For those with weakened immunity, the drastic change in temperature is undoubtedly a severe test. Whenever the seasons change and the temperature fluctuates, these people are constantly exposed to colds, coughs, fevers and other diseases.
At times like these, bacteria and viruses are like enemies lurking in the shadows, and they do not hesitate to attack when they have the opportunity. Fever, a common symptom, can hide a variety of illnesses behind it.
Whether it's a flu virus, a bacterial infection, or other more complex illness, a fever can be a signal from them. Faced with a fever, people tend to rush to cool down in the hope of being able to get rid of this pain quickly.
Antipyretics have become the first choice for many people, however, before taking antipyretics, have we really considered the root cause of fever?
01
Fever is a very common condition, so how can you tell if you have a fever?
Fever, a very common symptom in everyday life, is often confusing. After all, everyone's physique and health are unique, so how can you accurately tell if you have a fever?
First, let's understand the basic definition of fever. In medicine, fever is generally defined as a body temperature that exceeds the normal range. This range varies from person to person, but is roughly between 36.5°C and 37.5°C. Once the body temperature exceeds this range, it may mean that the body is fighting some kind of pathogen, such as bacteria or viruses.
But why do some people never seem to have a fever? There are a number of reasons for this. On the one hand, some people may have a stronger immune system that fights pathogens quickly and effectively, thus avoiding a significant increase in body temperature.
On the other hand, some people may exercise regularly, have a healthy body and have a good metabolism, which also allows them to maintain a stable body temperature even in the face of the threat of pathogens.
In addition, it should not be ignored that some people may have abnormalities in their body temperature regulation mechanism due to various reasons, such as age, genetics, diseases, etc. Such a person, even if there is an infection or inflammation inside the body, may not be able to show obvious symptoms of fever.
02
Fever is the immune system's "antivirus"
Fever is actually a manifestation of the immune system's hard work. When external pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, invade our body, the immune system quickly activates defense mechanisms, including raising body temperature, which is what we call fever.
The process of fever is actually a complex and sophisticated physiological response. It can be broadly divided into three phases: the upward phase, the peak phase, and the descending phase.
During the ascending phase, when the pathogen has just invaded the body, the immune system begins to sense the abnormality and reacts quickly, and the body temperature begins to rise gradually. At this point, you may feel some discomfort, but it's also a sign that the immune system is fighting the pathogen fiercely.
With the gradual increase in body temperature, we entered the peak of fever. At this stage, the immune system is fully mobilized and is engaged in a desperate fight against the pathogen. At this point, the body temperature may reach a higher level, which is the price the immune system pays to destroy the pathogen.
However, this fight will not last forever. When the immune system gradually defeats the pathogen, or the pathogen is eliminated from the body, the body temperature begins to gradually drop and enters the declining phase of fever. At this point, you may feel your body gradually feel comfortable, which is a sign of the victory of the immune system over the pathogen.
03
If you have a fever, how can you tell if you are infected with bacteria or viruses? The doctor will teach you 3 ways to distinguish it
Observe how colds spread
Viral influenza is often a cluster of influenzas, and it is not uncommon for many people to become ill in a short period of time, and it is not uncommon for a family to be infected at the same time. Bacterial influenza, on the other hand, is more likely to be sporadic, and clusters of infections rarely occur among patients.
Pay attention to the symptoms of a cold
The symptoms of viral influenza are mainly concentrated in the upper respiratory tract, such as a dry and itchy throat, headache, watery eyes, and a runny nose. In addition, it can be accompanied by a range of systemic symptoms, such as muscle aches and headaches.
It is important to note that nasal runny nose is usually more severe than throat discomfort in viral influenza, and some patients may also present with conjunctival injection and diarrhea.
Bacterial flu, on the other hand, mainly affects the bronchi and lungs, and may cause symptoms such as swollen tonsils and sore throat, and difficulty breathing. At the same time, people with bacterial influenza may also cough up purulent sputum, purulent discharge, and fever, which are especially pronounced when they are cold, rainy, or overtired.
With the help of the hospital's accurate detection methods
Routine blood test is a common test, by observing the changes in the total number of white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes, we can make a preliminary judgment on the cause of the cold.
When the total number of white blood cells is elevated with an elevated proportion of neutrophils, it usually indicates an acute bacterial infection. Elevated lymphocytes may indicate the presence of a viral or chronic infection.
In addition to routine blood tests, interleukin-6, leukocytes, procalcitonin and other tests can also provide us with a more accurate basis for judgment. It is advisable to consult a professional doctor for advice on which type of examination to choose to ensure that we can obtain an accurate diagnosis.