Fever Alert: Know When to See a Doctor

When the Article Hit the Web

The news story kicked off on August 22, 2018 at 7:06 PM. It’ve been circulating around the digital sphere ever since.

What is a fever?

What’s Going On With Your Temperature?

Defining a Fever

A fever is your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s a bit off!” It’s usually any rise above the normal 37 °C (98.6 °F). While a little temperature swing over the day and night is normal, a sustained bump means your body is fighting back.

Why Fevers Usually Flare Up

Most of the time, a fever is a sign your immune system is busy. The usual suspects include:

Common cold – That sneezey, runny‑nose culprit.
Tonsillitis – Inflammation of your tonsils, often caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
Pneumonia – A lung infection that can be serious if left unchecked.
Gastroenteritis – The tummy bug that leads to diarrhea and vomiting; stomach flu, basically.

When Fevers Keep Hanging Around

Occasionally, a fever can stick around longer because of chronic conditions, including:

Rheumatoid arthritis – A long‑term joint inflammation that can bring the heat.
Heat stroke – Excessive heat exposure that overwhelms the body’s cooling system.
Cancers – Certain cancers can generate a persistent fever.

Feeling Warm? Know When to Seek Help

While a mild spike is often harmless, you should head to a doctor if:

The temperature goes beyond 39 °C (102 °F).
It lasts for more than 48 hours.
You’re experiencing severe symptoms like a stiff neck, trouble breathing, or blackouts.

Remember, a fever is a clue your body’s on alert—listen to it and take care of yourself!

Why do I get a fever?

Fever: The Body’s Thermo‑Refuge

When a virus or bacterium tricks you into fever, your immune system is the mastermind behind that temperature hike. The body releases a cocktail of chemicals that crank up the heat in a “war‑like” effort to stomp out the invader.

Why Fever is Often a Good Cop

Quick Recovery: Most mild fevers—anything up to about 40 °F (39 °C)—usually wrap up within a couple of days without any big medical drama.
Built‑in Booster: A modest rise in body temperature gives your immune cells an advantage, helping them neutralize the enemy faster.

It’s Not Always a Game of “More Bother = More Serious”

Reality check: the size of your temperature spike doesn’t automatically mean the sickness is heavy‑weight. A life‑threatening condition like meningitis, which gnaws at the brain’s protective linings, might only nudge your body temperature up slightly—far less dramatic than you’d expect.

Bottom Line

Think of fever as your body’s naturally heated defense system, not a simple thermometer of severity. While a higher reading can be alarming, it’s not always a straight indicator of how dangerous the illness is.

What are the symptoms of a fever?

Feeling Feverish? Here’s the Low‑Down

When the thermometer ticks up, your body gets the memo that something’s off. The classic fever checklist looks like this:

General malaise – that nagging feeling you’re just not getting it together.
Hot & sweaty – your skin’s on a personal sauna.
Shivering – because the body is trying jazz with its thermostat.
Chattering teeth – a subtle reminder that you’re basically talking to your own interior.
Flushed face – when the rear‑view mirror goes from normal to “fire truck” mode.

Now, if you’re a little one between 6 months and 6 years, keep a wary eye. A sudden high spike can trigger febrile seizures – that spiky, involuntary jerking that looks like the body’s way of saying “hold my avocado!”.

But don’t lose your head just yet. Even the adults need to know: a temperature reaching 42.4 °C (108 °F) or higher can leave lasting marks, especially for the elderly. Think of it as a marathon that’s too long for the brain’s system to recover.

When to Pop It on the Nurse’s Desk

Drop a call or swing by if you see:

Any convulsions – no, not your favorite dance moves.
Persistent highs above the 42 °C threshold.
Any ultra‑sharp confusion or disorientation.

Above all, remember: fever is a warning sign. Homing in on the symptoms and acting fast is your best armour against heart‑scrambling headaches.

My child has a fever. What should I do?

When a Child’s Fever Means More Than a Warm Hug

Kids love to run around, eat cereal, and sometimes grow a little feverish. On average, a toddler can catch up to ten minor infections each year, and many of those will only bump their body temperature a smidge – a few degrees above 37 °C – while their spirits stay high. For babies and young children, a warm read on the thermometer alone isn’t the final verdict on whether they’re truly under the weather or just a little toasty.

When to Call Dr. Kannan (or any pediatrician) in a Snap!

