Symptoms Of Fever: A fever is a sign that something out of the ordinary is going on in your body.
For an adult, a fever may be uncomfortable, but usually isn’t a cause for concern unless it reaches 103 F (39.4 C) or higher. For infants and toddlers, a slightly elevated temperature may indicate a serious infection.
Fevers generally go away within a few days. A number of over-the-counter medications lower a fever, but sometimes it’s better left untreated. Fever seems to play a key role in helping your body fight off a number of infections.
What is a fever?
A fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature. It’s a sign of your body’s natural fight against infection.
For adults, a fever is when your temperature is higher than 100.4°F.
For kids, a fever is when their temperature is higher than 100.4°F (measured rectally); 99.5°F (measured orally); or 99°F (measured under the arm).
The average normal body temperature is 98.6° Fahrenheit (or 37° Celsius). When you or your child’s temperature rises a few degrees above normal, it’s a sign that the body is healthy and fighting infection. In most cases, that’s a good thing.
But when a fever rises above 102°F it should be treated at home and, if necessary, by your healthcare provider if the fever doesn’t go down after a few days.
What is a Fever Blister?
A fever blister hides out in the nerves and becomes active as a result of stress, overexposure to sunlight, or hormonal changes, or when your immune system is weak. You usually get a warning of a fever blister (also known as a cold sore), which may include tingling, discomfort, itching, or aching. This is when you might consider using the remedies described here. Don’t wait until a blister erupts; by then, it’s often too late.
6 Natural home remedies for Fever Blisters
1. Vitamin E
Research published in Alternative Medicine Review suggests that vitamin E soothes the skin and may help to relieve pain and discomfort from fever blisters. It’s an antioxidant that repairs damaged skin and reduces inflammation.
Vitamin E can be taken as oral capsules, or you can boost your levels with vitamin E-rich foods, such as almonds, spinach, sweet potatoes, avocados, sunflower seeds, and olive oil.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda can be applied to a fever blister in order to dry it out, neutralize acids and soothe irritation. You can make a paste with baking soda using either water or fresh lemon juice. Then apply the paste to the fever blister and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.
3. Ice
Ice can help treat inflammation by reducing blood flow to the area. It also numbs the area so that there’s less pain. But this treatment is only temporary and it does not affect the virus in any way or promote healing.
How to use: To treat a cold sore, wrap an ice pack with a towel or cloth. Place it on the cold sore for at least 5 minutes and no more than 15 minutes. Never apply
ice directly to the skin as this can cause significant injury.
4. Oregano oil
On a cellular level, oregano oil is shown to inhibit different animal and human viruses, including herpes. It’s unclear what dose is needed to provide benefits.
How to use: Apply diluted oregano oil to a cotton ball and apply to the affected area. Repeat several times throughout the day, and continue treatment until your blisters heal completely.
5. Aloe Vera Gel
You can use aloe vera gel on a fever blister to ease the discomfort and speed the healing process. Research shows that aloe vera gel has medicinal skincare properties. It contains antioxidant vitamins, enzymes, minerals, fatty acids, and hormones that help with healing and preventing further infection.
6. L-lysine
L-lysine is an amino acid that may help shorten the duration of a fever blister. People report benefits from taking this supplement as a preventative and treatment.
According to Harvard Health Publications, lysine can inhibit the amino acid that promotes the growth of fever blisters. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. It may also have a role in limiting fever blister outbreaks.
How to use: Research doses range from 500 to 3,000 milligrams (mg). Follow the recommendation on the package.
What usually causes a Fever?
Almost any infection can cause a fever, including:
- Bone infections (osteomyelitis), appendicitis, skin infections or cellulitis, and meningitis
- Respiratory infections such as colds or flu-like illnesses, sore throats, ear infections, sinus infections, mononucleosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis
- Urinary tract infections
- Viral gastroenteritis and bacterial gastroenteritis
Children may have a low-grade fever for 1 or 2 days after some immunizations.
Teething may cause a slight increase in a child’s temperature, but not higher than 100°F (37.8°C).
Autoimmune or inflammatory disorders may also cause fevers. Some examples are:
- Arthritis or connective tissue illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease
- Vasculitis or periarteritis nodosa
The first symptom of cancer maybe a fever. This is particularly true of Hodgkin disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemia.
