caused by a number of factors, primarily a separate illness. A fever is often your body’s first sign of a problem and can be a symptom for illnesses including the common cold, influenza, food poisoning, infections, and autoimmune diseases. You may also experience mild fevers as a result of drug and vaccination side effects. Your temperature will be at or around 98.6°, with healthy ranging between 97.7°F and 99.5°F.

When Should I Visit Urgent Care with a Fever?

If you are experiencing side effects of a fever or your temperature has spiked to an especially high number, you should seek medical attention at your local urgent care center as soon as possible. Temperatures over 102° may require medicine in order to break and can lead to complications. If you have recently traveled to a faraway destination recently, your fever may be a result of a virus contracted during your trip such as malaria, changing the course of treatment your doctor will follow. If you begin to exhibit the following side effects of a fever, you should visit your local urgent care center immediately:

  • Discomfort
  • Ear pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Sore throat

Additional symptoms that can be treated at an urgent care include a fever that lasts more than two days or if your fever continues to worsen and will not break. If you begin to exhibit stiffness, light sensitivity, chest pain, and congestion and feel like you are in a daze or extreme confusion, you should visit an emergency room immediately.
If your fever has not broken on its own or has been going on for several days, visit AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove for treatment and diagnosis of further issues.

90,000 Which doctor should I contact when a fever occurs

Moscow therapists – latest reviews

Very friendly and helpful specialist. She has a very competent speech. I liked her as a doctor. There are very few such doctors. I needed to know my baking state for the moment.I passed the tests and she told me everything. If necessary, I would turn to her again, because she is a very competent doctor.

Marina,

July 14, 2021

I came to get permission for the operation based on the tests.But besides the discharge, along the way the doctor gave recommendations on what to look for. An attentive doctor.

Anonymous,

July 15, 2021

The doctor consulted me well, went to the meeting and suggested further actions. Irakli Roinovich helped me! Polite doctor. I was satisfied!

Andrew,

July 14, 2021

Excellent, top notch

Anonymous,

13 July 2021

The doctor reviewed my analyzes in detail, trying to determine the cause, determined the tactics, prescribed preliminary treatment and made the next appointment. Nice person. Doctor correct in communication.

Artyom,

July 14, 2021

A friendly, attentive specialist.The doctor gave general recommendations. She wrote out some treatment without examination, which probably should have been prescribed. I recommended contacting another specialist for additional questions of interest to me. To be honest, the doctor didn’t help much. The goal with which I went was not justified. The result was not very satisfactory. I was not completely satisfied, as there were other expectations.

Moderation,

July 16, 2021

They wrote down to this woman as to a parasitologist! she is a complete zero !!! Run away from her, prescribed tests for 10 thousand, which were not needed at all, gave false information, could not answer questions plainly, horror !!!!! Disgusting! divorce for money! It’s good that we ended up at the Institute of Parasitology in Moscow, where they helped, and it was justified that Belyaeva didn’t understand anything, but wasted money, instead of being redirected to the right specialist !!!!

Moderation,

July 15, 2021

The doctor is friendly and professional. I received answers to the necessary questions. Everything lasted about half an hour, absolutely enough to solve my question. I am satisfied with the doctor and the appointment. I will contact you again if necessary. I also liked the overall service in the clinic, everyone was friendly.

Albina,

13 July 2021

At the reception, the specialist gave her recommendations: she told how to behave in the future, what to do, etc.The doctor was doing well, she explained it clearly. It can be seen that a person with experience. In this regard, I can recommend this doctor to my friends. I am satisfied with the quality of the reception. Everything went well.

Valery,

July 14, 2021

An attentive, professional specialist.The doctor looked at what was wrong with me. He wrote out treatment and gave recommendations. Explained everything well. I would reapply to this specialist, as I satisfied the quality of the work.

Kirill,

July 15, 2021

Show 10 reviews of 12,264 90,000 Doctors say who can have lifelong effects of covid

Up to 20% of patients who have undergone coronavirus complain of long-term symptoms that do not go away within a month after recovery, Gazeta reported. Ru “Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation Mikhail Kagan. His colleague Andrei Kondrakhin clarified that some of the consequences of COVID-19 may last a lifetime. In particular, we are talking about neuralgic complications – weakness and sensory disorder. About how these pathologies arise and what other symptoms will remain for a long time with those who have had covid disease – in the material of “Gazeta.Ru”.

Coronavirus can lead to constant weakness and paresthesia – a sensory disorder characterized by spontaneously arising sensations of burning, tingling and crawling on the skin, the newspaper said.Ru ”pulmonologist Marina Kazakova.

According to the physician, these symptoms occur due to the fact that SARS-CoV-2 is a neurotropic virus that can infect nervous tissue. Kazakova stressed that it is too early to talk about the duration of such consequences of the disease, since doctors have not yet conducted long-term observations of patients.

“However, for now, we assume that most of these effects disappear within two months after recovery,” – said the therapist.

