Wednesday, December 5, 2007
"AM I DYING?" episode 2: fever
Feeling cold and got the shivers?Ok, well first check and see if you're outside and it's winter.
If you can say No to both and you're feeling all around crappy, you very well may have a fever. Thus, it is important to always have a thermometer in your apt. Average human body temperature is 98.6 degrees F. Any temperature below 100 degrees is probably not a fever.
Fever is a natural defense your body uses against pathogens. Thus, if your fever is below 102 degrees and you don't feel terrible, it is probably in your best interest not to treat it yet but keep it monitored and keep hydrated. However, a fever above 104 degrees means it's lets-go-to-the-hospital-time, so be cautious.
When you decide to reduce the fever use Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen (Advil), or Aspirin -((**Though never give Aspirin to children as it may be linked to Reyes Syndrome)) coupled with hydration and rest.
If you have a fever you probably have a cold or the flu virus and you'll be better in a few days. However, it can be your body's response to other dangerous pathogens, so if you think you may have been exposed to something funky, a doctor's visit can't hurt. Also, I must include for good measure that immediately (a couple days) after being infected by HIV the body responds with what appears like a rough flu, so if you have had unprotected sex and soon after are sick with a high fever, immediately go to the ER for antiretroviral treatment.
So yeah. Sorry if this post isnt super fun, but its important stuff.
Cd at 12:07 PM
