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Fever
Fever is a common phenomenon associated with body temperature. Though normal temperature is standardized in the Textbooks, the mere variation in it per se does not amount to fever, which is a misnomer. There will be slight variations in body temperatures in consideration and in relation to the room/outside temperatures a person is exposed. Thus mere increase in the temperature of the body does not amount to fever. However if the body continues to show the said variation/increase constantly over a given period, then it may mean fever requiring medical attention. Generally the body has its own mechanism to fight various infections and whenever there is a challenge from bacterial or other related attacks, the body system automatically gears up in defense to fight the threat and in the process more number of white blood corpuscles are produced which in itself is the cause of increase in the body temperature. If the attack is mild and is conquered by the body’s self-protection/immune system, then the temperature normally comes down after a short period. However if the temperature sometimes to be on the increase or remains constant without any change, then it is a signal requiring medical attention. Certain precautions need to be taken to mitigate the effects of fever and the accompanying symptoms.
The temperature should be noted down every six hours. This is to be alerted against any other forms of infections. Too much of fluctuation in the body temperatures can warn of other types of complications, which can be prevented if dealt with in time.
Flu shot is the best way to prevent flu and its associated symptoms. Contrary to misconceptions that flu shot can give rise to fever; it can prevent flu from developing into -serious complications. Mild fever and body pains cannot be confused with flu. They only last for a day or two.
Over the counter medicines for flu and fever like parecetamol and other pain relievers should be taken to reduce the severity of flu and it’s associated symptoms. Abundant rest and intake of fluids is always recommended. Hot soups and plenty of plain water are also advisable.
Food should not be heavy and soft on the stomach food is advisable. Heavy meals oily stuff or spicy stuff should be avoided. Heavy, oily and spicy food may lead to indigestion and diarrhea, which proves risky for flu-affected patients. As the maxim goes feed the cold and starve the fever goes well in coping with fever. Easily digestible food like wheat bread and fresh vegetables along with hot soups and broth is the best form of food.