But what are fevers, exactly? Why do kids get them? Why do parents and doctors care so much about them? Let's find out. Most human beings have a body temperature of around Some people will have a normal temperature that's a little higher; others will have a normal temperature that's a little lower. Most people's body temperatures even change a little bit during the course of the day: It is usually a little lower in the morning and a little higher in the evening.
For most kids, their body temperature stays pretty much the same from day to day — until germs enter the picture. Remember that strep throat that made you feel so rotten? Or another time when the flu made you feel tired and achy? These kinds of infections are caused by germs that make their way into your body, usually in the form of bacteria say: bak-TEER-ee-uh or viruses.
When these germs march in and make you sick, your body's thermostat goes higher. If these symptoms last or are particularly intense, it's important to see a doctor. Fevers can cause you to get exhausted, or to feel winded after doing something simple, like taking a jog or going up a flight of stairs. If you are getting particularly winded, it could be a sign you're sick. Thum, Backe, and Lee all say that headaches and body aches, too, are potential signs of a fever.
So if you have aches and pains that don't correspond with any injuries, or a headache that's going alongside sweats or fatigue, you could be running a temperature. Luckily, the same medicine that can help with your aches and pains can help regulate the fever itself.
You should always check with a doctor to see if it's safe for you to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. The Mayo Clinic also notes that chills from a fever can coincide with pain, and it's best to check in with your doctor if any of these aches become severe. If you're really concerned about whether or not you're running a fever, the only thing you can do to actually know is to get a thermometer.
You can buy these over the counter at a pharmacy. A fever is a temperature over So, if you can muster the energy to walk to the store, it'll be a worthwhile investment plus, if this happens again, you won't have to wonder. If you're confident that you're sick and potentially contagious, try calling a friend who's been there for you before and seeing whether they're able to drop one off on your doorstep.
No matter how tired you're feeling, or how much you don't like doctors, if you truly don't feel well, you should try to see a doctor as soon as possible. You could be in need of medical attention," Backe says. Thum adds that difficulty breathing, vomiting, rashes, confusion, pain, or fever lasting for over two days are other bottom lines that mean you need to get help.
If your fever is short-term, or lower than degrees, there are things you can do at home. When using touch to diagnose a fever in someone else, touch your own skin first, then touch the other person to compare the two temperatures. If the other person is a lot hotter than you, they may have a fever. You can also try pinching the skin on the back of your hand to check for signs of dehydration. Dehydration may be a sign of a fever. You have a fever if your rectal temperature is In adults and children over 3 months, a temperature of If your baby is up to 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of Fevers in young babies can be very serious.
If your child is between 3 months and 3 years old and has a temperature of This is considered a high fever. Seek immediate medical help if this is the case. When you shiver, your body rapidly vibrates to increase your body temperature, so you could actually cause your temperature to get higher if you take a cold bath or shower. Instead, try sponging your body with warm water. As the water evaporates, your body will begin to cool.
If sponging causes shivering, though, stop or increase the water temperature. However, there are instances when medical attention is necessary in adults. For babies 3 months and younger, seek immediate medical help if they have a rectal temperature of For children between 3 months and 3 years old, call their doctor if they have a temperature of Read this article in Spanish.
When should you break a fever, and when should you let it run its course? Here's everything you need to know about when and how to break a fever. Need to get rid of a fever fast? Read about side effects, warnings, and other factors to help you decide which fever reducer is best for you or your….
Chills without fever may be caused by being in a cold environment, or it could be a sign of an underlying condition.
Here are 7 possible causes for…. Fever symptoms may include more than just an increase in body temperature.
0コメント