At the same time, clinical pharmacologist, candidate of medical sciences Andrei Kondrakhin disagreed with his colleague.He believes that these neuralgic complications can be felt throughout the life of people who have recovered from covid.

“Most often, patients complain precisely of pronounced fatigue:“ there is no strength for anything at all, it is very difficult to enter the usual rhythm, ”the doctor said.

Neurologist Patimat Isabekova explained to Gazeta.Ru that damage to the nervous tissue of the body during COVID-19 can occur due to the fact that the coronavirus interacts with ACE-2 receptors (a protein present in many tissues of the body, – Gazeta.Ru “), which are present not only in the lungs, but also in the nervous system.

In addition, SARS-CoV-2 is capable of attacking astrocytes – the most numerous cells in the central nervous system, the physician noted. As neurologist Anna Kudryavtseva explained to Gazeta.Ru, the virus resembles astrocytes, so the brain does not recognize it as a foreign agent.

The medic is sure: SARS-CoV-2 affects not only astrocytes, but all microglial cells (the most important cells of the central nervous system, – “Gazeta.Ru”), and also directly affects neurons.In addition, the number of synapses also decreases (the place of contact between two neurons in the brain – “Gazeta.Ru”). That is why the neurological manifestations of the infection persist for a long time after recovery.

Meanwhile, the chief physician of the Semeynaya clinic, Alexander Lavrishchev, believes that if neuralgic consequences can remain for life, it is only because of concomitant diseases, and not because of the coronavirus.

“If there was a severe form, if a person spent a lot of time on mechanical ventilation, in intensive care and at the same time has some other pathologies, then indeed diseases of the neuromuscular apparatus can develop and persist for a large amount of time,” he explained ” Newspaper.Ru “.

In addition, among the long-term consequences of COVID-19, doctors noticed an increase in blood pressure, Andrei Kondrakhin said. According to him, this symptom appears as a result of edema of blood vessels and parts covering their walls. They thicken, which as a result narrows the lumen and leads to an increase in pressure.

“In fact, the history of the vessels is very multi-component: the immune system is turned on by the presence of a virus – this leads to an immediate response of the whole organism, including the vessels”,

– the therapist explained.

He clarified that blood clots form in the lungs, which also affect the elasticity of the vessels. In addition, magnesium-calcium metabolism is impaired, which causes serious muscle suffering and leads to the development of hypertension.

Earlier, American virologist Dena Grayson told NBC Chicago that men who have undergone covid may face such long-term consequences as erectile dysfunction, which is also associated with vascular problems caused by COVID-19.

In addition, according to Anchi Baranova, professor at the School of Systems Biology at George Mason University, one of the likely consequences of the coronavirus is premature aging of the body.

“Even in people who were very mildly ill, 70% had pathologies of some internal organs. Only the main pathology was not cardiac, but mainly fatty hepatosis (the liver suffers) and fatty degenerations of the pancreatic tissue. Usually, such diagnoses are made at 60 years old, and in the post-covid group – already at 40, ”Baranova said.

According to her, the coronavirus infection “takes resources and brings old age closer.” At the same time, Baranova emphasized that the consequences of the disease require more detailed study.

“Between 10% and 20% of people diagnosed with COVID-19 report experiencing a range of symptoms lasting more than one month. And 2.3% (1 in 44 people) report symptoms that last more than 12 weeks.

These long-term symptoms include extreme fatigue, headache, shortness of breath, anosmia, muscle weakness, paresthesias, low-grade fever, cognitive dysfunction (head fog), hair loss and tooth loss, “Gazeta.Ru “Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation, leading scientific editor of Vrachu. ru Mikhail Kagan.

According to a study from King’s College London, published October 21, 2020, risk factors for postcoid syndrome may include age over 50, female gender, overweight, bronchial asthma, and having more than five symptoms in the first week of COVID-19 infection (for example , cough, fatigue, headache, diarrhea and loss of smell).

90,000 Roseola in Children: Treatment Tips

Roseola is a common and usually harmless viral infection that occurs in babies and toddlers.Other names for baby roseola: sixth illness, sudden exanthema, three-day fever. Roseola usually resolves on its own in about a week, and you shouldn’t be too worried about its symptoms.

Usually, with a typical picture of roseola, the child has a high temperature for three days, after which a rash appears (faint red spots ranging in size from 2 to 10 mm, disappearing when the skin is stretched). But with a mild form, you may not notice symptoms at all. Some roseola symptoms require home treatment to relieve discomfort (for example, an antipyretic is given at high temperatures). In this article, you will learn what roseola is in children, how roseola symptoms appear, and when to see a doctor.

What is roseola

Roseola is an infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 6 or 7. Young children aged 6 months to 2 years are especially susceptible to it. Most often, she gets sick at the age of 6-15 months. For some time after birth, babies have immunity to roseola, obtained with antibodies from their mother.Small children who have had roseola become immune to the virus. Re-infection does occur, but is extremely rare.

