What is a fever? Symptoms, treatment and consequences of mouse fever. Features of the occurrence and course of drug fever Fever in infectious diseases

Fever is a typical nonspecific thermoregulatory adaptive reaction of the body, resulting from excitation of the thermoregulation center by an excess of pyrogens (thermostable high-molecular substances formed by microorganisms or tissues of the human body).

Temperatures above 37°C are considered elevated. Depending on the degree of febrile reaction, there are low-grade fever(increase in body temperature below 38°C), moderate fever(increase in body temperature within 38–39°C), high fever(39–41°C) and extreme, hyperpyretic fever(increased body temperature above 41°C).

Based on the type of temperature curve, the following are distinguished:
persistent fever- daily temperature fluctuations do not exceed 1°C (typical for typhus);
laxative fever- daily fluctuations of more than 1°C (viral, bacterial infections);
wrong, or atypical fever, - high or moderately high body temperature, daily fluctuations are different and irregular (the most common type of fever in any infection);
debilitating fever, which is a combination of laxative and irregular fever, with daily variations in body temperature exceeding 2–3°C;
intermittent fever- short-term periods of high temperature are combined with periods of apyrexia, normal body temperature during the day (purulent infections, tuberculosis, rheumatism); usually in the morning the body temperature is normal, but in the evening there is a significant increase in it; with rheumatoid arthritis, Wissler-Fanconi subsepsis, the opposite relationship is observed (inverse type);
relapsing fever- characterized by alternation of febrile attacks (2–7 days) with periods of apyrexia (1–2 days) (malaria, relapsing fever, periodic illness, diffuse connective tissue diseases and other immunopathology);
« sea fever" - a term proposed by Professor A. A. Kisel, who meant by it daily fluctuations in body temperature of more than 1 ° C, although the maximum body temperature is normal or subfebrile. At that time, this condition was often regarded as tuberculosis intoxication.

Fever in children

With the same level of hyperthermia in children, fever can occur differently. In children, there are “white” and “pink” fevers. If heat transfer corresponds to heat production, this indicates an adequate course of fever and is clinically manifested by the child’s relatively normal state of health, pink or moderately hyperemic skin color, moist and warm to the touch (“pink” fever). The absence of sweating in a child with pink skin and fever should be alarming in terms of suspicion of expressed due to vomiting and tachypnea.
In the case of “white” fever with increased heat production, heat transfer is inadequate due to impaired peripheral circulation; the course of such fever is prognostically unfavorable. The leading pathogenetic link of “white” fever is excessive hypercatecholaminemia, which leads to the appearance of clinical signs of centralization of the blood circulation. Clinically, severe chills, pallor of the skin, acrocyanosis, cold feet and palms, tachycardia, increased systolic blood pressure, and an increase in the difference between the axillary and rectal temperature (up to 1°C and above) are noted.
It should be remembered that a moderate increase in body temperature during infectious diseases helps to mobilize the body's defenses and activates the immune system. At the same time, an extreme increase in temperature significantly worsens general well-being and contributes to the development of a number of unfavorable changes in the patient’s body: increased tone of the sympathetic nervous system, tachycardia, increased excitability of the respiratory center. Against this background, the organs’ need for oxygen increases, basal metabolism intensifies, sodium and chlorides are retained in the body with the development of edema, blood vessels in the skin (pallor of the external integument) and internal organs narrow; spasm of the precapillary sphincters occurs. Normal blood flow is disrupted, centralization of blood circulation occurs, which ultimately leads to hypoxia of organs and tissues. Myocardial hypoxia, for example, entails a weakening of its contractility, brain hypoxia leads to swelling, impaired consciousness, and convulsions. The response of internal organs and systems to an increase in body temperature in children is especially pronounced.
The symptom of increased body temperature is extremely “many-faced” and can occur in many diseases of various organs and is based on an infectious, non-infectious, as well as psychogenic nature.
If in adults a febrile reaction primarily occurs during infectious processes: viral infections, bacterial infections, fungal (mycotic) infections, then in children hyperthermia quite often does not have an infectious nature (overheating, psycho-emotional stress, allergic reactions, teething, etc. ). Unlike adults, children, especially young children, are much more likely to react with an increase in temperature to any nonspecific stimuli.

