Fever, also known as pyrexia, high temperature or high fever is the body’s normal reaction to a variety of conditions, infections and the most common medical symptom. Fever is the febrile response and defined as having a temperature above the normal range 98.6F (37C). Also Read: How To Prevent Highly Contagious Viral Fevers
It is mostly a side effect of ailments like flu, influenza, cold and it is an indication that the immune system is working hard to combat an infection or illness. Generally, fever set off when the immune system produces more white blood cells to battle an infection, increased white blood cells stimulate the brain to heat the body up and result in fever. The body reacts to this and tries to cool itself off by constricting the blood flow to the skin and contracting muscles, which cause chills, body and muscle aches. Also Read: Influenza Virus: Debunking Common Myths About The Contagious Disease
The normal body temperature ranges from 97F to 98.7F (36.1C to 37.2C), if your body temperature rises above this then you may have a fever.
Types Of Fever
- A low-grade fever happens when the body temperature rises to 100.4F (38C)
- Moderate fever if the temperature rises above 102.2-104F or 39.1-40C
- High-grade fever indicates if the body temperature is 104F (39.4C) or above.
- Hyperpyrexia, if the temperature is above 106F or 41.1C
Generally, most fevers settle on their own within 1- 3 days. However, persistent or continuous fever may start or reoccur for up to 14 days.
- Acute - if the duration of fever is less than 7 days
- Sub-acute- if the fever lasts up to 14 days
- Chronic or persistent- if fever continues for over 14 days
A fever that persists may be serious even if it is a mild fever, as recurrent fever is the indication of more severe infection or health condition.
Symptoms
- Sweating
- Chills
- Headaches
- Muscle ache
- Poor appetite
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Seek immediate medical care if you have a high-grade fever with a temperature of 103F or above continuously for more than 3 days and symptoms include:
- Pondering headache
- Dizziness
- Skin rashes
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficult breathing
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramps and abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Seizures
Causes
Some of the causes of fever in adults include viral infection (flu or a cold), bacterial infection, fungal infection, food poisoning, heat exhaustion, sunburn, inflammation and tumor. Comorbid health conditions like asthma, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis and intake of certain medications for a longer duration may lead to serious febrile illness.
Treatment
A fever is usually not dangerous on its own, as most fevers go away within hours to days as the body beats an infection. Follow these simple and effective measures to feel better and recover:
- Drink enough to stay hydrated, like water, juice, clear soup
- Eat a bland and soft diet that is light on the tummy
- Take enough rest
- Take a warm sponge bath
Some of the over-the-counter medications may help you relieve fever and other symptoms associated with it like headache, body ache and muscle pain. If the fever is very severe, then the mode of treatment depends on knowing the causative factor behind this and the doctors may prescribe medications like antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals to treat any serious infections.
Dietary Management Of Fever
It is essential to manage the fever with good nutrition to ease the symptoms and promote faster convalesce. The body needs more calories to function properly in fever than it requires in normal time. A well-balanced diet regimen in fever is important to build a robust immune system. As more calories are burnt by the body during a fever it important to give energy-dense foods.
A high calorie, protein, low fat and fluid diet is recommended during fever. In the initial two-three days of fever, the diet should comprise more liquid-based like soups, glucose water, juice and milk (if there is no diarrhoea). Small frequent meals are given at about every two hours and gradually increased to every four hours.
Soft bland, easily digestible and absorbable foods are included- porridge, cereal, milk, soft fruits like banana, papaya, apple, orange, melons and musambi, soft or mashed dal rice and well-boiled vegetables are also given to meet the demands of nutrients. During fever, there is an increased need for essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, B and minerals calcium, iron and sodium.
Foods such as fatty, spicy and high fibre ones which are hard to digest should be restricted.
Foods To Be Added
Fruit juices
Milk
Tender coconut water
Barley water
Rice Porridge
Custard
Boiled Egg
Vegetable juices
Soups
Cereal porridges
Lean meat
Poached or steamed fish
Boiled Vegetables (potato, sweet potato, carrots, pumpkins)
Citrus fruits
Foods To Be Avoided
Ghee
High fibrous foods
Fried foods
Sugary pastries
Canned foods
Spicy foods
Strongly flavoured beverages.
Rich soups
