What Fevers Are Telling You

We’ve all been there at some point: experiencing a sudden spike in temperature followed by a rush for the thermometer and then that ominous beep confirming it’s a fever. But, did you know that not all fevers develop for the same reason?

Riverview Health explains that fevers are the body’s way of fighting off a viral or bacterial infection. Depending on its pattern and how long it lasts, a fever can tell us quite a lot about what might be going on inside the body.

what is a fever?

According to Hopkins Medicine, a fever occurs when the body’s temperature rises above a normal 37.2°C. Many healthcare providers consider it a fever when it hits 38°C or higher. In rare cases, high fevers may cause seizures or confusion in children, known as febrile seizures. It’s not how high the temperature is, but how fast the temperature goes up that causes a seizure, Hopkins Medicine explains. A seizure lasting longer than five minutes requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms associated with a fever may include:

flushed face
hot, dry skin
low output of urine or dark urine
sweating
chills
not interested in eating
constipation or diarrhoea
vomiting
headache
body aches
nausea

different types of fever

Lawrence Dall and James Stanford, authors of Chapter 211 Fever, Chills, and Night Sweats in Clinical Methods History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations, say not all fevers are the same; different illnesses can manifest in unique fever patterns, such as:

Intermittent fever: temperature rises but returns to normal daily.
Remittent fever: temperature decreases daily but doesn’t reach normal. The change in temperature varies between 0.3°C and 1.4°C.
Hectic fever: either intermittent or remittent fever where the temperature difference (between highest and lowest) is 1.4°C or more. It is often associated with chills and sweats.
Sustained fever: elevated temperature with very little change (0.3°C or less) throughout the day.
Relapsing fever: episodes of fever spikes are separated by days or weeks of normal temperature.

the timeline tells a tale

The duration of a fever can provide clues about the underlying illness. If a fever lasts a few days, it’s typically due to a mild infection and simply your body’s way of beating the infection, according to Care Central Urgent Care. Fevers that linger longer, or are recurring, may hint at more serious conditions.

Read our article on tackling pain and fever.

how to treat fevers

While fevers help the body fight off infection, they can be uncomfortable. So here’s where Panado®’s range of products, conveniently available in tablet, capsule or effervescent form, can help, offering relief of pain and fever in children and adults.

When medicating infants or children, always administer using a medicine measure or a syringe. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Dosage details can be found at https://panado.co.za/dosage-calculator/ and are calculated according to your child’s age and weight.

Other ways to treat fevers and ease the symptoms include:

Taking a lukewarm bath and sponging may help reduce the fever.
Placing a cool compress on the forehead or the back of your neck can also help lower your body temperature when you’re running a fever.
Keep your environment well-ventilated and try to stay in a room with proper air circulation.
Eat foods rich in vitamin C to support your immune system.
Importantly, keep your fluid levels topped up, preferably with water, to avoid dehydration.
Sleep and rest as much as possible to allow your body to heal and your immune system to strengthen.