🌡️ FEVER – UNDERSTANDING, MANAGING & KNOWING WHEN TO SEEK HELP
A clear, simple guide to help you stay safe and recover faster
Fever is one of the most common symptoms people experience, yet it often creates the most confusion.
“Is it viral?”, “Should I take a tablet?”, “Do I need a doctor?”, “How high is too high?”
Let’s break it down in a friendly, easy-to-understand way.
🔥 What Exactly Is Fever?
Fever is your body’s natural response to fight infection.
When bacteria or viruses enter your system, the brain increases your temperature to make it harder for them to survive — like raising the heat to kill germs.
📌 Normal body temperature: 97.8°F – 99°F
📌 Fever starts above: 100°F
📌 High-grade fever: 103°F and above
So fever is not the enemy — it’s the body’s defence mechanism.
🤒 Common Causes of Fever
Fever can be due to simple or serious reasons:
1. Viral infections
- Flu, dengue, viral fever, COVID
- Usually last 3–5 days
2. Bacterial infections
- Throat infection
- Urinary infection
- Pneumonia
- Skin infections
3. Heat exhaustion / dehydration
A very common cause during summers.
4. Inflammatory conditions
Like autoimmune diseases.
5. Post-surgery recovery
A mild fever is common after certain procedures.
🧠 Symptoms That Often Come With Fever
You may notice:
- Weakness
- Body ache
- Chills / shivering
- Low appetite
- Headache
- Sweating
- Dehydration
- Irritability
These come not from the fever itself but from the underlying infection.
🍵 How to Manage Fever at Home (Safely & Comfortably)
✔ 1. Hydrate Aggressively
Coconut water, ORS, lemon water, soups, plain water — all help prevent dehydration.
✔ 2. Light meals
Easy-to-digest foods: khichdi, fruits, curd rice, dal, toast.
✔ 3. Adequate rest
Your body heals faster when you rest.
✔ 4. Paracetamol if needed
Take only when temperature is above 100°F OR if body ache is severe.
(Do NOT self-medicate with antibiotics.)
✔ 5. Light sponge bath
Helps in comfort and reduces temperature.
🚫 What to Avoid
- Taking antibiotics without a prescription
- Heavy meals
- Excess coffee or tea
- Ignoring dehydration
- Wrapping yourself in too many blankets (can increase temperature)
🚨 When to See a Doctor Immediately
Do not delay if you notice:
- Fever above 103°F
- Fever lasting more than 3 days
- Severe headache or neck stiffness
- Breathing difficulty
- Rashes with fever
- Persistent vomiting
- Very low urine output
- Confusion or extreme weakness
- Fever in infants or elderly
- Symptoms of dengue or malaria (body pain, vomiting, high fever)
Early checkup prevents complications.
🧑⚕️ How We Help at Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic
Our approach includes:
- Detailed evaluation
- Rapid tests for dengue, malaria, typhoid if needed
- Tailored medication
- Hydration management
- Monitoring for complications
- Same-day follow-up
- Support for home care
Your recovery and comfort are always the top priority.
📞 Need to Consult?
Dr. Ankur Bhanushali – General & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Thane
📍 Aayush Multispeciality Hospital, Thane
📞 086910 33033
Available for both clinic consultations & online guidance.
