Hilanat!

[ashira]

---

When should I seek medical care for a fever?


Any child below 3 months of age who has a temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or greater should be seen by a physician or other health-care worker. If a child or adult has a history or diagnosis of cancer, AIDS, or other serious illness, such as heart disease,diabetes , or is taking immunosuppressant drugs, medical care should be sought for a fever.

Otherwise, observe the person with the fever. If they appear sick or have symptoms that would suggest a major illness, such as meningitis ( headache , stiff neck,confusion , problems staying awake), urinary tract infection ( shaking chills,buning with urination ),pneumonia ( shortness of breath, cough ), or any other signs of a serious illness, contact your health-care provider.
Other symptoms that may be indicative of a severe illness include repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea , or skin rashes (could be a sign ofdengue fever ,Rocky Mountain spotted fever ,scarlet fever,rheumatic fever or chickenpox , ).

Fever blisters (herpangina ) are small blisters that turn into ulcers, usually on the lips, mouth or tongue, that are caused by a virus. When a child contracts this virus for the first time, the symptoms and the fever blisters can be quite severe. If the child is not eating or drinking, contact your child's health-care provider.

On the other hand, if the fever accompanies a simple cold or virus, you can treat the fever as described above and be assured that the fever is only a symptom of the illness. This is not to say that you should ignore a fever. If there are other associated symptoms that are bothersome, you should contact your health-care professional.

Some vaccines given in childhood can cause a low-grade fever within a day or two of getting the injection. This fever is usually self-limited and short-lived. If the reaction seems severe or the skin at the injection site is red, hot, and painful, contact your child's doctor.

About 3% of all children between 18 months to 3 years of age will have a seizure (convulsion) with a high fever. Of those with a history of fevrile seizure , approximately one-third will have another seizure associated with another febrile episode. Febrile seizures, while frightening to the parents, are not associated with long-term nervous-system side effects. Children used to be prescribed phenobarbital following a febrile seizure as a preventive measure (prophylaxis). This has not been shown to be beneficial and possibly may be harmful, so it is not always recommended.

[ashira]

Fever isn't an illness, but it is often a sign of one. Most of the time, a fever means your body is fighting a common viral or bacterial infection. However, a persistent low-grade fever — over 102 F (38.9 C) — that lasts for three days or more should be checked by your doctor. Similarly, if you have a high fever — greater than 104 F (40 C) — or if you're otherwise severely ill, see your doctor as soon as possible.

If you have an immune system problem or take drugs that suppress your immune system, fever may not be a reliable warning sign. Ask your primary doctor or oncologist what would signal a need for an evaluation.

Persistent fever can signal hidden infections, which could be anything from a urinary tract infection to tuberculosis. At other times, malignant conditions — such as lymphomas — cause prolonged or persistent fevers, as can some medications.