Age 6 months or younger – babies under six months are a top priority for any fever.
Unexpected rash – a new skin patch could be a clue to a more serious illness.
Temperature ≥ 40 °C (104 °F) – that’s high enough to warrant immediate attention.
Persistent fever after 1–2 days of paracetamol – if the meds aren’t working, you should not give up.
Vomiting or continuous diarrhea – dehydration is getting more dangerous.
Refusal to eat or drink – your child is not just playing “I’m hungry” but refusing sustenance.
Inconsolable crying – if the blanket or lullaby won’t work.
Floppy or simply “unwell” look – they’re no longer their usual lively self.
Convulsions or muscle twitches – could be seizures or a severe brain infection.
Breathing difficulty – wheezing, rapid breaths, or a whooping cough sign.
Pain – if they’re writhing or pulling at a certain area, it’s a red flag.
Parental worry – trust your instincts; if something feels off, let someone in the hospital on the line.

Quick Call‑Out Checklist

If you tick any of these boxes, call your health provider or go straight to the nearest emergency department. It’s better to err on the side of caution when a child is involved. The “shoo‑shoo” approach isn’t effective: better safe than sorry.

Goodnight to the Little Feverish, Goodnight to the Panic

A mild cough and a feather‑light fever in a bright child is usually just a sign that their immune system is working overtime. But those listed clues are not to be taken lightly. Health professionals are trained to read the subtle signs that a child gives off – and it’s always better to let a doctor weigh in sooner rather than later.

I have a mild fever. Can I treat it at home?

When Your Thermometer Goes Wild: DIY Fever Fixes

Quick Relief Hacks

Got a mild fever? No worries – you can take care of it at home and keep the heat villain at bay with these simple steps:

Paracetamol Power: A sensible dose of the good old painkiller can lower that knob. Just make sure you’re not allergic.
Hydration Station: Sip on plain water like you’re the human equivalent of a cactus – plenty, please!
Bye‑Bye Dehydration: Avoid alcohol, tea, and coffee. They’ll only chill your fluids and ramp up the dry‑dry can‑do chaos.
Cool Touch: Give your exposed skin a gentle splash with tepid (lukewarm) water. Not a literal ice‑bathing workout – just a nice, soothing rinse.

When to Call the Docs – Yeah, Don’t Fumble!

Even if you’re rocking the DIY vibe, certain signs mean it’s time to pull out the cape and head to the doctor. Keep your finger on the pulse for these:

Fever still blasting after 3 days while you’re stuck on home remedies.
Temperature climbs past 40 °C – a red flag for a quick medical check.
Shivering, shaking, or that dreaded chattering teeth—it’s the body’s dramatic cry for help.
Feeling hot but not sweating? That’s a signal the sweat glands are having a coffee break.
Your condition worsens as the day goes on—no fun.
Odd symptoms like vomiting, a stiff neck, a rash, rapid heart beat, chills, or muscle spasms. Think of them as the body’s backstage alerts.
If confusion or drowsiness befalls you, we’re not talking about the “just gotten sleepy from studying” type.
Severe headaches that painkillers can’t tame – scream louder than your head does.
Recent overseas travels – the jet lag for plants can be more than a minor inconvenience.

Critical Red Flags – Don’t Wait!

Read this like a spoiler alert for a tragic soap opera. Immediate medical attention is required if you notice:

A fever accompanied by headache, a stiff neck, or a rash that refuses to peel away under pressure. These symptoms could signal bleeding under the skin, which can be a life‑threatening state.

How will the doctor treat my fever?

When Fever Hits, Here’s What to Do (and Why It Matters)

Feeling hot and bothered? A fever isn’t just a temper tantrum from your body—it’s a signal that something’s up. Knowing why it’s happening can help you decide the right move.

1. Chronic Tonsillitis: Time for a Surgical Decision?

If your tonsils are stuck in a never‑ending battle with germs, a tonsillectomy might be the starring role you need. Removing those menacing lymph nodes can bring peace back to your throat and stop the frequent fever flare‑ups.

2. The Viral Edition: “No Antibiotics, Please!”

Viruses are the ultimate party crashers and, unfortunately, they’re immune to antibiotics. If your fever is virus‑driven, it’s best not to throw silver bullets at the wrong enemy. Instead, give your body the break it deserves—think plenty of fluids, a comfy blanket, and maybe a Netflix binge.

3. Mild Bacterial Infections: Let the Immune System Shine

When bacteria are the culprit but the case isn’t severe, rest becomes the ultimate superhero. Sleep, hydrate, and let your immune system boss those microbes. Most mild infections resolve on their own without intervention.

Bottom Line: Your GP is Your Playbook

Doctor’s orders, after all, are the most accurate. They’ll pinpoint the cause and suggest the best plan—whether it’s surgery, supportive care, or a quick prescription. Don’t guess; let the expert guide you.

Article donated by Dr. Renganathan Kannan, family physician, Parkway Shenton, The Arcade.