What is Fever?
Fever medically known as pyrexia, is defined as an elevation of body temperature above the normal range. It is a physiological defensive reaction of the body that helps to ward off infections caused by agents, known as pyrogens. It is a symptom seen in many medical conditions, including infections such as influenza, pneumonia, malaria, as well as more serious disorders like sepsis and cancer.
Can I Drink Coffee When I Have Fever?
Generally, it is not recommended to drink coffee if you are having fever. Dr. Stephanie Flansburg Cruz, Medical Director and Founder of the Younger You Institute in Tucson, Arizona, explains, “Adding coffee to an inflamed body can actually increase heart rate and stress, making you less comfortable. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor which constricts blood vessels reducing circulation, making you feel even more chilled and uncomfortable.”
Drinking caffeine when you are ill increases cortisol levels, the stress hormone in the body. This could weaken your immune system’s ability to fight off your infection. The National Sleep Foundation reported that coffee or any other caffeinated beverages can increase anxiety and restlessness. Caffeine isn’t recommended for people with elevated body temperatures.
If you’re not feeling well, especially if you have a fever, I recommend you reduce your consumption, or refrain from drinking such beverages. Herbal teas, water and electrolyte-filled drinks are healthier alternatives.
Common Signs of Fever
The most common signs of a fever include feeling hot, a flushed face, sweating, feeling cold and shivering, headache and muscle ache. Severe signs include seizures, confusion and loss of consciousness. Typically, fevers only last a couple of days, and go away with hydration, rest and reducing external temperatures.
Other symptoms that usually accompany a fever include malaise, fatigue, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, sore throat, and coughing. Children may also experience vomiting and diarrhoea. However, prolonged or severe temperatures without other symptoms may be a sign of underlying or serious conditions such as meningitis or abdominal pain that needs immediate medical attention.
Should I Take Medicines To Treat My Fever?
Dr. Scheela, a medical health advisor from the US’s Mayo Clinic recommends that sometimes fever is a way to help your body fight off infection. Mild fevers help increase the body’s immune response and it may be advantageous to leave it untreated under these circumstances. Higher fevers can become dangerous and should be treated.
Generally, adults with a fever should rest as much as possible, and drink plenty of fluids. It also helps to dress lightly, and keep the room cool and well-ventilated. Pure acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol) is usually the first choice when treating a fever in adults. Ibuprofen (for example. Advil) is also an option, but it is more likely to cause nausea, indigestion, stomach irritation and heartburn.
For infants and children, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both generally safe and effective for reducing fevers, but aspirin should never be given to children. If you are in doubt about how to treat a fever, contact a doctor. It’s important to remember that fever is not a disease but only a symptom of an underlying medical issue.
How Can I Avoid Fever?
The best way to prevent fever is to ensure good hygiene. Make sure to wash your hands often, cover your mouth when sneezing and coughing, avoid contact with people who have the flu or a cold, avoid touching your eyes or mouth, and always have fresh and clean surroundings. Also, avoid eating contaminated food and make sure to get regular exercise and sleep.
Besides these preventive measures, it’s also recommended to get the necessary vaccinations in order to avoid or reduce the risk of acquiring fever. Immunization not only improves the level of immunity throughout Society, it also prevents serious illness, disability, and death from vaccine-preventable diseases, even in people who are not vaccinated.
Aim to always keep a healthy lifestyle. Balance your diet, exercise regularly and try to reduce stress. This will help your body which in turn will help you stay strong and healthy, and avoid contracting and developing a fever.
Risk Fctors of Fever
Factors that may increase the risk of fever include environmental and environmental factors, such as exposure to cold weather, overcrowding in places of work or residence, and contact with people who have fever or other infected persons. Certain medications, such as antibiotics, may also predispose a person to develop fever.
Additionally, certain genetic conditions and immunodeficiencies can increase the risk of developing a fever. Some of the factors that can increase a fever are infection, dehydration, and toxins in the body. Detailed medical history and physical examination by your doctor can also help identify any underlying conditions that may predispose you to developing a fever.
Individuals with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, are also at higher risk of developing fevers because their body’s capacity to fight the infection is compromised by the illness. Therefore, it is important to act fast once you begin to present signs of fever. Follow your doctor’s instructions and seek necessary medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your fever.
Treating Fever Effectively
The key to treating fever effectively is to use medications that reduce the body temperature to near normal. It is important to note that medications are only effective if the underlying cause is identified and treated. Depending on the underlying cause, it is possible to reduce the fever with medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, or with the application of cool compresses on the forehead and armpits.
Other treatments may include hydration, elevation of extremities or use of antipyretic drugs. In addition, it is important to ensure that adequate hygiene is observed, and the sick person is in a well-ventilated environment that is not too hot or too cold. If the fever is high and persists, it is important to visit a doctor to investigate the underlying cause, such as bacteria and viruses.
It is important to note that in cases of fever where other symptoms are present, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, medical attention is necessary to avoid the risk of dehydration. Dehydration can result in further complications which may require more serious medical management and hospitalization. Therefore, it is important to monitor the sick person and visit a medical doctor if the fever persists more than 3 days.
Preventing Fever Relapse
After successfully treating the fever, it is important to prevent a relapse by practicing preventive measures. These include:
- Staying hydrated
- Eating a balanced diet
- Resting
- Getting the recommended immunizations
- Maintaining hygiene and a clean environment
- Avoiding contact with people who are displaying signs of fever.
In conclusion, it is important to remember that although fever is a common symptom of infection and various other medical conditions, it can be managed with proper rest and proper administration of medications. Prevention is always better than cure, and in the case of fever, this is as true as ever.
