Should I have a fever, should I see a doctor? Look

Should I have a fever, should I see a doctor? Look. Due to the new coronavirus pandemic, measuring body temperature right at the entrance to several factories has become routine. Normal is the variation between 36.1 ° C and 37.2 ° C. Fever is a cause for concern, because it triggers the alarm that something is not normal in the body.

The temporary increase in body temperature is a defense against an infection or condition that can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or inflammatory processes.

It can also be a reaction of the body to the birth of the baby’s teeth or to an emotional state in an adult. It is not a disease, it is a symptom that must have its origin discovered. And, depending on the situation, you need to look for a hospital.

Fever in children and adults: how to act

It is considered febrile if the temperature measured in the armpit of the child or infant is 37.8 ° C or higher. Above 38 ° C the fever is no longer mild and it is necessary to consult a doctor. In the case of infants and children, the temperature varies with age, activity and the time of day. Babies tend to have higher temperatures than older babies. It is highest between late afternoon and early evening and the lowest between midnight and early morning.

An adult is considered febrile if the temperature is above 37.5 ° C. In addition to 37.8 ° C, it is considered fever. Several factors can affect it: physical activity, strong emotions, food, warm clothing, medications, high ambient temperature and high air humidity. In women, it can rise by 1 ° C or more in the second half of the menstrual cycle.

Those with a fever should have their temperature checked several times a day, always noting times and results. This is important information to pass on to the doctor and help diagnose.

To help lower the fever, the patient needs to stay hydrated; avoid excess clothing or blankets, favoring lighter protection alternatives; keep the room ventilated and take a quick shower with hot water, especially after administering medication. If the person has a lot of tremors, the bathroom should be stopped immediately.

It is not recommended to take a cold or ice bath, or to pass alcohol into the body, this worsens the situation causing chills and can lead to an increase in body temperature.

When to see a doctor

In situations of febrile or febrile conditions, people can initially opt for teleconsultation, especially with their doctor or medical practitioner. In this way, he obtains information on the initial procedures to be adopted.

In the case of children, a hospital emergency should be sought if the temperature reaches 40.6 ° C; if the condition lasts more than five days; if you are less than three months old and have not yet taken the vaccine doses; if your mouth is dry, your lips are dry or if you cry without tears; if you have urinated less than three times a day; if different from normal, less active and alert; if you have seizures, have difficulty waking up or if nothing gives you relief.

In adults, hospital care is needed if the fever persists for three to five days, if it continues to spike, or if it stays for more than a week even if it is low. Intense and constant headache in the chest and throat, vomiting, redness of the skin, abdominal and urinary pain, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, difficulty breathing and mental confusion are associated signs that deserve specialized attention.

In addition to these, a person in a febrile state who has heart problems, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other chronic lung problems should go to the doctor immediately. The patient still needs treatment with low immunity caused by prolonged corticosteroid therapy, bone marrow or organ transplantation, spleen removal, HIV, or cancer treatment. Those who have returned from a trip with fever symptoms also need to seek treatment.

Whether it is a fever, feverish state or a high fever, it is not recommended to administer medication without the guidance of a primary care physician or pediatrician. Only the specialist can evaluate the recommended dosage of antipyretic or analgesic, as appropriate. Parents must comply with the prescription, because the medicine does not usually have an immediate effect, as it takes time to work in the body.