Fevers and what they represent

Everyone has experienced fever at one point in their lives, whether as infants or even adults. Fever is a pretty common symptom of various bacterial and viral diseases. This has made the fever not to be taken as a serious condition. However, things have greatly changed with the onset of the COVID 19 virus. This disease has struck fear into many by its sudden infection and how quickly it becomes fatal. Its nature is not fully understood, and its mutating nature has made people more cautious when infected by a fever. To better understand Ham Lake fever, read on!

What is a Fever?

A fever is described as a temporary increase in your body’s temperature due to an illness. This indicates that something unusual is taking place in your body. For infants, a slightly heightened body temperature may indicate a severe infection. However, this is not the case for adults as it is only a bit uncomfortable and concerning when it reaches one hundred and three degrees Fahrenheit.

Fevers typically go away after a few days. Fever can be countered via some medications but is sometimes better off left untreated since it plays a significant role in your body to fight off infections.

Signs and Symptoms of a Fever

Apart from the rise in body temperature, additional signs and symptoms include:

·         Headache

·         Sweating

·         Shivering and chills

·         Irritability

·         Dehydration

·         Loss of appetite

·         Muscle aches

·         General body weakness

Young children between seven months and five years may experience febrile seizures. Many children who have experienced one febrile seizure will most likely get another one within the next twelve months.

Thermometers are used to take your body temperature. Several types of thermometers include:

·         Rectal

·         Oral

·         Tympanic

·         Forehead

A fever should not be a major cause of alarm for responsive children. However, call your child’s doctor if the child:

·         Has a fever after being left alone in a hot car

·         Is irritable, vomiting continuously, has a severe stomach ache or headache

·         Has poor eye contact with you and appears listless

·         Has a fever lasting for more than three days

For an adult with a fever of body temperature of one hundred and three degrees Fahrenheit or higher, call a doctor. These symptoms may accompany the fever:

·         Mental confusion

·         Persistent vomiting

·         Severe headache

·         Unusual sensitivity to bright light

·         Unusual skin rash which is worsening

·         Seizures or convulsions

·         Pain when urinating

·         Abdominal pain

·         Chest pain or difficulty in breathing

Causes of fever are such as:

·         Malignant tumor

·         Heat exhaustion

·         Bacterial infection

·         Virus

·         Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis

·         Some immunizations such as tetanus

In the past, fever conditions were not being taken seriously. Recent events have necessitated the taking of the situation seriously. Do not ignore prolonged fever and its accompanying symptoms, especially for children. Check out our website or call our offices in Ham Lake.