- Smear for parasites or malaria test
- Blood culture
- WIDAL or typhoid test
- Urine tests
Sometimes X-rays or other imaging scans, ultrasound etc. is also used to check the condition of the internal organs and the infected regions.
Treatment
As the diagnosis is symptomatic the treatment of acute fever is also symptomatic. Most of the time it is self-limited and relieve on its own without treatment. The patient is asked to take rest during the treatment period and the period depends on the degree or type of infection or fever present. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Although acute fever is a good sign that the body is resisting against changes in the internal conditions and trying to return to its stable state leading to the rise in body temperature, certain types of fever such as rheumatic fever require special attention.
In case of viral fever, there is no known treatment but the pain and symptoms are kept under control until the body produces its own antibodies to fight against the invading microbes. NSAIDs such as Tylenol can be used to relieve symptoms. The main drugs used for the treatment are
- Paracetamol or acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin
Aspirin should not be used to control fever in children and adolescents. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe to use in children for short term. Antipyretic drugs improve comfort and relieve pain and reduce the risk of dehydration. In case of use of drugs, a physician must be consulted and the dosage should be taken as prescribes by them.
It is advised that the patient take a bath regularly, preferably in tepid water which acts as a natural remedy to bring down body temperature or take sponge bath with lukewarm water. The patient should wear only light clothes to keep the body temperature under control.
There are also many herbs and their extracts that are used for the purpose of treatment of fever and are increasingly gaining popularity. For example, the genus Angelica is known for its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and diaphoretic properties. In Ayurveda, a traditional age-old Indian practice of medicine the leaves of Abies Pindrow Royle have been used as a natural antipyretic.
Other Tips
- Take plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Antibiotics treatment for bacterial infection
Prevention
There is no absolute method to prevent acute fever but it is recommended to keep the surroundings clean and free of harmful bacteria and viruses. It is advised to take precaution as soon as there is a sudden increase in the number of people suffering from acute fever in the neighborhood.
Other preventive methods are
- Wash hands before eating and after using toilet
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth to avoid infections
- Avoid sharing utensils, cups and glasses
- Teach children about hygiene methods and how to wash hands properly
- Cover mouth when coughing and nose when sneezing