Page 140 - Community pharmcy practice E-book 2025

02/11/2025, 00:29

2. Fever

Etiology
• Fever is an elevation in body temperature, most often due to infection (viral, bacterial,
fungal) but also may result from immunisation response, vigorous exercise, drugs (“drug fever”),
or non-infectious inflammatory states. ( )
• In minor self-care contexts, often benign viral infections; but pharmacist must recognise
when it may indicate more serious illness.
• Pharmacist role: help assess whether self-care is appropriate and monitor for signs of
escalation. ( )

Symptoms
• Raised body temperature (commonly >37.8°C oral/≈100 °F) though definition varies. ( )
• Accompanying symptoms may include chills, sweating, headache, myalgia (muscle
aches), malaise, flushed face, sometimes cough, sore throat, urinary symptoms. ( )
• In children, can have reduced feeding, irritability, lethargy.

Referral Cases
Must refer if:
• Very young infant (<3 months) with fever. ( )
• Fever persists >48-72 hours (depending on age) or very high (>39 °C) without relief. ( )
• Fever with rash, stiff neck, seizures, severe headache, breathlessness, altered
consciousness, persistent vomiting/diarrhea, signs of dehydration.
• Immunocompromised patient, recent surgery, or other serious comorbidity.
• Fever recurring/undulating, or accompanied by unexplained weight loss or night sweats →
possible more serious cause.
• Fever in context of a known chronic disease or risk of complications (e.g., sickle-cell, heart
disease).

139