You will be seen as having a fever if your temperature is above 38.0 °C. Fevers below 38.0°C are considered to be low grade. They do not need medical attention unless you begin showing troubling symptoms. Fever shouldn’t be confused with hypothermia, which is the way your body responds to heat.
Fever could also be a symptom of stomach flu or colds. In children, immunization or teething could result in a fever. Sometimes a fever can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection that could be contagious. Under such conditions, you are advised to visit an emergency room near you for treatment.
There are various ways and different gadgets used to take your body temperature. They include oral, ear, rectal and forehead thermometers.
Our doctors at Altus Emergency Center in Waxahachie recommend you avoid using glass thermometers since they are prone to accidents. When using the rectal thermometers, apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly on the bulb before inserting about 1 inch of the thermometer in your rectum to avoid any discomfort. Hold it for at least three minutes to get accurate results.
The oral thermometer is placed under the tongue for at least three minutes. Close your mouth for accurate results. It can also be placed on your armpits. Let it rest for at least five minutes in your armpits before removing.
Digital thermometers will beep if they have the temperature. If you are not sure about the type of thermometer to use, contact our 24-hour emergency clinic at Waxahachie for more information.
There are various reasons why you will start experiencing fever symptoms. They include:
The symptoms usually depend on the cause. Some of these signs include:
Symptoms that will prompt you to seek immediate care at an ER near you.
You might experience hallucinations and confusion if the fever is very high. Be sure to seek immediate medical attention at an emergency clinic near you in Waxahachie.
Fever is a symptom. The doctor makes a diagnosis by checking your temperature and examining the cause. You will be asked about the symptoms you have been experiencing and your medical history. Tests will be made to confirm the diagnosis. Some of the tests done are:
Treatment is done depending on the cause, and at times, prescribed drugs from your local pharmacy should do.
However, there are several steps you can take to reduce the discomfort caused by the fever. They include:
You will require a lot of rest to help your body to regain and heal properly.