A note to the community that there is a febrile illness making the rounds. You or your child may have a fever in a low range, around 100.4 F or 38 C, and sometimes reaching up to a higher range of 103 - 104 F, or 39.4 - 40 C. Symptoms accompanying fever include chills, body aches, headache, feeling flushed, lack of appetite, weakness, and dehydration.
In many cases this febrile illness appears to be viral and lasting about 3 to 4 days. A viral illness calls for supportive care by treating and relieving symptoms until the illness runs its course. This can mean taking over-the-counter fever reducers, like acetaminophen / paracetamol or ibuprofen, resting, drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and taking a lukewarm bath to bring body temperature down. Also, practice good health hygiene to prevent the spread of illness, such as washing hands often, covering any coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and staying home until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
It is prudent to consult a doctor for fevers that are in the higher range of 103 - 104 F (39.4 - 40 C) or that last longer than 3 days. If you are ever unsure about what to do, consult a doctor as well.
You can find more information here:
Cheers to your Health,
Nurse Jen