Should You Self-Medicate If You Have A Fever: Doctor Shares Do's And Don'ts

A fever can leave you distressed and drained. It may leave your body aching and your head spinning, which can further discourage you from going to the hospital or visiting a doctor. So what do you do then? Pop a fever-reducing, pain relieving medicine? That’s what most of us did, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with increasing viral and bacterial infections, self-medication has become a serious problem and lack of awareness around potential health risks makes it even worse. 

In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Rahul Agrawal, Senior Consultant-General Medicine, CARE Hospitals, HITEC City, Hyderabad, explains what self-medication is, why it isn’t safe, and do’s and don’ts when you develop fever for whatever reason. 

What Does It Mean To Self-Medicate

Self-medication refers to the act of using medicines or undergoing treatments without the prescription or guidance of a medical expert, doctor, or physician. This includes over-the-counter (OTC) medications, nutritional supplements, and other nonprescription medications, according to the Encyclopedia of Behavioural Medicine. 

Potential Risks Of Self-Medication During Fever

Several studies have shown that fever is the most common symptom for which self-medication is practised. In fact, a recent study published in the Journal Cureus found that fever, body aches, common cold, and cough were common ailments for which people self-medicated themselves. 

Additionally, it was revealed that female participants were twice more likely to self-medicate as compared to male participants. 

However, Dr Agrawal warns against the practice of self-medication. He said, “It is generally advisable to consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, before self-medicating for a fever. Self-medication can have potential risks, especially if the underlying cause of the fever is not known.”

According to him, a doctor is the best person who can provide an accurate diagnosis, recommend appropriate treatments, and determine if medications are necessary based on the cause and severity of the fever.

He emphasised on obtaining a proper diagnosis and understanding the cause of something as common as a fever, saying that it is a symptom and not a disease itself; it's the body's response to an underlying cause, such as an infection, inflammation, or other medical conditions. 

Hence, identifying the root cause of the fever allows for targeted treatment, which is essential for a swift and effective recovery, he stressed again. 

A thorough evaluation usually involves a physical examination, medical history review, and possibly diagnostic tests like blood work or imaging. Based on the diagnosis, appropriate treatment options can be prescribed. Again… self-diagnosis and self-medication may not address the underlying issue and could potentially worsen the condition or delay proper medical intervention.

Do’s And Don’ts If You Have Fever

If you have a fever, here are some do’s and don’ts to consider:

• Allow your body to rest and conserve energy to help in the healing process
• Drink plenty of fluids like water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions to prevent dehydration
• Use a cool compress or a fan to help lower your body temperature
• Keep track of your temperature and other symptoms to provide detailed information to your doctor
• Avoid excessive clothing and blankets, as it can trap heat and worsen the fever
• Seek medical attention if you experience high fever, severe headache, difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or rash, as these could be signs of a serious condition

Conclusion

You can develop for a lot of reasons; from a viral to a bacterial infection to other chronic conditions, it can be anything. To determine an effective treatment, it is important to detect the underlying cause of the symptom. It is crucial that you do not self-medicate or resort to a treatment plan without consulting a doctor.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/should-you-self-medicate-if-you-have-fever-1696416060