Febris

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Virgil Solis Febris

Februa februarius

Febris, commonly known as fever, is a medical condition characterized by an elevation in body temperature above the normal range. This increase in temperature is often a sign of the body's immune response to infection, although it can also result from other conditions such as autoimmune diseases, heat exhaustion, certain medications, and cancers. Febris is not a disease in itself but rather a symptom of an underlying condition.

Causes

Febris can be caused by a wide array of health issues, most commonly by infections such as the flu, common cold, COVID-19, and bacterial infections. Other causes include:

• Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
• Inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease
• Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
• Adverse reactions to medications or vaccines
• Cancers, particularly leukemia and lymphoma

Symptoms

The primary symptom of febris is an increase in body temperature, typically above 37.5-38.3°C (99.5-100.9°F). Other symptoms may accompany febris, depending on its cause, including:

• Chills and shivering
• Sweating
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Dehydration
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of febris involves measuring body temperature with a thermometer. Additional tests may be required to identify the underlying cause, including:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans
• Lumbar puncture in cases where a central nervous system infection is suspected

Treatment

Treatment of febris focuses on addressing the underlying cause. In cases where febris is caused by an infection, antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed. Other treatments may include:

• Antipyretics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever
• Adequate hydration
• Rest
• Cooling measures in cases of high fever

Prevention

Preventive measures against febris largely involve reducing the risk of infections and include:

• Regular hand washing
• Vaccination
• Avoiding close contact with sick individuals
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to strengthen the immune system

See Also

• Infection
• Immune system
• Inflammatory response