Fever In Adults: When To Seek Treatment 

Fevers are a common ailment experienced by people of all ages. There are several reasons one gets a fever; usually, they’re not too serious. It’s often the first notable symptom of other health issues, such as an infection or injury. Fevers typically subside on their own within one to three days if the person with an illness gets immediate treatment or enough proper rest. If you have a fever, typically, it’s no major cause for concern. And you don’t always have to go to a clinic or hospital. 

However, there are instances wherein a fever becomes a more severe issue and may lead to future complications. If you experience one of the conditions below, you might need to visit your doctor. Here’s a quick guide for fever in adults: 

  1. When It’s Higher Than Average 

The human body’s average temperature is around 97.5°F to 98.9°F or 36.4°C to 37.2°C. If your temperature goes beyond this, it’s usually not something to worry about. There are several methods on how to bring temperature down, like taking Advil or Tylenol. But if it goes close to 100°F or over, you may have to seek treatment. 

When a severely high fever temperature isn’t treated immediately, it could cause possible brain damage, seizures, or worse, death. Aside from the usual symptoms of fever, you’ll know when your temperature is unnaturally high when you notice these other indicators: 

  • Breathing problems 
  • Head, chest, or stomach pain 
  • Convulsions 
  • Moments of confusion 
  • Rashes or bruises 
  • Urinary pain or discharge 
  • Swelling 
  • Stiff neck 

It’s recommended that you schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible if you have any of these issues. Delaying treatment may worsen the symptoms. 

  1. When It Stays Longer Than Usual 

As mentioned before, fevers often let up within three days. But doctors recommend you seek treatment when your fever remains after the third day.  

Persistent fevers, including recurring fevers, are annoying when you have them. They hinder your daily activities and make you feel weak. If you’ve taken the necessary prescribed remedies and your fever still hasn’t subsided, you need to see a doctor immediately. You must get professional treatment if you begin feeling other signs like: 

  • Muscle spasms 
  • Hallucinations 
  • Consistent vomiting or diarrhea 

When your body feels warm yet you’re not sweating, that’s another negative sign of a persistent fever. Watch out for these signs when you first contract a fever, so you can note whether your condition is mild and treatable at home or not. 

  1. When You’re Pregnant 

Getting sick while pregnant can be scary since you’re carrying an unborn child who may contract the same affliction. As soon as your temperature spikes, you need to consult your physician. 

Fevers caused by viral infections are often relatively tame and easily remedied by getting enough rest, drinking enough water, and taking Tylenol. However, you might need to take an antibiotic if the cause is bacterial. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin. These medications could harm the fetus when consumed. Always seek medical advice when you need to treat an illness to protect yourself and your unborn baby. 

You can stay healthy while pregnant by eating food rich in nutrients like fruits and vegetables. The vitamins and minerals in these foods also strengthen your immune system and prevent infection that leads to fevers.  

  1. When You’ve Returned From A Trip 

During and after the plight of the global pandemic, governments worldwide are paying particular attention to people’s temperatures. Many institutions still have thermal scanners to check on incoming visitors before allowing them entry.  

Even if you’re cleared to return home after a trip, you still need to be cautious. Getting sick post-vacation is quite common. It’s especially true if you’ve visited places with a different climate from where you live. Airplane flights are also notorious for low humidity levels, which causes viral infections leading to colds and fevers. Fatigue is a reason for post-vacation illnesses, too. 

Generally, contracting a fever after going on vacation isn’t so problematic. But if you get flu-like symptoms along the way, you may have to check if it isn’t severe. Your fever may be the symptom of an infectious ailment, and you must avoid spreading a virus to your loved ones and everyone you meet outside. 

  1. When You Have Other Medical Issues 

It’s challenging to have a fever when you’ve been healthy for most of your life. A fever is usually something you can quickly get rid of through medication or home remedies. But when you get it while you already have a chronic illness, a fever may mean something else. 

Fever is one of your body’s first signs of fighting harmful bacteria. Getting an infection when you’re already sick with another illness may lead to worse complications. Other times, existing sicknesses can cause a sudden rise in body temperature. Rheumatic fever, in particular, results from scarlet fever or strep throat not being medicated immediately.  

When you have a chronic illness and suddenly contract a fever, seek your doctor as soon as possible. They should offer safe ways to make it subside and help you avoid getting sudden fevers again in the future. 

Conclusion 

Fevers are typically mild symptoms of an ailment almost everyone experiences. Despite that, fevers may lead to worse problems, especially if it’s been going on for a long time, at a very high temperature, or if you’re sick with another illness.  

If the pain and discomfort that follows your fever become unbearable, it would be the appropriate time to visit your physician before things worsen. Prevention is always better than cure; your doctor will do their best to keep you healthy for extended periods.