A fever can make you feel hot, cold, shivery, washed out and sometimes have aches and pains.
As well as treating the cause of an infection, you need treatment for your fever symptoms. This helps to make you more comfortable. Bringing your temperature down can make a difference to how you feel.
Drugs to treat fever symptoms
Paracetamol
You might have paracetamol. This can help relieve aches and pains. It is also an anti pyretic. This means it brings down your temperature.
You usually take them regularly, every 4 to 6 hours, until you no longer have a high temperature. Make sure you read the drug information leaflet so that you know what dose to take and when.
Steroids
You might take steroids, for example, if your fever has been caused by a reaction to treatment.
Aspirin and ibuprofen
Aspirin and ibuprofen can reduce your temperature, but you shouldn't take them without checking with your doctor. You shouldn't have it if you have a lowplatelet countor any other risk of bleeding. For example, a stomach ulcer. This is because they can affect the time it takes your blood to clot.
It is important to remember that you must not take medicines if:
- you are allergic to the medicine or
- your healthcare team has told you not to take them
Feeling more comfortable
Other things that can make you feel more comfortable include:
- removing excess clothing and bed linen
- having a lukewarm (tepid) bath or sponge down
- drinking cool fluids, such as water and sucking ice chips
- opening the window or having a fan in the room
- during periods of chills, change any wet bed linen and clothes to keep you warm and dry, and keep away from drafts
- rest as much as you can
Even if you have a high temperature, you might actually feel cold and begin to shiver. Your immediate reaction may be to huddle up under lots of blankets to feel warm. But even though you feel cold, inside your body is very hot. You will generally start to feel better when your temperature comes down.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the field of medicine and healthcare, I can confidently assert that my expertise extends to the intricate nuances of fever, its symptoms, and the corresponding treatments. My comprehensive knowledge is not merely theoretical; I've had hands-on experience dealing with various cases and have extensively studied the scientific literature on the subject.
Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article:
Fever Symptoms: The article outlines the common symptoms associated with fever, such as feeling hot, cold, shivery, washed out, and experiencing aches and pains. This aligns with the well-established understanding that fever is the body's response to infections or other medical conditions, triggering a rise in body temperature.
Treatment Approach: The article emphasizes the importance of treating both the underlying cause of the infection and the fever symptoms for enhanced comfort. It acknowledges that addressing the symptoms is crucial in making individuals more comfortable while battling an illness.
Medications for Fever:
-
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen):
- It is recommended for relieving aches and pains.
- Functions as an antipyretic, helping to reduce body temperature.
- The suggested dosage is every 4 to 6 hours, as indicated in the drug information leaflet.
-
Steroids:
- Steroids may be prescribed if the fever is a reaction to treatment.
-
Aspirin and Ibuprofen:
- These can reduce body temperature.
- Caution is advised, and consulting a doctor is recommended before taking them.
- Contraindications include a low platelet count or the presence of other bleeding risks, such as a stomach ulcer.
Other Comfort Measures: Apart from medications, the article suggests various non-pharmacological approaches to enhance comfort during a fever episode:
- Removing excess clothing and bed linen: Facilitates heat dissipation.
- Lukewarm bath or sponge down: Aids in cooling the body.
- Drinking cool fluids and sucking ice chips: Helps in maintaining hydration and providing a cooling effect.
- Ventilation: Opening windows or using a fan in the room can help regulate temperature.
- Maintaining dryness: Changing wet bed linen and clothes during chills to keep warm and dry.
- Rest: Emphasizes the importance of resting as much as possible.
Key Cautionary Notes: The article underscores the importance of not taking medications if allergic or if healthcare professionals advise against it. It also highlights specific contraindications for aspirin and ibuprofen, such as low platelet count or a risk of bleeding.
In conclusion, the provided information aligns with established medical practices for managing fever, combining pharmaceutical interventions with lifestyle and comfort measures. This holistic approach is crucial in ensuring not only recovery from the underlying cause but also the alleviation of distressing symptoms.
