Weakened body has made fever stronger that stays longer: Docs

Professor NS Verma, the Head of Physiology at King George’s Medical University, noted, “A decade ago, recovering from a fever used to take just hours or a day, but not anymore.”

LUCKNOW Weakened immunity, misconceptions about fever as an indicator of various diseases, and an irrational approach to treatment have collectively generated this unnecessary “fear of fever” among the public, according to healthcare specialists. While fever should not be ignored, it should also not be dreaded.

While fever should not be ignored, it should also not be dreaded, said doctors. (HT Photo)

Professor NS Verma, the Head of Physiology at King George’s Medical University, noted, “A decade ago, recovering from a fever used to take just hours or a day, but not anymore. Even a simple fever now lingers for over five days, largely attributed to compromised immunity and increased susceptibility to viral infections. The primary culprits appear to be climate change and alterations in dietary habits.”

Dr PK Gupta, former president of the Indian Medical Association in Lucknow, added, “Climate change has bolstered the survival of mosquitoes, making them resilient and active in every season, causing more human infections. Furthermore, virus mutations have made fevers more cunning, leading to a decrease in platelet counts.”

Doctors have also pointed out that many people take medications with anti-platelet effects, causing their platelet counts to remain low. When fever strikes, these counts decrease even further, lowering resistance levels. Consequently, fevers take longer to subside, and post-fever recovery becomes a protracted process.

Dr Abhishek Shukla, the secretary-general of the Association of International Doctors, emphasised the importance of a measured approach to fever diagnosis: “Fever is an indication that something might be wrong in the body, but deciphering the underlying issue should be left to the experts. Unfortunately, individuals armed with internet knowledge often opt for multiple tests without understanding their necessity.”

Experts advise that initially dealing with fever should involve simple measures like maintaining hydration with oral rehydration solution (ORS) and using a dampened cotton cloth on the forehead for high fevers. Rushing for pathology tests is discouraged, as fever can be a symptom of various diseases such as malaria, dengue, or typhoid. Pathology tests should only be pursued after five days of persistent fever and upon the recommendation of a healthcare professional.

Dr Sheetal Verma from the Department of Microbiology at KGMU also cautioned against unnecessary medical visits, especially for children with fevers. “Taking a child with a fever to a pathology lab without medical advice may worsen the problem due to the physical stress involved in traveling,” she added.