An unwarranted fear of elevated temperature-a common reaction-is
called “fear phobia.” Few people realize that fever itself is rarely
dangerous, and by treating aggressively with aspirin or acetaminophen they may actually slow recovery.
Here are six surprising facts about fever you should know to protect yourself and your family.
1. The body’s natural physiological rhythms prompt daily temperature fluctuations. Children tend to have slightly higher normal temperatures than adults and are more likely to run high fevers in response to infection. Elderly people tend to have lower body temperatures than younger adults.
2. When white blood cells recognize an intruder, they release proteins that travel to the hypothalamus and prompt it to raise the body’s thermostat. The body reacts to this by generating heat, often through shivering. Many immunological functions appear to be more efficient at a higher temperature and some bacteria and viruses do not as well at higher temperature. Recent studies show that when animals are exposed to bacteria but prevented from running a fever, many die of infections they might have survived.
While most people are probably better off not suppressing fevers that cause no discomfort, there are exceptions. Coronary patients and those with such chronic conditions as arthritis and diabetes should contact a physician immediately.
3. A non-responsive child with a temperature of 38.3 degree than a playful child with a temperature of 40 degrees, watch how the patient looks and acts, instead of relying only on the thermometer.
This is particularly important with newborns and the elderly, since their immune systems may not be fully functional and they often won’t run a fever even when very ill. Fortunately, nature gives other indicators of infection. A sick infant may stare and have grayish skin or cold limbs. In the frail elderly, look for lethargy and mood change
4. Find out if you have a fever caused by illness, wait until you’ve been quiet for an hour or so before using a thermometer. Rectal temperatures are the most accurate and recommended for young children; oral temperatures are preferred for older children and adults.
5. An infant three months or younger has a temperature of 37.88 degrees Celsius or more: a baby between three and six months has a fever of 38.3 degrees or greater; a child older than six months has a fever of 39.4 degrees.
For adults, call the doctor if: a fever is 39.4 degrees or more; a temperature of 38.3 degrees lasts more than three days-even there are no other apparent symptoms: a low-grade fever continues for several weeks. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
This is particularly important for elderly people, who have a greater risk of complication, such as stroke, when they are dehydrated.
6. It is wise to avoid heavy meals, but you should eat if you are hungry.
Children with a 40-degree temperature or higher may be more comfortable if their fever is lowered with a sponge bath.
Here are six surprising facts about fever you should know to protect yourself and your family.
1. The body’s natural physiological rhythms prompt daily temperature fluctuations. Children tend to have slightly higher normal temperatures than adults and are more likely to run high fevers in response to infection. Elderly people tend to have lower body temperatures than younger adults.
2. When white blood cells recognize an intruder, they release proteins that travel to the hypothalamus and prompt it to raise the body’s thermostat. The body reacts to this by generating heat, often through shivering. Many immunological functions appear to be more efficient at a higher temperature and some bacteria and viruses do not as well at higher temperature. Recent studies show that when animals are exposed to bacteria but prevented from running a fever, many die of infections they might have survived.
While most people are probably better off not suppressing fevers that cause no discomfort, there are exceptions. Coronary patients and those with such chronic conditions as arthritis and diabetes should contact a physician immediately.
3. A non-responsive child with a temperature of 38.3 degree than a playful child with a temperature of 40 degrees, watch how the patient looks and acts, instead of relying only on the thermometer.
This is particularly important with newborns and the elderly, since their immune systems may not be fully functional and they often won’t run a fever even when very ill. Fortunately, nature gives other indicators of infection. A sick infant may stare and have grayish skin or cold limbs. In the frail elderly, look for lethargy and mood change
4. Find out if you have a fever caused by illness, wait until you’ve been quiet for an hour or so before using a thermometer. Rectal temperatures are the most accurate and recommended for young children; oral temperatures are preferred for older children and adults.
5. An infant three months or younger has a temperature of 37.88 degrees Celsius or more: a baby between three and six months has a fever of 38.3 degrees or greater; a child older than six months has a fever of 39.4 degrees.
For adults, call the doctor if: a fever is 39.4 degrees or more; a temperature of 38.3 degrees lasts more than three days-even there are no other apparent symptoms: a low-grade fever continues for several weeks. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
This is particularly important for elderly people, who have a greater risk of complication, such as stroke, when they are dehydrated.
6. It is wise to avoid heavy meals, but you should eat if you are hungry.
Children with a 40-degree temperature or higher may be more comfortable if their fever is lowered with a sponge bath.
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