Fever

or High Body Temperature (over 37

°

C)

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What is fever?

Fever is present when the temperature of the body (measured inside the mouth) rises above 37°C (98.6°F)

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What are the symptoms?

Æ

Chills

Æ

But you may also have:

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Headaches

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Muscle aches

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Loss of appetite

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Dehydration

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General weakness

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Very High Temperature

Can also cause :

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Hallucinations (a ‘mental trick’ were you perceive things that are not there).

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Confusion.

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Irritability.

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Convulsions (seizures).

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What Causes Fever?

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Most fevers are due to an infection.

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Uncommonly due to heat exhaustion or extreme sunburn.

Fever is important for the body's defense against infection.

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How do I control fever in an adult?

Do not overheat with too many clothes or blankets.

Drink a lot of light fluids, especially water. Take paracetamol tablets or the equivalent. Fan or sponge the person if the fever is severe.

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How do I control fever in a child?

Dress the child in light clothing.

Do not overheat with too many clothes, rugs or blankets.

Keep the child cool, but avoid draughts. Give the child small drinks of light fluids especially water, often. Do not worry if the child will not eat. Give paracetamol syrup or insert suppositories every 4 hours until the temperature settles. (c) M V

When should I seek immediate medical advice?

Severe headache or neck stiffness.

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Development of a rash.

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Repeated vomiting Twitching, shaking or convulsions.

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Excessive drowsiness or difficulty waking up.

Symptoms that worry you. Light hurting the eyes.

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When should I seek immediate medical advice?

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If there is earache or other pain. If the child starts acting 'odd‘. For refusal to drink. If the child is looking sick.

If child is younger than 3 months.

If there is no improvement in 48 hours.

If a newborn and has a lower than normal temperature — less than 36.1

°

C (97

°

F).

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Remember :

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Fevers are usually no cause for alarm. Fevers are common in children. Give the child plenty of tender loving care, with reassurance that they will soon feel well. Give paracetamol mixture, suppositories or paracetamol tablets every 4 hours. Keep them cool and give plenty of fluids

.

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Remember :

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See a doctor if symptoms are severe or do not improve after one day in child less than 2 years and 3 days for ages 2 and older.

See a doctor immediately if child is younger than 3 months.

It is normal for children, especially infants and toddlers, to have at least 5 or 6 episodes of fever a year.

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