General and whole body
Fever
Also called fever, bukhar, temperature, high temperature, body hot
What this means
Fever means your body temperature is higher than normal. It is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection, and on its own it is often not dangerous.
Safe to do at home
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids like water, soups and nimbu paani
- Wear light clothing and keep the room comfortable
- Use tepid sponging with normal water if you feel very hot
- Monitor your temperature and note how long the fever lasts
Please do not do this alone
- Do not start antibiotics on your own, as most fevers are viral and antibiotics will not help
- Do not combine several fever medicines together
- Do not ignore a high fever in a baby, an elderly person or anyone with other illnesses
Book a consultation if
- Fever lasts more than three to four days or keeps rising
- Fever returns again and again
- You also have a rash, severe weakness or are unable to keep fluids down
Get help immediately if
- Fever with a stiff neck, severe headache, confusion or a rash that does not fade on pressing
- Fever with breathlessness or chest pain
- Very high fever with fits, especially in children
The right doctor for this
General Physician
This is the specialist who sees this symptom most often and can examine you properly. If you are not sure, a general physician is always a safe place to start and will refer you onward if you need it.