Having got sick with roseola, babies get better on average in a week.

How do the symptoms of roseola appear

The incubation period of roseola is 7-14 days, that is, that much can pass from the moment of infection until the onset of symptoms.

Roseola symptoms:

  • High temperature
    The baby may suddenly have a temperature up to 39-40 degrees. With baby roseola, the temperature can be kept for three to five days.

  • Rash
    When the temperature begins to subside, a non-itchy rash may appear: many small, non-convex pink dots or spots. Sometimes the rash may be raised or have a white rim. The rash can appear on the chest, back, abdomen, and then spread to the neck and arms, and in some cases to the legs and face.

  • Enlarged lymph nodes

  • Slightly reddened throat

  • Runny nose

  • Cough

  • Moody mood

  • Drowsiness

  • Mild diarrhea

  • Decreased appetite

  • Swollen or drooping eyelids

How long do they get sick with roseola

The temperature with roseola in children can be kept for three to five days. When the temperature drops, a rash usually appears, which disappears after a day.

How long is a baby infectious with roseola

Baby roseola is infectious as long as the temperature is kept until the rash appears. This also means that roseola cannot be diagnosed by temperature alone.

If a child with roseola has no temperature for a day, but the rash has not gone away, he is no longer contagious and can go to a nursery or kindergarten.

How the diagnosis is made

Symptoms of roseola are similar to many other common childhood illnesses and can be difficult for a doctor to recognize right away.To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may wait until the rash appears, especially if the possibility of diseases such as colds, ear infections (otitis media), and strep throat infections has already been ruled out.

If the temperature does not subside and / or the child’s condition worsens (for example, the symptoms listed here develop), the doctor may order a blood test, urine test, or other tests to confirm or rule out roseola.

How is roseola treated

In most cases, roseola heals on its own in a week without medical intervention.When the child has a fever, do not wrap him up, put on something light – there he will be more comfortable. Let the child rest and drink fluids as much as possible.

To bring down the temperature, your doctor may recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen at the correct dosage.

Never give your child aspirin, as this can lead to a very serious condition – Reye’s syndrome.

Roseola rashes usually go away on their own without treatment in about a day.

If the child has a weakened immune system, the doctor may prescribe antiviral treatment.

When to see a doctor

Roseola in children usually goes away without treatment, but be sure to see a doctor if:

  • the child has a temperature of 39 degrees and above for more than a day

  • the child was diagnosed with roseola and the temperature lasts for more than seven days

  • rash persists after three days

  • child flaccid

  • baby refuses to drink water, formula or breast milk

  • the child has convulsions due to fever (this is extremely rare, in 10-15% of cases with roseola)

  • the child has a weakened immune system, which makes him more susceptible to complications associated with high fever

How a child can get roseola

Roseola is transmitted by airborne droplets and by contact:

  • during conversation

  • when sneezing

  • when coughing

  • if the child touches the surface to which the sick person touched, and then touches the mouth or nose

Are there any means of preventing roseola

The only way is to avoid contact with sick roseola. If there was contact, observe the child for the appearance of symptoms of roseola.

If your child has roseola, then it should be isolated from other children so as not to spread the disease.

If someone at home has roseola, wash your hands as often as possible.

Is there a roseola in adults

Adults can also get roseola. If the general health is good, the disease is mild. Roseola is transmitted from adults to children, so if someone from your family is sick, all family members should wash their hands regularly and thoroughly.

Baby roseola is an infection that often occurs in young children. It does not require special treatment and is usually harmless. Let the baby rest, drink enough fluids, and soon he will be on the mend. If something worries you about the well-being of the baby, contact your pediatrician.

How This Article Was Written

The information in this article is based on expert advice from trusted medical and government sources such as the American Pediatric Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. A complete list of links to sources used to write this article can be found at the end of the article. The information on this page does not replace professional medical advice. Always see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

If the child has a fever, what to do?

14.05.2019


Before you start taking antipyretics, you need to answer a few questions:

  • what is the child’s age?

  • How does the child tolerate an increase in this or that temperature?

  • Have a family or child has a history of febrile seizures?

  • are there any other symptoms of the disease besides fever?


An increase in temperature or fever is a protective and adaptive reaction of the body in response to the effects of pathogenic stimuli, as a result of which a restructuring of thermoregulation processes occurs, leading to an increase in body temperature, which stimulates the body’s natural resistance.

An increase in temperature affects the child’s body both positively and negatively.

The positive effect of is that when the temperature rises in the child’s body, the immune system is activated, phagocytosis increases, the production of antibodies increases and the level of interferon rises, which helps to stop the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms and fight infection.

The negative effect of high temperature on the child is manifested in the occurrence of seizures (febrile), increased stress on the baby’s cardiopulmonary system (heart rate and respiratory rate increase).Therefore, fever is dangerous for children with malformations of the heart and bronchopulmonary system, heart rhythm disturbances. Also, when the temperature rises, the work of the brain, liver, stomach, kidneys and other internal organs suffers, which is dangerous for children with chronic pathologies of internal organs, symptoms of dehydration, developmental disorders and diseases of the organs of the nervous system.


