The forehead is hot, the body temperature rises, fever sets in. Faced with this symptom, all in all quite common, we do not always know how to react. Misconceptions about fever are numerous.
We consider that we have a fever from 38 ° C
TRUE. We speak of fever if the body temperature exceeds 38°C and it only requires treatment when it is poorly tolerated and exceeds 38.5°C. “The average body temperature is close to 37°C, specifies Doctor Philippe Marissal, general practitioner in Ain, now retired and president of the Professional Territorial Health Community (CPTS) Bugey Sud. It changes throughout the day, depending on the activities or the ambient temperature. It is higher in the evening than in the morning. »
It is absolutely necessary to bring down the fever
Faux. “Fever is a symptom, an element of defence, which indicates that the body is fighting against an infection, for example, explains Doctor Marissal. It is therefore useful. If you feel good, there is no need to try to reduce it but simply monitor its evolution and stay well hydrated. If, on the other hand, the person feels feverish, simple measures can improve comfort. It is therefore advisable not to dress too much, to drink enough and to settle comfortably in a cool and ventilated room (between 18 and 20°C).
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©Shutterstock/ciemParacetamol is the medicine indicated for self-medication
TRUE. “It is the drug that we recommend first, says Philippe Marissal. It removes the discomfort associated with fever. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe ibuprofen or ketoprofen, but paracetamol remains the preferred treatment. Beware, however, of overdose: in adults, do not exceed 4 g of paracetamol per day and in children, check the instructions for the quantities recommended according to age and weight.
It is advisable to consult as soon as you have a fever
Faux. “If your general condition is good, it is not necessary, reassures the general practitioner. On the other hand, if the fever persists, you feel bad or you have other symptoms that worry you, you can of course consult. For people who have a history of seizures, it is also better to go to their doctor. If the fever concerns an infant under three months old or a child whose general condition is deteriorating greatly, it is an emergency.
Fever is more severe in children than in adults
Faux. “Fever is more frequent in childhood but it is most often not serious, considers Doctor Marissal. In adulthood, if accompanied by other symptoms, it may be of more concern. But overall it is not more serious in one than in the other. However, attention should be paid to the risk of dehydration to which young children and the elderly are more sensitive. »
How to properly take your temperature?
If you feel feverish, take your temperature between meals, after 20 minutes of rest and preferably using an electronic thermometer. The rectal measurement is one of the most accurate, as is the auricular route (in the ear) provided there is no cerumen plug. The temperature can also be taken on the forehead with an infrared thermometer, which is less invasive and just as effective. For the oral or axillary route (under the armpit), it will however be necessary to increase the temperature, by 0.5 ° C for the first and by 0.6 ° C for the second.
- Léa Vandeputte (ANPM-France Mutuality)
- Photo credit: Shutterstock
