Chills and Fever
Generally, the human body maintains an even temperature of somewhere around 98.6° F., whether the weather is hot or cold, dry or wet. This temperature-regulating mechanism is located in the base of the brain. As long as a person is in good health, it operates smoothly, efficiently day and night. Small variations of temperature are not significant. One might have a temperature of 99.2° or 97.8° and till probably be normal.
But a sudden attack of shivering, plus a sense of coldness, pallor of the skin, may be the first sign of infection. Soon the chilly feeling passes, the temperature may begin to rise. The skin may then become hot, dry and remain thus as long as the fever continues. When the fever breaks, there will be profuse sweating as the body cools itself off. Fever is often the first indication that the body is fighting some invading germs. The fever steps up the body's resistance and is so beneficial, provided it does not continue too long.
Fever may sometimes arise from other causes, such as thyroid problems, skin diseases, parasites, burns, and other severe injuries. The temperature may rise because of sensitivity to certain drugs, because of allergic conditions such as rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, and many others.
In children very serious infections are usually accompanied by some rash. This helps in making the right diagnosis-a factor important in treating any sickness. Medicines that are useful in one condition may not benefit other. If the condition seems serious, call your doctor. Meanwhile, here are a few suggestions:
Treatment:
If the patient is shivering, cover him with warm blankets; apply a hot water bottle, heating pad, or something similar. If the skin feels hot, keep the patient quiet, giving him plenty of fluids, fruit juices, and also some mild aspirin preparation. For a young child give no more than one or two grains of aspirin every three to four hours.
Cooling measures, such as are outlined, are useful in treating a fever. If the temperature is very high, immerse the patient in cold water, adding ice . Therapy is always the safest means of treating any types of fever. Good nursing care as outlined is most important in treating infectious diseases.
Take care of the skin by the daily use of soap, water, using the bed bath technique outlined. Apply a little rubbing alcohol, similar preparation to prevent irritation of the skin. The patient should remain in bed, be turned frequently to prevent bed-sores. Be confirming to keep the skin clean and dry. Take care of body wastes, such as urine, stool, whenever necessary. The patient should remain in bed at least twenty-four hours after the temperature has returned to normal. Light meals, with plenty of fruit juices, are better for any patient with a fever.