Fever varies:

  1. with the flow:

    • acute (temperature rise up to 2 weeks),

    • subacute (up to 6 weeks),

    • chronic (over 6 weeks).

  2. by the degree of increase in the indicator:

    • subfebrile (increase to +38.0 degrees)

    • febrile (from +38.0 to +39.0 degrees),

    • pyretic (from + 39.0 to +41.0 degrees),

    • hyperpyretic (over +41.0 degrees).

  3. by type of temperature curve:

    • constant (temperature fluctuations during the day are not higher than 1 degree).

    • laxative (daily fluctuations up to 2 degrees),

    • atypical (fluctuations are chaotic, different and irregular),

    • exhausting (a combination of laxative and atypical fever with fluctuations during the day of more than 2-3 degrees),

    • intermittent (a combination of short periods of increasing and decreasing temperature to normal values),

    • return (alternation of periods of temperature rise with periods of temperature normalization from 2 to 7 days).

On the recommendation of WHO (World Health Organization), antipyretics are prescribed for children according to age:

  • from the moment of birth to 2 months at a temperature of +38.0 degrees,

  • children from 3 months to 24 months with a temperature of +38.5 degrees,

  • children from 1 to 5 years old with a temperature of +39.0 degrees,

  • children over 5 years old at rates of + 39.5- + 40.0 degrees.


On the other hand, the approach to each child must be individual.

If a child

  • restless or weak,
  • cannot tolerate muscle pain, headache,
  • there is nausea,
  • lack of appetite,

then you must first apply physical methods to improve the well-being of the child :

  • put to bed – so the body will retain the strength to fight infection, calm the child;

  • drink fractionally with water or sweetened warm herbal tea with chamomile, linden, cranberry juice;

  • provide access to fresh air;

  • feed, if you have appetite, in small portions of warm food (for example, soup, liquid porridge in water, a light breakfast).

Also, according to the clinical variant of the course of the fever, apply additional cooling measures.


With “red” or “pink” fever

  • the baby’s body is hot to the touch,
  • skin red or pink, moist,
  • the child himself does not complain about his health, is active, his appetite does not disappear.

In this case, child needs

  • undress,
  • wipe with a towel dampened in water at room temperature,
  • apply a cool compress to the forehead,
  • drink water at room temperature
  • and be sure to call a doctor.

For “white or pale” fever

  • the limbs and body of the child are cold to the touch,
  • lips and nail beds become bluish,
  • the skin is pale and dry,
  • there is a violation of well-being: the child is lethargic, delirium is possible.

In this case, child needs

  • Warm up by rubbing the limbs with your hands or using warm water (other means are prohibited!),
  • put on socks,
  • cover with a blanket
  • and drink warm tea or water.

The use of antipyretic drugs for such symptoms is ineffective – an urgent need to call a doctor!


The exception is children from the risk group, who have their temperature lower than 37.1 degrees. These are the children,

  • with diseases of the nervous system,
  • experiencing convulsions with a rise in temperature,
  • suffering from chronic diseases of the circulatory system, respiratory system or with hereditary metabolic diseases and other risks (overheating, symptoms of dehydration, etc.)etc.).

Febrile seizures are diagnosed more often in children under 6 years of age with temperatures above +38 degrees, as well as in children with nervous system pathology at any temperature. It is recommended for such children to lower the temperature to febrile values ​​(not higher than +38.0) or to those values ​​recommended by a neurologist.

Usually, against the background of an increase in temperature, the child’s heart rate and respiration rate increase: the respiration rate increases by 4 respiratory movements for each degree over +37. 0 degrees, and the heart rate is 20 beats per minute for each degree. However, against the background of diseases of the organs of the cardiovascular system and respiratory organs, such as malformations or disturbances of the heart rhythm, inadequate increase or decrease in heart rate and respiration is possible. On the recommendation of a cardiologist and a pulmonologist, such children are prescribed antipyretics up to febrile numbers (i.e., not higher than +38.0 degrees).

Children with hereditary metabolic diseases (diseases of the thyroid gland, kidneys, liver, disorders of the immune system, and others) and children with imperfect compensatory mechanisms of thermoregulation with fever (these are some children from the moment of birth to 2 months) are also prescribed antipyretics on the recommendation of related specialists funds to febrile numbers.


Overheating – an increase in body temperature against the background of additional exposure to heat

  • extended sun exposure,
  • use of excess clothing,
  • excessive wrapping of children).
The risk of overheating is associated with the risk of heat stroke. It manifests itself
  • not only at elevated temperatures,
  • but also in impaired consciousness, convulsions,
  • disorders of the heart and respiration.

First aid is to call the ambulance “112”.

