Fever is usually associated with physical discomfort and most people feel better when a fever is treated. But depending on your age physical condition and the underlying cause of your fever you may or may not require medical treatment for the fever alone. Many experts believe that fever is a natural bodily defense against infection. There are also many non-infectious causes of fever.Fever or pyrexia is when your body temperature raises above the normal range. This is typically considered as any temperature over 37.5C (99.5F).
Depending on the underlying cause of the infection the fever may present with a number of different symptoms.
Most fevers are usually caused by viral illnesses such as the common cold or the influenza (flu) virus and are a sign that your body is fighting against an infection. In cases like this the fever is often accompanied with any mixture of the following symptoms: Sore throat runny nose coughing tiredness muscle aches poor appetite and sweating.
However a fever can sometimes be caused by more serious infections such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) pneumonia or meningitis. Depending on the underlying cause of the infection the fever may present with a number of different symptoms. A UTI for example could present with a burning sensation when urinating and a sharp pain in your back where your kidneys are located. Conversely a headache neck stiffness and a rash might represent meningitis. Non infectious causes also exist including thyroid problems and drug induced fevers. Your doctor will have a much better idea of what exactly is causing your fever once they identify the specific set of symptoms that come with it.
If you are concerned about a fever seek advice from your GP. Antipyretic medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help lower your body temperature and this is often all that is required to combat the fever in cases where a viral illness is the cause. If your doctor suspects a more serious condition such as the ones described above it is likely you will be prescribed antibiotics to help your body fight the infection. The specific antibiotics you will be given depends on the type of infection causing the fever and they will also help relieve the associated symptoms that you might be experiencing.
Usually the problem can be treated at home but in exceptional cases your doctor may think it’s necessary to admit you to hospital to ensure the infection is treated appropriately.
As fevers are usually the result of an infection there are steps you can take to minimise your risk of getting one. These include washing your hands regularly keeping the home environment clean and avoiding direct contact with sick people.
It is spread easily through coughs sneezes and direct contact with infected individuals. Although everyone is at risk of catching the flu the elderly and those with underlying health problems are at a greater risk of developing more serious complications.
This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Doctors Catalog has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 108 for immediate assistance.
