About this topic
Trench fever is caused by a germ that is spread by body lice. The infection may be found in your blood, skin, and urine. You may start showing signs within 5 to 20 days of being exposed to this germ. Trench fever can be treated with drugs. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by the doctor. Do not miss doses of your drugs. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is within a few hours of the next dose, skip it and take the next dose.
- Take the drug for the whole time your doctor prescribes. The illness can return if you do not take all of the drugs ordered.
- Practice proper hygiene and hand washing.
- Do not scratch itchy skin rashes to avoid more infection.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to a heart specialist if there are problems with your heart.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Lower fever
- Ease headaches
- Help with muscle and joint pain
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. It may take 2 to 3 months for your signs to go away. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Swelling of lymph nodes
- Bacteria in the blood
- Infection of valves in the heart, if trench fever left untreated
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Take a bath or shower often. Make sure that you wash and change your clothes regularly.
- Spray insecticides and pesticides to kill or reduce louse infestation in your place.
- Do not share personal items like brushes, combs, towels, or clothes.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Sudden fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) and higher or fever that comes and goes in 5-day cycles
- Fever that lasts longer than 5 days
- Chills
- Headache
- Back pain
- Muscle pain
- Rash
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how I will take my drugs and when I will stop taking them.
- I can tell you what I will do if my fever lasts longer than 5 days.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/bartonella-associated-infections.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