Most people would be concerned if their temperature, or the temperature of their child or others, dear, could rise above a few degrees, and they would probably take the initiative to try to lower the temperature to normal 37C / 98.0 f Surprisingly, this is not really the best course of action
Before the advent of antimicrobial and vaccines, fever struck many people and caused many deaths. However, modern medicine has made these diseases treatable or preventable. Medical research has also shown that the flu is not an enemy of the body
Many germs and pathogens thrive in normal body temperature. Raising the temperature by a few degrees is therefore the body's way of fighting infection by making conditions unfit for the survival and reproduction of an infectious agent. The flu will also make the immune system work by promoting the production of white blood cells, antibodies, and other antibodies. So if doing something to lower the temperature can prevent the body from fighting the virus, does that mean you should let the fever take its natural course? Not at all
High fever can be caused by measles, mumps or meningitis or other serious illnesses, and you should seek medical help in any of the following cases
When the temperature rises to 40.5C / 105F
Any child under the age of six months should be examined by a doctor
If a patient of any age has difficulty breathing, has a stiff neck, is irritated or confused, is unable to move an arm or leg, or is unconscious
If the fever is accompanied by any of the following symptoms: persistent or irregular abdominal pain; breathing hard or fast; a headache that does not like bright light
Diagnosis
Simple and straightforward: put a hand on the forehead or use a thermometer - there are three types, oral, rectal or strip that can be placed on the forehead
Treatment
Since fever is an important part of the body's immune system, the goal should be to reduce the temperature to about 38C / 101F rather than to reduce it to normal. Indeed, if a child with a fever plays happily, sleeps well, and drinks plenty of fluids, it may be best to let the immune system fight off the infection. Conversely, if a child vomits, dehydrates, or has trouble sleeping, seek medical help
Problems
High temperatures can cause problems, some of them serious
Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 42C / 107.6F can lead to brain damage
In rare cases, high temperatures can cause febrile constipation. Although the symptoms are alarming, febrile fainting is temporary and has no lasting effects. Fainting begins with sudden contraction of the muscles in the face, arms, legs, and trunk. The baby will usually cry for 30 seconds. The baby often falls, vomits, urinates, stops breathing and may turn blue. Eventually the access will be violated repeatedly, after which the child will be lame, unresponsive and drowsy
High fever is a sign that the body is fighting the disease. You should look at other symptoms to determine if you need medical help
Should You Fight A Fever and life
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