Fever: a disease that can mean a lot of patologies; here is how to get rido of it.
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Fever is a pathological condition that implies an increase in body temperature, sometimes headaches, and other diseases. For example, just recently we discovered that fever is a symptom of Covid. To measure temperature you have to use a thermometer, but to get rid of it there are a lot of ways: here is how.
Types of thermometers
There are numerous types of thermometers available to check for fever.
Digital thermometers
Digital thermometers are easy to use for measuring temperature under the armpit. Modern digital thermometers are considered to be much more reliable and safer for use with children.
Ear thermometers
Ear thermometers are put into the ear when they are used to measure temperature. Use an ear thermometer with care otherwise erroneously low-temperature readings may result.
Strip thermometers
Strip thermometers are unsuitable for measuring body temperature as they only provide a reading of the skin’s temperature.
Mercury thermometers
Traditional mercury thermometers should not be used to measure temperature.
Where should you insert a thermometer?
You can use a thermometer to measure your temperature under the arm, under the tongue or inside the ear. If measured under the arm, the normal temperature should be around 36.4 degrees Celsius. If measured under the tongue or in the ear, the temperature should be around 37.0 degrees Celsius.
Defining and treating a high temperature
A high temperature is considered to be any temperature over 37.5 degrees Celsius. It is possible to treat a high temperature by keeping hydrated, but there are a lot of ways.
Drink cool, clear fluids regularly.
Oral medication
A high temperature can be treated with the aid of either paracetamol or ibuprofen. Dosage instructions can be provided by a general practitioner or pharmacist or can be found on the patient information leaflet.
Other tips to help in lowering the temperature
Keep cool when you have a high temperature – wear loose, light clothing and ensure the room is fully aired.
Strip the beds of heavy bedding and wherever possible, maintain a comfortable room temperature of 18 degrees Celsius.
What to do when a high fever cannot be controlled?
A fever may be accompanied by other signs of illness. If this is the case, it is essential to consult with a general practitioner or nurse. If fever remedies fail to reduce a high temperature, or if you are a carer to a child with a high temperature, consult with a healthcare professional at the earliest opportunity.