Fever with ARVI

In first place among diseases accompanied by fever are acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). In this case, the rise in temperature is preceded by hypothermia, and the fever is accompanied by other characteristic complaints indicating a pathological process in the bronchopulmonary system and nasopharynx (rhinitis, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain when breathing). With low-grade fever, accompanied by these complaints within two to three days from the onset of the disease, self-medication with over-the-counter medications is still possible. In other cases, you must definitely consult a doctor. Any seemingly insignificant symptom can be the beginning of a serious one or a sign of an exacerbation of a chronic disease.
If “threatening” symptoms occur, allowing one to suspect a serious illness in the patient, requiring mandatory referral of patients to a doctor, the following is noted: an increase in temperature above 39°C, accompanied by severe pain, shortness of breath, disturbance of consciousness, and convulsions; duration of temperature above 38°C in a patient with symptoms of acute respiratory disease for 3–5 days; temperature over 37.5°C, persisting for more than 2 weeks.
Elevated temperature poses a particular threat if it is accompanied by a spasm of skin vessels that interferes with heat transfer (malignant hyperthermia): temperature above 40.0°C; variegated, “marbled” skin color; despite the heat, the limbs are cold to the touch.
If temperature increase is not accompanied by a pronounced violation of the general condition; in case of ARVI, the temperature should be reduced to 38°C or higher. The desire to normalize any temperature during ARVI is not justified, since this reduces the development of immunity to this pathogen. In such a situation, measures to treat symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, and cough are advisable.
It should be especially emphasized that over-the-counter antipyretics, due to their mechanism of action, do not reduce a slightly elevated temperature of -37.2–37.3 ° C.

In children with ARVI, the prescription of antipyretic drugs is fundamentally necessary:
Previously healthy children: with body temperature above 39°C, and/or with muscle aches, and/or with headache.
For children with a history of febrile convulsions - at a body temperature above 38.0–38.5°C.
For children in the first 3 months of life - at a body temperature above 38.0°C.

Previous use of antipyretics is also indicated for children:
with hereditary metabolic abnormalities;
with a history of seizures;
in the presence of signs of circulatory failure II stage. and more;
with respiratory failure Ist. and more;
with dehydration;
with respiratory fever;
with thymomegaly stage 2. and more;
with “white” hyperthermia.

It is necessary to take into account the arguments against the mandatory use of antipyretics for any rise in temperature:
fever can serve as the only diagnostic indicator of the disease;
antipyretic therapy obscures the clinical picture of the disease, providing a sense of false security;
feverish reaction - protective, enhancing the immune response;
Antipyretic therapy also carries certain risks, including side effects of the drugs.

The rate of temperature decrease should be 1–1.5°C in 30–60 minutes.
The duration of use of antipyretics is no more than 3 days, analgesics - up to 5 days.

In children at risk, drug therapy with antipyretic drugs should be started. Although many drugs have antipyretic effects, only four commercially available drugs are optimal for the treatment of fever in children: paracetamol, ibuprofen, naproxin and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin).

General recommendations for parents with fever in children
Maintaining bed rest.
Regular ventilation of the room to maintain a “comfort temperature”. - During the period of rising temperature, when the patient feels chills, it is necessary to warm up, lie down under a warm blanket.
At the height of the temperature, after it has stopped rising, cooling brings a subjective feeling of relief, so you can open up and/or wipe yourself with water at room temperature.
Reducing the temperature is aimed at improving the general well-being of the patient and does not affect the cause of the disease.
It is advisable to only reduce the temperature above 38.5–39°C.
Antipyretic medications should not be taken regularly in order to prevent a new rise in temperature.
A repeat dose of the antipyretic should be taken only if the temperature rises again.
The duration of self-use of an antipyretic drug, without consulting a doctor, should not exceed 2 days.
It is advisable to combine the use of antipyretic drugs with the use of drugs for the symptomatic treatment of cough, runny nose, and sore throat.
You should not use antipyretic drugs on your own while taking antibiotics, as these drugs can mask the lack of effect of antibacterial therapy.
At elevated temperatures, you should drink plenty of fluids (3–4 liters per day).
During this period, you should ensure an increased intake of food rich in vitamins and exclude fatty foods from the diet.
To relieve muscle pain or headaches due to colds, the same medications are used as to reduce fever.
Reducing fever in children should begin with physical cooling methods (wiping with water at room temperature, ventilating the room): this is often sufficient to reduce it.
An antipyretic should only be used if the body temperature rises to the above values or if chills and/or trembling occur.
The most reliable and safe antipyretic drugs for children are paracetamol and ibuprofen in children's dosage forms.

Knowledge of the pharmacological properties of these drugs and the balance between benefits and risks ensures their rational use.

