Fever

What is Fever? 

Have you ever felt your body suddenly become hot, weak, or sweaty? This could be a fever! Fever is when your body temperature rises above normal, often because your body is fighting an infection. In many African homes, fever is common, especially among children.

It is a symptom, not a disease, meaning that it signals something is wrong in the body.

How common is fever in Africa?

Fever is one of the most common reasons people visit hospitals in Africa. It is often linked to diseases such as malaria, typhoid, and pneumonia. According to the world health organization (WHO), malaria alone causes fever in millions of Africans every year, with about 250 million cases reported in 2022. Other common causes include flu, infections, and even dehydration from too much sun exposure.

How do you know you have a Fever?

Normal body temperature is about 37°C (98.6°F), but it can vary slightly depending on the time of day or activity. A fever is usually when your temperature goes above:

  • 38°C (100.4°F) in babies
  • 37.5°C (99.5°F) in children
  • 37.2–37.5°C (99°F) in adults

Other signs of fever include:

  • Feeling very hot or cold (shivering)
  • Sweating a lot
  • Weakness or tiredness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite (not feeling like eating)
  • Body pain or muscle aches

Common causes of fever?

Many things can cause fever, including:

  • Infections: Malaria, typhoid, pneumonia, flu, urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Teething in babies
  • Some vaccinations (like the ones for diphtheria or tetanus)
  • Food poisoning (eating bad or contaminated food)
  • Chronic illnesses (such as arthritis or some cancers)

How to treat fever at home?

If the fever is mild and there are no serious symptoms, you can try these simple home remedies:

  • Drink lots of fluids like water, ORS (oral rehydration salts), and fresh juices to prevent dehydration.
  • Rest in a cool place and avoid too much movement.
  • Wear light clothing and avoid heavy blankets.
  • Take a warm bath or sponge the body with lukewarm water (not cold water, as this can worsen shivering).
  • Take fever-reducing medicine like paracetamol or ibuprofen (follow dosage instructions).

When should you see a doctor?

Fever is not always dangerous, but sometimes it is a sign of a serious problem. See a doctor if:

  • A baby under 3 months has a fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
  • Fever lasts more than 3 days
  • The person has severe headache, stiff neck, or confusion
  • There is difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • The fever is accompanied by vomiting, rash, or convulsions (seizures)

When is fever a medical emergency?

Go to the nearest hospital immediately if you or your child experiences:

  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Severe breathing difficulty
  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
  • Inability to wake up or extreme drowsiness

How to prevent fever?

You can reduce your chances of getting fever by:

  • Sleeping under treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria.
  • Washing your hands regularly with soap and water.
  • Drinking clean water to prevent typhoid and infections.
  • Eating well-cooked food and avoiding street food that may be contaminated.
  • Avoiding close contact with sick people who have flu or other infections.

Final words?

Fever is common but should not be ignored, especially in children. In Africa, where diseases like malaria and typhoid are widespread, knowing how to manage fever at home and when to seek medical help can save lives.