A fever is an abnormally high body temperature. Fever may occur for many reasons. Fever is measured using a thermometer.
There are three categories of fever, as measured orally:
* LOW: 37.7 to 38.8 degrees Celsius,
* MODERATE: 38.8 to 40 4 degrees Celsius,
* HIGH: above 40.5 degrees Celsius,
CONTACT A DOCTOR IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS DEVELOP:
* temperature over 40.5 degrees Celsius
* lower temperature (37.7 to 38.8 degrees) that lasts more than 2 days
* fever accompanied by severe headache, stiff neck, or pain when bending the neck forward
* bright lights are uncomfortable or cause pain
* mental confusion or drowsiness
* seizure, convulsions, or fits
* coughing yellow or green phlegm, or shortness of breath
* swelling of the throat
* other signs of infection, such as a painful joint, burning on urination, or abdominal pain
Giving paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen in adults can effectively treat a temperature. Children can be given paracetamol or ibuprofen. Heat is lost through the skin so do not bundle up under blankets. A cool shower or bath may help. Take particular care when dealing with a temperature in an infant or small child.
HERE ARE SOME GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN:
- Contact your doctor for any temperature elevation in an infant 3 months of age or younger.
- Seek medical attention for a temperature elevation in a child who acts ill.
- For fever less than 38.8 degrees in a child, treat by giving paracetamol or ibuprofen, making sure that the child drinks plenty of cold fluids and remains cool.
- For higher temperatures, contact your doctor and begin active cooling measures.