Paracetamol

Paracetamol(acetaminophen, Tylenol, etc.) inhibits the cerebral synthesis of prostaglandins to a greater extent than the peripheral one, and therefore it does not have (or has a minimal degree of) an antiplatelet effect (i.e. does not impair platelet function), does not cause or increase bleeding. The minimal peripheral effect of paracetamol creates another important advantage over other NSAIDs: paracetamol does not reduce diuresis, which is a very important advantage in febrile young children with a tendency to cerebral edema, toxicosis, and convulsions. It has antipyretic and analgesic effects, but lacks anti-inflammatory effects.
The usual antipyretic and analgesic dose of paracetamol is 10–15 mg/kg and can be given 3–4 times daily.
The daily dose of paracetamol should not exceed 60 mg/kg.
The toxicity of paracetamol in children occurs when its concentration in the blood is above 150 mcg/ml. Liver disease, intake of activators of hepatic oxidases (and in adults, alcohol) increases the toxicity of paracetamol. The toxic effects of paracetamol are due to its hepatotoxicity. In the first hours, nausea, vomiting, and pallor appear. From the end of the 1st - beginning of the 2nd day, there are no clinical symptoms, but an increase in transaminases begins. From the 3rd day, jaundice, coagulopathy, encephalopathy, increased transaminases and bilirubin, tremor, hypoglycemia, acute renal failure, and myocardial damage develop.
With long-term use, cases of nephrotoxicity (tubular necrosis), cardiotoxicity (heart attacks, ischemia), and pancreatitis have been described.
If, due to an overdose or accumulation, damage to the liver or kidneys occurs and the child develops nausea, vomiting, oliguria, hematouria, jaundice, hypoglycemia, he should immediately be given acetylcysteine orally at a dose of 140 mg/kg and then 70 mg/kg every 4 hours (total 17 doses).
Tips for rational use of paracetamol for parents:
reduce temperature only when indicated;
do not re-introduce antipyretics to prevent a new rise in temperature. It should be given only after the child’s body temperature has returned to its previous level;
use the recommended single dosage of paracetamol (10–15 mg/kg), in no case exceed the daily dose (60 mg/kg);
do not give paracetamol without consulting a doctor for more than 3 days due to the risk of a bacterial infection and being late in prescribing antibacterial agents;
if hyperthermia develops with spasm of skin vessels (cold, pale hands and feet, marbling of the skin), after administering an antipyretic, you should vigorously rub the child’s skin until it turns red and urgently call a doctor.
children's dosage forms of paracetamol: Panadol, Efferalgan, Calpol, Tylenol.

Ibuprofen

The usual single dose (5 mg/kg body weight) can be increased in case of severe fever (up to 10 mg/kg).
Ibuprofen is one of the best true NSAIDs (i.e., drugs that have antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects) in terms of tolerability.
The daily dose should not exceed 25–30 mg/kg. In acute overdose, the minimum toxic dose is approximately 100 mg/kg. Symptoms (nausea, abdominal pain, confusion, lethargy, headache, visual disturbances, metabolic acidosis) depend on the dose. Among the rare adverse reactions, it is necessary to note gastropathy with nausea, vomiting, enteropathy with or, bleeding, oliguria, tachycardia.

A. P. Viktorov, State Pharmacological Center, Ministry of Health of Ukraine

Traditional recipes for reducing temperature during fever

Used for fever, has a vasodilating effect.
Decoction: a tablespoon of crushed leaves in a glass of water. Boil for 20 minutes, leave for 1 hour, strain. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day.

Bark. Pour a teaspoon of crushed bark into 300 ml of water. Boil over low heat until one cup remains. Drink on an empty stomach with honey once a day. Take until the fever goes away.

The flowers have a pronounced diaphoretic and antipyretic effect, which is associated with the presence of the glycoside sambunigrin in them. An infusion of black elderberry flowers is prepared at the rate of 5 g (1-2 tablespoons) of raw material per 200 liters of water. Take 1/3 cup 2-3 times a day.

Parsley. Pass 2.5 kg of parsley through a meat grinder and squeeze out the juice. Pour 150 g of vodka into this juice and mix. Take 100 ml twice a day on an empty stomach (morning and before bedtime). The next day in the morning drink another 100 ml. After this, the fever usually stops.

Infusion of leaves. Prepared at the rate of 5-10 g of crushed raw materials per 200 ml of boiling water. Drink 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day.

Cones. Pour 25 g of cones with 2 cups of boiling water. Leave, covered, for 2 hours, strain. Take 50 ml morning and evening for three days. The medicine is taken while lying in bed, warm.

Infusion or decoction of fruits, leaves or stems. Prepared at the rate of 2-4 tablespoons of crushed raw materials per 2 glasses of water. The resulting volume is the daily dose, which must be taken in equal portions.

Infusion of flowers. 2-3 tablespoons of raw materials are poured with one and a half glasses of water. The resulting volume of infusion is used in even doses throughout the day.

Cranberry extract has antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, diuretic, tonic and refreshing effects. Cranberry syrup and puree are given as coolants for febrile illnesses. