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Fever

in adult

Infoblatt Kopfschmerzen Erwachsene (PDF, 209 KB)

Headaches are a very common and widespread complaint. Headaches are usually harmless and soon go away on their own. They can be caused by various triggers and can also occur as a side effect of other disorders. If headaches occur repeatedly, they may be migraines, tension headaches or cluster headaches.

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What can you do yourself to relieve fever?

Fever usually occurs in three phases and can last from a few hours to several days.
1) Increase in fever: The fever rises to a certain temperature.
● Common symptoms: Chills, shivering, cold and pale skin.
● Measures: If cold, the body should be kept warm, e.g. by turning up the room temperature, covering up,
wearing warm clothing and drinking hot drinks.
2) Peak fever: The temperature reached is maintained.
● Common symptoms: Hot, very red, dry skin and glassy eyes, aching limbs, headaches and loss of
appetite.
● Measures: If you feel very hot, wear loose clothing, remove blankets, drink cool drinks, lower the room
temperature, allow fresh air in but avoid draughts. Lukewarm leg compresses or vinegar socks have a
fever-reducing effect (application for max. 10-20 minutes).
3) Drop in temperature: The fever drops back to normal temperature.
● Common symptoms: Hot and sweaty skin and perspiration.
● Measures: Change bed linen and clothing if necessary, wash yourself with cool or lukewarm water, dry
the skin well.
 

When to seek medical advice?


Contact a doctor in the following cases:
● very high fever.
● fever that lasts longer than three days.
● fever that occurs intermittently and repeatedly.
● fever that does not go down despite antipyretic measures.


When to seek medical advice immediately?


Seek medical help immediately if:
fever is accompanied by:
● an altered state of consciousness.
● a stiff neck.
● skin rashes.
● heart palpitations.
● shortness of breath/difficulty breathing.