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What is fever?

Fever is considered to be a rise in body temperature above 38 ° C. Fever is a protective mechanism in the body, both for children and adults, which is not always necessary to treat. The fever slows down the growth and reproduction of viruses and bacteria in the human body. As body temperature rises, pathogenic organisms and their poisons will be destroyed more quickly in the body.

Fever can be caused by various causes. In most cases, this is a transient acute viral infection, sometimes body temperature rises also after vaccination. For babies, clothing might cause overheating and the body's normal cooling process is disturbed.

Fever can be reduced if necessary. First aid for reducing fever is resting, having a lot of liquid (water). Fever reducing preparations/medicine may be used if necessary. Antibiotics are not for reducing fever, the doctor will decide on the antibiotic treatment after the examination.

Family doctor or family doctor / pediatrician should be contacted for advice when:

  • child is less than three months old
  • high fever> 39˚C persists for more than 24 hours and does not respond to drugs
  • there is a constant headache, the neck area is bowed painfully or the eyes are light-sensitive
  • there is a disturbance of consciousness (unconnected talk, difficulty getting in touch)
  • painful urination
  • there is an acute pain or function disorder in any area of the body
  • the patient refuses to drink (danger of dehydration)
  • fever lasts more than 5 days

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