FEVER

FEVER

The normal body temperature in human beings is 37oC or 98.6oF. When the body temperature is more than this normal level, the condition is called fever. Fever is not a disease. It is only a symptom of a disease. It is the reaction of the body to any type of infection. The increasing temperature indicates the level of severity of the disease causes.

The following diseases could be cause of fever:
Malaria, Typhoid, Tuberculosis, Rheumatic fever, Measles, Mumps
Respiratory infections like pneumonia and cold, cough, tonsillitis,
bronchitis etc.
Urinary tract infections Common fever symptoms

Body temperatures more than 37.5oC or 100oFHeadacheBody chills Joint pains Loss of appetite constipation loss of appetite and tiredness

Simple tips to follow:

The person is to be kept in a well aerated room

Plenty of liquids is to be given

Clean and soft clothes are advisable to wear

Adequate rest is essential.

A doctor is to be consulted when the temperature is above 39.5oC or 103o F or if the fever is continuous for more than 48 hours.

Type of food to be taken during fever

Plenty of clean and boiled waterTo support the body with sufficient calories, its advisable to take glucose, health drinks, fruit juices etc.

Easily digestible food such as Rice gruel, sago gruel, barley water etc are preferable Milk, roti and bread Mutton egg, butter, curds and food prepared with oil should be avoided