A fever is an abnormally elevated body temperature. It is often a sign of the body’s defense system working in overdrive to fight off an infection. There are many different causes of fevers, and they can be associated with a number of symptoms depending on their cause. How to measure body temperature in infants and children: For an infant, the best and most effective way to measure a temperature is rectally. This is done by inserting a thermometer into the anus. If the temperature on the thermometer reads 38⁰C (100.4⁰F) or higher, that is considered a fever. The most common[Read more...]
Influenza (the flu) is a very contagious infection that occurs most frequently in the fall and winter months, typically because people spend more time in close contact with one another. The flu is caused by the influenza virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Most people who get the flu will only have a mild illness. Other groups of people like children, the elderly, and those with underlying medical illnesses may have a more serious reaction to the flu. What does the flu look like? It can take a day or two for an infected person to show any[Read more...]