Before the arrival of the doctor
  • undress the child,
  • transfer to a cool place or in the shade,
  • provide fresh air or fan blowing (but not cooled air!),
  • apply a cold compress to the forehead,
  • Wipe the body with cool water or wrap with a sheet moistened with cool water.

Antipyretic therapy for children should be prescribed strictly individually, taking into account clinical and anamnestic data.


It is important to know that taking antipyretics does not shorten the duration of the febrile period. At the end of the action of the drug, the temperature rises again.


Antipyretics have a ton of side effects:

  • allergic reactions,
  • bleeding,
  • stomach damage (vomiting, regurgitation),
  • Reye’s syndrome (against the background of a rash, vomiting, psychomotor agitation occurs).

In addition, the decrease in body temperature should not be critical, it is not necessary to achieve normal indicators. It is enough to lower the temperature by 1.0 or 1.5 degrees, which will improve the well-being of the child and avoid collapse.

The collapse develops with a critical (fast and sharp) decrease in temperature for a short time (from 40-41 degrees to 37-36.0 degrees) by 2.5 – 3.0 degrees or more.

The result is
  • acute cardiovascular failure, accompanied by vasospasm and circulatory disorders.
Baby senses
  • cold or chill,
  • severe weakness,
  • headache,
  • thirst,
  • he has pale skin up to a bluish tint,
  • sticky sweat,
  • cold extremities,
  • insomnia,
  • shortness of breath up to shallow breathing,
  • heart palpitations,
  • lowering blood pressure,
  • convulsions,
  • loss of consciousness.
First aid before the arrival of the doctor:
  • to lay the child so that the head is not raised, and the legs lie on the pillow (30-40 cm above the head).
  • Warm up by covering the baby with heating pads,
  • shelter,
  • rub the limbs with your hands,
  • drink warm sweetened herbal tea, water,
  • change underwear and bed linen.

It is also important to know that antipyretic drugs should not be used in courses, as this makes it difficult to diagnose the child’s disease.An increase in temperature is often the only manifestation of a child’s health condition. Therefore, a doctor’s examination and additional examinations are necessary.

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90,000 Disinsection will be carried out in one of the regions of Crimea due to reports of West Nile fever – Society

SIMFEROPOL, July 12. / TASS /. Disinsection of reservoirs and territories near apartment buildings and social institutions will be carried out in the Dzhankoy region of the Republic of Crimea after reports of West Nile fever, Denis Smirnov, the head of the territorial department for the Dzhankoy region of the Rospotrebnadzor administration for the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol, told reporters on Monday.

He noted that earlier there was information about a case of infection with fever in the area, which has not yet been officially confirmed.

“Blood serums have now been delivered to the laboratory. After the diagnosis is confirmed, it will be possible to say that the disease is present. Nevertheless, the service has taken all measures, even on a preliminary diagnosis. Sanitary and anti-epidemic commissions have been held under the administration of the city, district , which adopted the full scope of anti-epidemic measures.<…> The adults of mosquitoes and larval stages were selected and sent for analysis. The results are negative, “the head of the department specified.

Smirnov noted that in the course of the work of the Sanitary and Anti-Epidemic Commission (SPEC), decisions were made on the disinsection of reservoirs, wetlands, territories of educational institutions, near apartment buildings. “Orders were given to carry out the draining of wetlands,” he said.

Smirnov noted that the mortality rate from fever is 10%, in some cases the disease does not cause symptoms.At the same time, there is no vaccine against fever, therefore, effective prevention, as Smirnov explained, will be the destruction of insects. “I would like to appeal to the population, it is necessary to see all their territories, to carry out mowing on their territories, to use mosquito nets on the windows, you can use insect repellents,” he added.

West Nile Fever is an acute viral disease with an incubation period ranging from several days to three weeks.The disease can occur with damage to the central nervous system in the form of meningitis or meningoencephalitis, as well as in the flu-like form with headaches, fever and sore throat. The virus is distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, but recently it has been increasingly recorded in non-tropical countries. The virus primarily affects birds, but also humans and many mammals that become infected after being bitten by mosquitoes.

Elena Khegai, doctor: “Antibiotics do not work against viruses”

– Many people say that in the first two days or in the first 24 hours an immunomodulator should be started, how do you feel about this?

– I want to say right away that, unfortunately, magic pills do not exist.In particular, magic pills called “immunomodulators”. There are drugs to increase the activity of the immune system, but they are quite serious and are used only in a hospital setting, for example, by patients after chemotherapy. The drugs whose manufacturers assure us that these pills will help improve immunity, unfortunately, have not been proven effective in clinical trials. Their effect does not exceed that of a dummy.

