Overcoming high fever in infants, children, and adults & bull; hello healthy

Fever is a common disease experienced by many people. But the fact is, fever is not something bad for our body. Because, like the report written on Harvard Health Publication , fever indicates our body is working against infection. But that doesn't mean we can ignore it. Still need to take help steps to deal with high fever.

The danger of high fever if left unchecked

When we have a fever, our body temperature will increase to a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher. Dr. Miriam Stoppard, a member of the Royal College of Physicians, London on his website MiriamStoppard.com , said, although fever is a good sign for knowing certain health conditions, do not let the temperature rise too high. Especially for children, high temperatures will cause discomfort and irritation.

"In infants and toddlers, fever with high temperature raises the risk of seizures. That is why it is important to maintain a normal body temperature, "said Dr. Miriam.

Still said Dr. Miriam, the body temperature of a normal person is 36-37 degrees Celsius. However, if we have a fever and the temperature reaches 38 degrees Celsius or more, Dr. Miriam says it's not necessarily a sign of serious illness.

Fever itself is caused by infections, such as flu, pneumonia, food poisoning and gastrointestinal infections. Fever can also be caused by other conditions of the disease that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, drug or vaccine reactions, and even certain types of cancer.

Apart from body temperature, what are the symptoms of a high fever?

A person who has a fever also usually feels several other body conditions, namely:

• Sweating
• Shivering
• Headache
• Muscleache
• Loss of appetite
• Feel restless
• Feeling weak

People who have a high or very high fever will experience:

• Confusion
• Severe sleepiness
• Easy to get angry
• Convulsions

How to deal with high fever at home

When someone has a fever, the action to overcome it will vary, depending on the age group, as reported from MayoClinic .

Overcoming high fever in infants and toddlers

• Infants 0-3 months with a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher:Call the doctor, even if your child has no other symptoms or signs.
• Infants 3-6 months with a fever up to 38.9 degrees Celsius: Let the child rest and drink lots of water. Medicine is not needed. Call the doctor if your child seems to have unusual irritation, is lethargic, or feels uncomfortable.
• Infants 3-6 months with a fever above 38.9 degrees Celsius: Contact the doctor, he can recommend tests and examinations for your child.
• Infants 6-24 months with a fever above 38.9 degrees Celsius: Give your child acetaminophen. If your child is 6 months of age or older, giving ibuprofen is also okay, but first read its use carefully for the correct dosage. Do not give aspirin to babies or toddlers. Call the doctor if the fever does not go down after being given the medicine, or if it has not gone down after more than 1 day.

Overcoming high fever in children and adolescents

• Children aged 2-17 years with a fever up to 38.9 degrees Celsius:Encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medicine is not needed. Call your doctor if your child seems more fussy than usual, is lethargic, or complains of discomfort.
• Children aged 2-17 years with a fever above 38.9 degrees Celsius: If your child seems uncomfortable, give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Read the label carefully for the correct dosage, and be careful not to give your child more than one medication that contains acetaminophen, such as some cough and cold medicines. Avoid using aspirin in children or adolescents. Call the doctor if the fever does not go down with the medication or it persists for more than 3 days.

Overcoming high fever in adults

• 18 years and over with fever up to 38.9 degrees Celsius: Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medicine is not needed. Call your doctor if your fever is accompanied by severe headache, stiff neck, shortness of breath, or other unusual signs or symptoms.
• 18 years and over with a fever above 38.9 degrees Celsius:If you feel uncomfortable, take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin. Read the label carefully for the correct dosage, and be careful not to use more than one medication that contains acetaminophen, such as cough and cold medicines. Call the doctor if the fever does not go down, the temperature reaches 39.4 degrees or more, or it persists for more than 3 days.

Call your doctor immediately if your fever is very high

If you or your child has a fever of 40 degrees Celsius or more, it means you should contact the doctor immediately. Especially if the high fever is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Convulsions
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Stiff neck
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe pain all over the body
• Swelling or inflammation in many parts of the body
• The vagina smells bad
• Pain when urinating or the urine smells bad

If your child has a high fever, avoid waking your child to check his temperature with a thermometer. Sleep is more important for him so that the fever goes down quickly.