I Have a FEVER. Now, what?

Blog entry post made April 2009

Fever is a natural mechanism of the body when there is something wrong is going on inside the body.

How do I know if I have a fever?

• Oral temperature is above 37.5OC

• Axillary temperature is above 37 OC

• Rectal temperature is above 38.1OC

• Tympanic temperature is above 37.9 OC

(Note: There is a slight difference in the temperature of the babies, children and the elderly.)

What to do if I have a fever?

Everybody (especially moms) knows what to do when somebody has a fever. But for the benefit of those who do not, here are the things which you can do:

1. Provide TSB or tepid sponge bath.

First is that you need to get two towels: one dry and the other one is wet. Whenever we had a fever during our childhood days, my mother would use water with ice. But I learned that it was a no-no! Note that you cannot use ice water. The water from the faucet is preferable but the temperature of the water should be 80-98OF. When you use ice, the area (towel is usually placed in the forehead) where you put the towel vasoconstricts. You wash the face and body using the wet towel particularly those who are generating more heat (armpits for example) followed by the dry towel. Perform TSB every 15 minutes.

2. Take a sip of hot soup.

3. Increase fluid intake.

Basically, we increase our fluid intake in order to prevent dehydration. Did you know that there is water expelled when we exhale? Our body tries to compensate in order to maintain homeostasis so respiration is increased. Thus, the water in the body also diminishes.

4. Get bed rest.

5. Provide or remove blanket to provide comfort.

Give a blanket when the person feels cold and remove the blanket if he feels to hot. This is done in order to enhance the comfort of the person.

6. Take medication.

Paracetamol is usually taken every after 4 hours especially when temperature is 38.5C and above.

If the temperature still rises or persists for a week and though you have done your part but still show no improvement at all, then I suggest that you bring him to the hospital NOW.

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Update 2021: I would like to correct the part regarding paracetamol and ice bath. Paracetamol is usually taken when you have an axillary temperature of 37.8 C and up. Ice bath is only indicated when the body temperature is very hot like 40 C to lower the temperature abruptly. High temperature such as 40 C could pose a risk for convulsions in children. But nevertheless, we do first the tepid sponge bath.