– Let’s name some of them, the most popular, that people dared to go to pharmacies.For example, polyoxidonium …

– All “ferons”, interferon. There is an interferon drug that is used in the treatment of hepatitis C, but this is a completely different drug, it is not administered in the form of rectal suppositories and not in the form of tablets. Interferon, which is widely prescribed as an immunomodulator, viferon – these are all drugs with unproven efficacy, and in fact they do not bring any benefit to the body. But, like any drug, like any chemical that enters our body, they have a risk of developing side effects, this is firstly.Secondly, when several of them begin to be taken into all physiological openings, then there is still a risk of adverse drug interactions.

– Ingavirin is also popular …

– Ingavirin, arbidol, there are a lot of them. Their manufacturers are positioned as immunomodulators, plus as broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. We can safely say that they have no effect, they can only be taken to calm down. But again, we must always be aware of the possible risk of side effects, and in this case, the expected benefit tends to zero.

– Recently I was faced with a situation where there was a high temperature, one did not go astray for a long time, and I had to call an ambulance. She arrived, and the paramedic made an appointment: nimesil, acyclovir three times a day, paracetamol, glucose 200 intravenously, through a dropper, vitamins B12, B6 and hilak forte. Could you tell me what is wrong with this assignment?

– This is generally a prefabricated hodgepodge. If I saw such a list of appointments, then my first question would be: what exactly do we treat? We see everything from everything here, I am still surprised that there is not a single antibiotic, usually we like to prescribe them and antifungal to hit on all fronts, as they say.Nimesil – well, I agree, it is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that belongs to the same group as ibuprofen and paracetamol, that is, antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory action. As for acyclovir, I want to remind everyone, including my fellow doctors, that this is a drug that is effective against viruses from the herpes family. There are many types of them, but six are clinically significant for humans: the first, the second herpes virus, then the varicella-zoster virus, the herpes zoster virus, the Epstein-Barr virus or infectious mononucleosis, etc.e. If the doctor suspects one of these conditions in the patient, if a relatively severe course of the disease is observed, then we can recommend acyclovir. In all other cases, for example, when the temperature has risen, it is simply “an elder in the garden, in Kiev – an uncle.” As for the droppers, I want to urge everyone: let’s stop this drip mess. All over the world, this practice has long been abandoned because there are complications after intravenous infusions, in particular, it can be thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, and so on.Each puncture is an intervention in the internal environment of the body, there is a risk of infection and inflammation. What is glucose with ascorbic acid? Drink lemon and sugar tea. There is no need to pierce the veins in order to introduce additional fluid into the body. There will be no harm that we can see after droppers. Of the entire list that you have listed, I would leave only nimesil on the temperature, and then I would recommend replacing it with paracetamol or ibuprofen, because nimesil did not pass the safety test.

90,000 “I thought I was going to die. ” Stories from COVID-19

survivors

“I NEVER SEEN THAT THERE WERE SO MANY SEVERE SICK”

Kuanysh Yesnazarov, surgeon, 44 years old:

– I work in the city hospital No. 7 of the city of Almaty, since March – in the emergency room, since our self-supporting department was closed. I have not dealt with patients with coronavirus, but different people enter the emergency room – it is unclear whether they are sick or not.There were cases, we were hospitalized, and patients ended up with coronavirus. I saw a patient after an injury, he was diagnosed with a coronavirus infection.

Sick in early July. Got infected at work. Where else? We did not go to visit, we did not see our relatives for several months, we communicate with them only by phone.

The first signs are discomfort, weakness, chills. After a few days, the taste and smell disappeared. I realized that I was “hit”. First I went to the clinic and went to the doctor after three hours of waiting, he said: “You have nothing, everything is fine. ““Take at least an X-ray, the temperature is 38, I don’t smell or taste,” I asked. He replied: “You have bronchitis, go home.” Even the sick leave was not opened. After several days of treatment at home, the cough worsened, there was sputum with blood. Made a CT scan (computed tomography. – Red .). Bilateral pneumonia, affecting 40 percent of the lungs. I was hospitalized. I passed the PCR test at the hospital, and a positive result came. I have diabetes and insulin dependence, which complicates the condition.I was in the hospital for almost two weeks. There was shortness of breath, saturation dropped (oxygen content in the blood. – Red .). I was on oxygen for a week, two hours a day.

You know, our people still do not believe in the existence of a virus, they think that this is some kind of conspiracy, they go around without masks, they gather. They do not think until they collide themselves. I have been working in medicine for 20 years, but I have never seen such a widespread incidence, never seen so many seriously ill patients. The sick die.

We have been trying not to go anywhere since the beginning of quarantine in March.Only I went out – to work and to buy food. The wife and four children were at home. But my family members got sick at the same time as me, but they endured everything easily.

Coronavirus: stories of those who have recovered and lost relatives

“DO NOT GIVE UP”

Rosa (name changed at her request), resident of Aktobe, 56 years old:

– On June 15, in a very serious condition, I was taken to the Aktobe regional infectious diseases hospital by ambulance.I was immediately put in the intensive care unit, connected to a ventilator, under which I lay for seven days. Then I was transferred to a ward, where I breathed every day through a machine with oxygen.

