Fever In Adults

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Fever is a rise in body temperature higher than the normal. A body temperature of more than 38.3 degrees Celsius (101 degrees Fahrenheit) may be considered as having a fever. A normal body temperature may be affected by different things, such as time of day or weather. A women's body temperatures may also be affected by her monthly period. The normal oral (mouth) temperature for an adult is 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Fever is usually caused by an infection due to germs, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It may also be a result of an allergy, heat exposure, cancer or other diseases, or occur after using certain medicines. The cause of a fever may also be unknown, and may be called fever of unknown origin.
  
  
• You may have red, warm, sweaty skin and you may feel hot when you have fever. At some point, you may feel cold and have chills. You may have nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), or a headache. Other signs and symptoms may also be present pointing to the illness or condition causing the fever. Diagnosing the cause of fever will need a complete health history and physical exam, and blood and urine tests. Other tests may be done related to a disease or condition that may be causing your symptoms. Treatment will depend on the condition causing the fever. Treatment may include medicines and other measures to decrease your body temperature. With early diagnosis, treatment, and care, your fever may resolve without leading to further problems.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Avoid spreading germs: You can decrease your chance of getting lung infections and other illnesses by doing the following:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Carry germ-killing hand lotion or gel with you when you leave the house. You can use the lotion or gel to clean your hands when there is no water available.
  
  
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have washed your hands first.
  
  
• Always cover your mouth when you cough. It is best to cough into a tissue or your shirtsleeve, rather than into your hand. People around you should also cover their mouths when they cough.
  
  
• Try to avoid people who have a cold or the flu. If you are sick, stay away from others as much as possible.

Drinking liquids: Men 19 years old and older should drink about 3.0 Liters of liquid each day (close to 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about 2.2 Liters of liquid each day (close to 9 eight-ounce cups). Good choices for most people to drink include water, juice, and milk. If you are used to drinking liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, these can also be counted in your daily liquid amount. Some food items such as soup and fruit also add liquid to your diet. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should have each day.

Rest: You may feel like resting more. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.

For more information: Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  PO Box 11210
  Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
  Phone: 1-913-906-6000
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• Your fever does not go down even after taking your medicines.
  
  
• You have new symptoms or symptoms that are a lot worse than before.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a bad abdominal pain, vomiting, and cannot keep food down.
  
  
• You have a convulsion (seizure), stiff neck, and cannot think clearly.
  
  
• You have blood in your bowel movement, urine, or sputum (spit).
  
  
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing all of a sudden.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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