Fever and what you need to know to handle it properly.

      Fever is a common symptom of many diseases, especially fever caused by viral infections that are spreading into epidemics in many localities from rural areas to cities.

Knowing some basic knowledge about fever is essential for people to be more confident in taking care of themselves and their families.

* Body temperature of the person with fever:

Fever is a common clinical symptom. It is called a fever when the body temperature is above 37.50C if the oral test or the rectal temperature is over 380C. Children, in particular, often have fevers, but not all fevers are dangerous.

When you have a fever, you may experience the following symptoms: chills, cold spines, thirst, red, hot, moist skin. If the fever is high, it may cause confusion, delirium, convulsions.

* When the patient has a fever can be treated at home if:

During the first 2 days, the patient can be treated at home by physical methods such as: keeping the patient in a well-ventilated place. cool, can be in the air-conditioned temperature from 25 – 280C, wear airy clothes, absorb sweat, drink a lot of water, wipe your body, or shower with warm water …

The drug that is usually used safely is Paracetamol at a dose of 10-15mg/kg/time, the next dose can be given after 4-6 hours.

* When should a person with a fever be taken to the hospital?

It is necessary to take the patient to the hospital when: the patient has a high fever > 39oC and cannot reduce the temperature when treated with antipyretic drugs and combined physical methods. Or very high fever ≥ 410C. In children, special attention should be paid when there are abnormal signs such as: refusing to breastfeed, crying a lot, not playing, feverishness, convulsions, delirium, rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, bloody stools… Patient has fever for more than 2 days.

* How to treat when the patient has a fever:

When the patient is having a fever: lay the patient in a well-ventilated place, without drafts and limit the number of people around.
Temperature measurement: the thermometer can be placed under the armpit or in the anus of the patient. – If the patient’s body temperature does not exceed 390C: the patient should take off warm clothes, wear cool clothes, do not cover the blanket.

Use a soft, clean cotton towel, dip it in a basin of warm water, wring it out, then wipe it all over your body, especially in places such as armpits, groin, wait for it to evaporate, then continue wiping until your body temperature drops below 380C. clothes for the patient.

If the patient’s temperature is 39oC or higher: it is necessary to take paracetamol according to the correct dose, weight and interval between two doses specified in the instructions for use. If the patient can’t take the drug with nausea, an rectal suppository can be used.
Give the patient plenty of water to drink, if the baby is still nursing, breastfeed more.