My husband’s daughter-in-law died, and I attended her funeral. A few days later I started having a dry cough and shortness of breath. I called a doctor I knew, he said to urgently take an X-ray. I work at the medical center, and we get x-rays every three months. Therefore, I was confident that my lungs were clean.But the x-ray showed bilateral pneumonia.

Many thanks to the staff of the Aktobe Regional Infectious Diseases Hospital. They saved me from death. I could neither eat nor go to the toilet. The orderlies of the intensive care unit took care of them as if they were their own, fed them through a tube. The doctors did not leave us either day or night. Some of the patients died.

I understand that every effort must be made to prevent infection. But if you get sick, then you can’t give up psychologically. I reassured myself and said: “Everything will be fine, your family is waiting for you at home.”I think you need to think sensibly, think about good things, and this is the only way to defeat the disease.

After this experience, I reconsidered my life values ​​and understood the importance of family and health. I was in a hurry to see my son and husband. Now we don’t go anywhere without a mask, we don’t go to crowded places. I train every day, started running at 5 o’clock in the morning, while there was no one on the streets.

“DID NOT HEARD IMAM’S ADVICE NOT TO GO TO FUNERAL”

Marat Koybagarov, resident of Tartogay village, Shieli district, Kyzylorda region, 49 years old:

– I have just checked out of the dispensary center in Shieli region.I had bilateral pneumonia. Just met my family. An X-ray passed, the picture showed that the lungs are clean.

On July 2, I buried my 83-year-old mother, who had been bedridden for several years. Many people came, they did not heed the imam’s advice not to go to the funeral. There was a lot of condolences before the seven-day commemoration. Some of those who came said: “I am ashamed not to come, she died at that age, she came, even though I am sick.” Three days later I started having chest pains, fever and shortness of breath. There was not enough air, I barely made it to the hospital.

The situation in the countryside is difficult. Many die. Children and relatives are ill. Everyone has a high fever, cough. All of them, on the advice of their daughter-in-law, who is a doctor, are treated at home.

It seems that people will not learn a lesson until they themselves face it. These days in our village people continue to gather for small weddings and commemorations. I believe that it is necessary to strictly control, even if the police are guarding the house where the funeral takes place.How else to explain to people?

A young man in front of a hospital in Almaty. July 2020.

“THE MAIN THING – DO NOT GET DEPRESSED”

Aigerim Askarbayeva, resident of Almaty:

– At the end of May, when the virus began to actively spread, I fell ill with pneumonia. At that time, in my opinion, there were no methods of treatment, no specific drugs. Therefore, at the direction of the doctors, I had to take heavy drugs with side effects. Ten days after being discharged, I was ill for three more days.

After the treatment, I realized that everyone should be psychologically prepared for this disease. Anyone can get sick now. You will not even immediately understand when you get sick, and you will not know where this disease came from. In such cases, it is best to start treatment immediately. The main thing is not to get discouraged, as with any other illness.

The doctors warned that I would need another five to six months of care. They said not to drink cold water, not to go outside in cool weather, to drink vitamins to increase immunity, to eat well.Now I train several times for 10 minutes.

“I LYED, PERIODICALLY” DISCONNECTED “”

Elena Vogonova, resident of Almaty:

– I don’t know where and how I got infected. On June 25, my temperature rose, I felt severe weakness, diarrhea began, I was constantly falling asleep, and coughed. I called the doctor from the clinic and asked: “Is this a coronavirus?” He replied that “no”. This was the week when there were no tests at the clinic. Five days later, when the temperature subsided, I thought it was a common ARVI.Then the smells disappeared, the cough intensified.

I have two children, I bring them up alone, so I had to close my sick leave and go to work. I went to the clinic, and when I left there, I felt bad. They called an ambulance, they took me to the 7th hospital.

For health reasons, I often go to hospitals. There are usually not so many of us, non-walkers, who are on gurneys. But this time there were many on the gurneys – not all of them were covid, they were pregnant, there were grandparents. That is, the hospital was really overloaded and there were a lot of patients.We took a PCR test. The next day, 8th [July], they came and said that I had COVID. The first emotions are shock and fear. But I could not even show emotions strongly, I was not able to, I could not even sit. Despite this, they told me on the 9th that they would be discharging. I said that I have a disability and I am at risk. Then I was transferred to a modular hospital. In the first days I was in good condition, then it began to weaken, the saturation dropped to 75, and I was connected to oxygen.

There was a nurse named Bahadur in the hospital, I am very grateful to him.When I had a weakness, he carried me to the toilet, when the sugar fell, he gave glucose, ran, brought raspberries, raspberries and cottage cheese. There are people who want to help – it pleases.

I needed Fraxiparine. On the first day, by some miracle, they found six injections, which was enough for me for three days. Then there was no drug. I was lying, periodically “disconnected”. When I was conscious, I corresponded with some resellers. They wrote “send the money, I will give it to you through a taxi.” They asked for a pack of 60 thousand tenge, while, as usual, it cost about 15 thousand.Then someone wrote that he bought the drug at a pharmacy, I called, they postponed me. Friends bought it for 30 thousand, brought it and did not take money from me. It was touching.

