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Pharmacy Care provides information about self-care, that is how to treat minor medical conditions with products available at the pharmacy. Find out how your pharmacist can help you to manage minor conditions yourself.
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Fever often occurs with a viral infection, such as influenza (the ’flu), or with a bacterial infection. It can be a good sign that the body is fighting an infection.
Fever can also occur as part of an allergic reaction to some medicines, such as some antibiotics.
Normal body temperature is about 37°C when measured by mouth. Temperature measured rectally is a bit higher, and under the armpit a bit lower. In children, temperatures of 38°C or above are considered high.
Most fevers clear up without treatment but, while they last, symptoms include:
muscle aches
feeling hot and sweaty
shivering
loss of appetite
irritability
See Your Pharmacist or Medical Professional
if the person with a fever or pain is a child, especially an infant
if the fever is accompanied by a stiff neck, headache, sensitivity to light, irritability and/or vomiting
if you have a temperature above 39°C
if you are very unwell, lethargic or feel delirious
if your fever is accompanied by a painful, persistent sore throat or rash
if you are sweating heavily at night
if you also have diarrhoea, particularly if you have just travelled overseas, as this may be a sign of infection
if your fever has lasted more than 48 hours (in adults), comes back or is not helped by medicines
if you take other medicines; sometimes fever may indicate a serious side effect
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; you may need to avoid certain medicines
if you have other medical conditions
if you have allergies to any medicines
Treatment Tips
a lukewarm or cool bath or flannel can comfort and reduce a fever; do not put children in a cold bath
do not use hot water bottles and electric blankets; wear light clothing and keep bedding light
drink plenty of water or rehydration fluids since fever can cause dehydration
measure temperature regularly; make sure you know how to use a thermometer
measuring temperature in the rectum is more reliable, and forehead strip thermometers are less reliable
when taking the temperature in the mouth, wait at least 10 minutes after eating hot or cold food, and measure just before giving medicine
digital ear (tympanic) thermometers are used in children and need a good technique to get accurate results
Treatment Options
paracetamol, aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, relieve pain and reduce fever
aspirin and NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen, also reduce inflammation (swelling)
paracetamol is a safe choice for most people but it is important not to take more than the recommended dose. It is an ingredient in many cold and flu remedies so be careful not to double dose
unless the fever is higher than 39°C for adults, intensive treatment is not necessary
sometimes people use paracetamol and ibuprofen to treat pain and fever; however, there is no evidence that both are always needed, or that this is better than either alone
if both paracetamol and ibuprofen are used, seek advice on appropriate dosing schedules to minimise risk of errors
the maximum daily dose of paracetamol for an adult is 4 g (4000 mg), and no more than 1 g (1000 mg) every four hours
aspirin and NSAIDs are not suitable for everyone: children under 12 years old must not take aspirin because it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a serious condition. It should also be avoided by adolescents under 16 years old who have a viral illness
check with your pharmacist before taking aspirin or NSAIDs if you:
have a history of stomach problems, such as ulcers or indigestion
have asthma; some people with asthma find their condition is made worse by these types of medicines
have kidney problems or a heart condition
take other medications
have an allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs
are pregnant or breastfeeding
are elderly; you may be at more risk of side effects
are dehydrated
sometimes aspirin and NSAIDs can cause side effects. If you develop indigestion, or unusual or increased bleeding or bruising, stop taking them and talk to your pharmacist
Fever-reducing medicines (antipyretics)
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g. paracetamol: packets of 24 or fewer (Panadol range); aspirin (Aspro range, Disprin range); ibuprofen: packets of 24 or fewer (Advil, Nurofen range)
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