Feb 09 2009
Do you have fever?
Fever is the body’s way of letting us know that something is wrong. Our normal body temperature ranges between 98 - 99 °F (around 37°C).
Fever can occur due to bacterial or viral infections. Bacteria usually release toxins in the blood which results in an increase in temperature.
Our body responds by activating the immune system. It’s a known fact that when we sweat, we are expelling toxins from our body.
Medical attention is necessary if fever is very high i.e. 3-4 degrees higher than normal temperature. Besides infections, other diseases like lymphomas, 
leukemias and brain disorders cause fever too.
Children and elderly people are more susceptible to fever as their immunity is low.
Antibiotics work only against bacterial infections. If antibiotics are prescribed for viral infections, it is mainly to avoid any secondary bacterial infection (as your immunity is low).
How will you know if it’s a viral or bacterial infection? Obviously a blood test will confirm it. But clinically, if fever is associated with a sore throat, it is usually a viral infection. There are exceptions but it works most of the time.
Supportive treatment:
#1 Wear loose clothes. It will help in circulation.
#2 The room should be kept cool.
#3 Analgesics like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
#4 Tepid sponging i.e. placing a cloth soaked in cold water on the forehead also helps.
#5 Drink a lot of water.
#6 Eat good nutritious food. Never skip a meal.
Vitamin B and C tablets strenthen our immunity.
Further Reading:
