11 things you should never do when you have fever
Be your best ally to help your body fight an infection.
A fever defined as a temporary increase in body temperature above 98.6 Fahrenheit-is a current sign of illness. But recently, this corporal signal has attracted unusual attention: it can be a sign ofCOVID-19 [Feminine. This can also mean something less serious, like a common influenza. Whatever the origin, these are the best practices you need to follow if you develop a fever. (And always contact your health care provider if your fever is greater than 103 ° F, or if you have any concerns.)Read on and ensure your health and health of others, do not miss theseWithout signs that you have already had coronavirus.
Do not drink some drinks
"Alcohol, soft drinks and caffeine should be avoided when you have a fever," said Pauline Jose Jose, MD, a specialist in family medicinePH LABS. "They can cause dehydration when we really have to hydrate most."
Do not overheat
"Do not get dressed or put in a place too hot," says the doctorDr. Dimitar Marinov, MD, Ph.D. "This can disrupt body thermoregulation and take worse your fever."
Do not double your medication
"Acetaminophen is generally an effective medicine to treat fever, however, exceeding the recommended dosage can result in serious damage to your liver and even death," says Marinov.
RX: Adults should not take more than 1,000 mg of acetaminophen at a time; The daily limit is 2,000 mg. For children, the dosage should be even lower, follow the instructions on the package carefully.
Do not die of hunger
"The old adage" Feeding a cold, starving a fever "is false and dangerous," says Marinov. "Fever accelerates your metabolism and you need more food calories. Hunger can literally paralyze your immune system."
Do not forget to drink water
"A fever will increase the respiratory rate, and therefore the loss of water and perspiration increases to reduce body temperature," said Ralph E. Holsworth, Director of Clinical and Scientific Research withEssentia Water. "In addition, water consumption is commonly reduced during a fever, which will finally aggravate dehydration."
RX: It is important to stay hydrated, so make sure you drink plenty of water. According toWebmdThe recommended daily liquid consumption for males is 13 cups (about 3 liters) and 9 cups (a little more than 2 liters) for women.
Do not give aspirin for children
"Adults can take aspirin, but aspirin may be aspirin or adolescents when it has a viral infection could result in a potentially fatal condition called Reye Syndrome," saysLeann Poston, MD, a doctor with Invigor Medical in New York. Reye's syndrome is a rare disorder that causes damage in the brain and liver. It is most often seen in children, although it can happen at any age.
RX: Target overcominal drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such asibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Naproxene (Aleve), according toWebmd.
Do not deprive you sleep
Your immune system consumes a lot of energy trying to fight against infection during the day. When you are asleep, the body has time to recover this energy. Do not sleep can prolong a disease.
RX: Get the seven to nine hours of sleep recommended every night to ensure the appropriate rest and time to heal.
Do not continue your normal activities
"A fever is usually an indicator that you are sick. It takes a lot of energy for the body to fight against infection," says posion. "Entertaining that energy to other activities can make the fight against infection more difficult."
RX: Stay home until you have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Make sure you have a lot of rest and fluids.
Do not take a bath / cold shower
Although cold water can reduce your temperature in the short term, it can lead to shudder. "The muscles shudder to raise the temperature of your body at the new point set by the hypothalamus," Poston said. "A cold bath is terribly uncomfortable and will shudder the muscles to shiver and camper even more to try to raise the temperature."
RX: Try a sponge bath with lukewarm water. Your body will start cool when the water evaporates. Stop or increase the temperature of the water if you start shudder.
Do not automatically take medication to reduce your fever
"A fever is a symptom, not a disease. It's your body's response to infection," Poston said. "If you are comfortable with a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit, it may be better not to take drugs to reduce the temperature because you counter the body's attempt to slow the replication of viruses or bacteria."
Do not ignore the fact that you can have COVID-19
"There are many other possible explanations, both viral and bacterial" for a fever, said Poston. "Consult a health professional if you are concerned about your symptoms, even if they are consistent with COVID-19 or not."
And to cross this pandemic with your healthiest, do not miss these 35 places you are most likely to catch Covid .