Fever

North Texas is taking a hard hit from some cold weather this week. Many of us are not accustomed to such cold temperatures, which leads to many people getting sick due to unsuspecting immune systems taking the blunt of the change in temperature. With so many sick people, fevers are likely to occur as our immune systems are trying to suppress any infections we may have.

A fever is the elevation of body temperature that your immune system uses to rid your body of any bad bacteria of viruses that cannot live in high temperatures. It also allows for your body’s defensive mechanisms to work more efficiently as warmer temperatures are ideal for these functions to operate.

A fever is considered significant if the body temperature reaches above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. If it dallas below that but above our normal body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, it is just a low-grade fever and can be treated through over the counter medication and rest. A high fever can also be treated with medication and rest, but can be dangerous if it reaches higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

With head drastic changes in temperature in North Texas, please be aware of your family’s health and watch out for fevers as they are clear indicators of sickness.

Be well!