If you catch a severe cold or have the flu, a high fever may occur.

First, let's understand the causes and reasons for fever. When viruses or bacteria enter the body, the body raises its temperature to defend itself. Increasing the body temperature enhances immunity, making it easier to eliminate viruses and bacteria.

When viruses or bacteria invade the body, immune cells and immune-related substances such as white blood cells, cytokines, and prostaglandins increase. These elevated substances raise the set point of body temperature in the hypothalamus of the brain, which regulates body temperature.

The reason you feel cold when you have a fever is due to this core body temperature standard.

 

Normally, the brain commands the body to maintain a temperature of 36.5°C, but when viruses or bacteria invade, the brain raises the set point for body temperature. As a result, you feel that your current body temperature and the surrounding temperature are lower than usual, making you feel cold. The reason your body shivers at this time is due to muscle contraction movements that occur in an attempt to raise body temperature.

So, if you have a fever but feel cold, what should you do? If you cover yourself with a blanket because you're cold, your body temperature can rise rapidly, which is dangerous. Especially for children under 6 years old, there is a risk of febrile seizures. Therefore, it is recommended to wipe the body with a towel soaked in lukewarm water. However, do not wipe the body with cold water, as it can cause blood vessels to constrict and increase body temperature.

You don't always need to take antipyretics just because you have a fever. For mild fevers, you don't need to take antipyretics. However, if your body temperature exceeds 38°C or if you are pregnant, it is advisable to administer antipyretics to reduce the fever.

 

In the case of children, even if their body temperature does not exceed 38°C, if they are lethargic, have poor appetite, or are irritable and seem distressed, administer an antipyretic. Additionally, children who have experienced febrile seizures in the past, or those with chronic cardiopulmonary diseases, metabolic disorders, or neurological disabilities, are at higher risk of febrile seizures, so they should use antipyretic and analgesic medications even if their temperature is below 38°C.

 

Febrile seizures are not uncommon, affecting about 1 in 10 children. If a child starts having a seizure at home, first lay them on a flat surface and call 119 to go to the emergency room. If the child vomits during the seizure, do not forcibly remove food or vomit from their mouth; instead, turn the child onto their side to allow it to drain naturally. Taking a video of the child's seizure can be very helpful during medical treatment.

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They call it chills.

When you catch a cold, your body starts to run a fever.

There are times when you wrap yourself in a blanket because you're cold.

 

It's because of virus penetration.

 

These days, the cold is scary.

We also have employees who are absent from work.