About this topic
Fever is an increase of the bodys temperature. It is a sign that the body is fighting infection. Fever is not an illness. It is a sign of some other problem. ‚
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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.
- Drink lots of fluids. This will keep you well hydrated.
- Wear light clothing. Cover with a sheet or light blanket if you are cold.
- Put a cold compress wet cloth on your forehead. You can also put a cool wet cloth on the back of your neck, under your arms, and on your groin.
- Use lukewarm water for a bath or sponge bath.
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. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower fever
- Treat the problem causing the fever
Will physical activity be limited?
- Stay at home until the fever is gone for 24 hours. This will help prevent the infection from spreading to other people.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
What problems could happen?
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill viruses.
- Do not get too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
- Do not share towels or hankies with anyone who is sick.
- Clean commonly handled things like door handles, remotes, toys, and phones. Wipe them with a disinfectant.
- Stay away from crowded places.
- Get a flu shot each year.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
- Signs of fluid loss. These include dark-colored urine or no urine for more than 8 hours, dry mouth, cracked lips, dry skin, sunken eyes, lack of energy, feeling faint or passing out.
- Fever that lasts more than 3 days or does not respond to anti-fever drugs
- A new rash
- Belly pain that keeps you from eating or sleeping
- Throwing up more than 3 times in the next 48 hours
- 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 what I can do to help avoid passing the infection to others.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have dark colored or no urine, dry mouth, cracked lips, or a lack of energy.
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Fever ‚
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