I was discharged, but I still have a weakness. I cannot live normally. I was told that the recovery would take months. I have no relatives in Almaty, friends, acquaintances and social networks helped me. Someone just wrote words of support. It saved me. If I had stayed at home, I would have been gone.

“EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS LIFE”

Shah Melis, doctor, 25 years old:

– In April, epidemiologists identified the infected, and we isolated the entrances.I went to such calls three times. It was at this time that I became infected. My wife was pregnant and it was time for the screening. The gynecologist referred her for a COVID test. She was diagnosed with a virus. The coronavirus was also found in our two relatives who lived with us. When the first information about the epidemic appeared, I began to read and study foreign publications.

Therefore, I was not afraid to get infected. However, after my wife was tested first and the virus was confirmed, I was very scared. Because you don’t know how even a common flu can affect a child, and this is a completely unknown virus.My wife was taken to a pregnancy hospital in Kalkaman, and I was taken to a military hospital in the lower part of Almaty. My temperature rose to 39.6, my whole body ached, angina worsened, chronic sinusitis and pharyngitis reminded of themselves.

In the hospital I tried not to lie, moved a lot, walked back and forth. X-rays showed that my lungs were clear, but I had difficulty breathing. I used to work as a nurse in the intensive care unit for five years. There we forced postoperative patients to inflate balloons so that their lungs would open.I have used this method for myself as well. There are no balloons in the hospital, no one could bring them, so I taped the syringe to ordinary medical gloves and inflated them.

He took antiviral drugs and vitamins. In total, he spent 28 days in the hospital, and then did not leave home for another 14 days. After my recovery, I had a desire to help other patients. I applied to four dispensary centers. I wanted to be at the forefront of the fight against the virus, but I was not accepted. Now I am a local doctor in a polyclinic.A lot of work. Previously, there were one or two calls a day, but now there are ten. We work like an ambulance. Many people seek advice both day and night. At one site, 1,700 people were registered, in our clinic there are about 20 such sites. We now have mobile teams going to people with COVID symptoms.

In my opinion, this epidemic has shown that everyone is responsible for their own lives. The main thing is not to panic. It is necessary to observe the precautions as much as possible, at the first signs of illness it is better to immediately consult a doctor so as not to waste time.Of course, now there are not enough doctors, there are no places in hospitals. Nevertheless, it is necessary to constantly be in touch with the local doctor.

Testing point for COVID-19 in Almaty. July 13, 2020.

“DELIVERED TO THE HOSPITAL AFTER NOISE AND SCREAM”

Ainur Abilbek, resident of Almaty:

– 14 days ago I was discharged from the hospital. I was sick for about ten days. I found it difficult to breathe and underwent oxygen therapy. First my brother fell ill, then my mother and aunt.I ran to everyone, in the end I ended up in the hospital myself. The ambulance did not want to pick me up, despite the temperature of 39.6. We started looking for acquaintances, and after the noise and screams, they hardly took me to the hospital. She passed the PCR test at the hospital, it confirmed the presence of the virus. Thanks to antiviral drugs and antibiotics, I regained consciousness on the sixth day.

I do not know exactly who and how I contracted the infection. We were all quarantined. But my brother was looking for a job. How do you tell him not to go to work? We have parents, we have. In addition, relatives came to visit us. It is impossible to be completely isolated and not leave the house. We went to the store, to the pharmacy, to work. There, every second one walks without a mask, does not keep the distance. Our patients do not go to the hospital until they fall.

All I want now is for my father to get well. I ran all day to put my father in the hospital. We were looking for acquaintances and barely hospitalized him. Father also has COVID …

“TWO LESSONS”

Dzhokhar Utebekov, attorney:

– I got sick on May 9th.The first symptoms are: sore throat, runny nose, cough and malaise. On the third day, the temperature jumped to 40 degrees. At night there was a terrible fever, chills, delirium and hallucinations. I thought I was going to die. Broken bones. Four days later, I noticed that my sense of smell was lost by 90 percent. This is a specific symptom of COVID-19. My throat began to hurt more and more. Almost a week later, a positive test for COVID came.

I don’t know where I could get infected. We got sick with the whole family. Since the beginning of the quarantine, we have followed all the precautions.My wife and two sons suffered a mild illness, and I was of moderate severity.

I have learned two lessons. First of all, you need to monitor your health, not to start chronic diseases, to treat them systemically. I have normal health, but I had chronic tonsillitis, because of this, I had a severe sore throat. People of the same age with diabetes and kidney diseases were hard-pressed. Chronic diseases cannot be started. Second, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle. Now I’ve made it a habit to stretch every morning.This is rehabilitation and general health promotion.

As strange as it may sound, thanks to all this – illness and treatment – our family has become more united.

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