Other possible causes of fever include:
- Blood clots or thrombophlebitis
- Medicines, such as some antibiotics, antihistamines, and seizure medicines
Signs and Symptoms of Low-Grade Fever
The easiest way to determine if you have a low-grade fever—or any fever—is to simply take your temperature. However, in addition to a raised temperature, there are other signs of fever, like:
Depending on the underlying cause of the low-grade fever, the fever may also present with other symptoms, such as symptoms that commonly occur with fever-causing viruses like colds and flu. These symptoms—which may include coughs, sore throats, headaches, or other symptoms—can be used to help determine the reason for the fever and the best way to treat it. (Symptoms Of Fever)
Types of Fever
1. A low-grade fever happens when the body temperature rises to 100.4F (38C)
2. Moderate fever if the temperature rises above 102.2-104F or 39.1-40C
3. High-grade fever indicates if the body temperature is 104F (39.4C) or above.
4. Hyperpyrexia, if the temperature is above 106F or 41.1C
Generally, most fevers settle on their own within 1- 3 days. However, persistent or continuous fever may start or reoccur for up to 14 days.
1. Acute – if the duration of fever is less than 7 days
2. Sub-acute- if the fever lasts up to 14 days
3. Chronic or persistent- if fever continues for over 14 days
A fever that persists may be serious even if it is a mild fever, as recurrent fever is the indication of a more severe infection or health condition.
What is the best way to measure body temperature?
The best way to measure body temperature is using a thermometer inserted orally, rectally, axillary (under the arm), or by using a special instrument commonly sold in stores that are inserted in the ear and measures the temperature of the eardrum.
Normal Temperature?
Most of us learned that a normal body temperature is 98.6 F. But new research shows that was the norm for people in the 1800s. Today, studies show that people may be slightly cooler, so the norm is anywhere between 97 and 99 F.
Did you know that your temperature changes throughout the day? You’re at your coolest overnight and warmest in the evening. You may get warmer if you exercise.
Why You Get a Fever
Your body may raise its temperature to help you fight off an infection. When your body is hotter, it makes it harder for viruses or bacteria to survive. The fever also tells your immune system to make more white blood cells join in the fight. So a fever may help protect you, even if it makes you feel worse for a little while.
How to Take a Temperature
Thermometers can measure your temperature by mouth, ear, armpit, forehead, or rectum. For older kids and adults, the most accurate method is by mouth with an oral digital thermometer. The Rectal is best for babies or small children. To take a temperature that way, put petroleum jelly on the thermometer tip, insert it about half an inch into their rectum, and hold the thermometer still until you get the result.
Should You Bring Down a Fever?
If you or your child feels well enough to eat, sleep, and do things at home (like read or watch TV), you may not need to try to lower a fever, because the fever itself may fight the illness. Studies show that some people in hospitals get better whether their fevers are treated or not. If your child gets febrile seizures, the medicine may make them feel better, but it won’t make seizures less likely. Still, wonder what to do? Ask your doctor.
What is yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a highly serious, potentially fatal, mosquito-borne disease caused by the flavivirus. The virus is transmitted by infected species of Aedes, and Haemagogus mosquitoes. The mosquito becomes infected when it bites an infected human or an animal (especially a primate).
The disease is endemic and intermittently an epidemic in parts of Africa and tropical South America. Severe cases of yellow fever can cause high fever, internal hemorrhaging, and liver, and kidney damage. Often liver damage results in severe jaundice, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes, and hence the name ‘yellow fever.
As yellow fever is associated with acute hemorrhages, if you notice any symptoms matching those of this disease in yourself, or in any family member, you need to contact your family physician or a general physician without delay to avoid any fatal consequences.
Treatment
A fever is usually not dangerous on its own, as most fevers go away within hours to days as the body beats an infection. Follow these simple and effective measures to feel better and recover:
- Drink enough to stay hydrated, like water, juice, clear soup
- Eat a bland and soft diet that is light on the tummy
- Take enough rest
- Take a warm sponge bath
Some of the over-the-counter medications may help you relieve fever and other symptoms associated with it like headache, body ache, and muscle pain. If the fever is very severe, then the mode of treatment depends on knowing the causative factor behind this and the doctors may prescribe medications like antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals to treat any serious infections.
Also read: How To Remove Birthmarks
When to Call a Doctor
If your temperature is between 100 and 102, drink plenty of fluids and rest. You can take a fever reducer if you like.
Call your doctor if your temperature is over 102 F and it doesn’t go down within an hour after you take a fever-reducing medication.
If you have a fever with a cough or shortness of breath and think you might have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, call your doctor to talk about the next steps.
Always call your doctor if you have any kind of fever along with a severe headache, a stiff neck, throat swelling, or confusion. They may be signs of a serious condition, such as strep throat or meningitis.
Even if you don’t have these symptoms, your doctor may tell you to take your temperature at certain times, like first thing in the morning or at night. You can record the readings and report back.