Misunderstandings about “Fever”
- Having a fever and feeling hot for several days, taking medicine, resting, and it will get better
- Having received the flu vaccine, so why can I still catch the flu?
- Fever is just having a runny nose, feeling hot, body aches, that’s all, it’s nothing serious
In reality, the “fever” that seems ordinary may not be as ordinary as you think.
Causes of Fever
Fever can be caused by many reasons, such as
1. The body has an infection
- From viruses, such as influenza, measles, etc.
- From bacteria, such as food poisoning, pertussis, leptospirosis, and cystitis, etc.
2. Related to the immune system
3. Related to inflammation
4. Dehydration
5. Prolonged exposure to sunlight
6. Sometimes fever occurs without a known cause (FUO, Fever of unknown origin) or PUO (Pyrexia of unknown origin)
How Does Fever Occur?
Fever is a condition where the body temperature rises above the normal temperature, which is normally 37 degrees Celsius.
The normal body temperature results from the functioning of various organs, especially muscles and the liver, which are controlled by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a deep part of the cerebrum. The body temperature is regulated by eliminating heat through sweating (skin) and breathing (lungs).
When the body is infected or due to some causes (such as bleeding in the brain), it stimulates the hypothalamus to respond by raising the body temperature. The tissues that increase body temperature as directed by the brain are muscles and blood vessels. Blood vessels constrict to prevent heat from spreading out through the skin and lungs. This constriction not only raises body temperature but also causes the person with fever to feel cold due to reduced blood flow. Additionally, muscles contract causing shivering, which altogether is the symptom of fever rising.
When the stimulation to the hypothalamus decreases, it responds by lowering the body temperature. Blood vessels dilate, tissues receive more blood, and the temperature in those tissues rises. The body then releases heat through sweating, which causes sweating when the fever subsides.
Recognizing Fever Symptoms
- When you feel chills or like you are going to have a fever, you can initially assess your condition by using a thermometer to measure your body temperature. Before using the thermometer, shake it down to the lowest mercury level, place it under the tongue for 3 minutes, then read the result. If the fever is higher than 39.4°C, you should see a doctor immediately.
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Check for dehydration symptoms, which include extreme thirst, little or very dark urine, dizziness, very dry mouth, and reduced skin elasticity. You should see a doctor immediately.
How to Reduce Fever Properly?
- Wipe the body with a damp cloth to reduce fever and naturally lower body temperature
- If the fever makes you feel very uncomfortable, you can take fever-reducing medicine every 4-6 hours
- Do not bundle up too much as it will block heat dissipation and prevent the body temperature from lowering
- Replace lost fluids by drinking about 1 glass of water every 2 hours. This can be plain water, fruit juice, broth, or other non-alcoholic drinks
What Symptoms Require Immediate Medical Attention?
- Fever higher than 39.4°C
- Fever with rash, severe headache, stiff neck, agitation or confusion, cough with brown or green phlegm, abnormal pain during urination, severe abdominal or back pain
- Signs of dehydration
- Fever after taking certain medications
How Can “Fever” Be Serious?
The fever we think is a common symptom that improves with medication may actually become serious and life-threatening if you do not see a doctor after having a fever for 2 consecutive days because
- Fever symptoms may worsen
- Frequent cough, sore throat, constant runny nose, body aches, loss of appetite >> Influenza
- Severe body pain, severe headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, constant sleepiness >> Dengue fever
- People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease >> Severe bacterial fever, bloodstream infection
- People who travel to rural areas and frequently walk through floodwaters >> Malaria, leptospirosis
- If fever lasts about 2 weeks with chills, sometimes like a cold, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, bone pain, especially in the elderly >> Leukemia, bone marrow cancer
Who Are the High-Risk Groups That Need Special Care When Having a Fever?
- Elderly people and those with chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure should see a doctor immediately when having a fever because these groups have weaker immune systems than healthy adults. Immediate medical consultation helps doctors diagnose and treat promptly since severe fever symptoms often start as common fever symptoms. It is important to have a clear diagnosis before the condition worsens and becomes life-threatening.
- Young children
How to Prevent Fever?
Preventing fever means preventing its causes. The most common cause of fever is infection. Therefore, preventing fever means maintaining good health and preventing infections, which importantly includes
- Regularly maintain personal hygiene by washing hands frequently
- Know how to use a face mask
- Avoid crowded places, especially during disease outbreaks
- Avoid unnecessary close contact with sick people
- Get vaccinated against various diseases from birth and periodically as recommended by public health officials, doctors, and nurses
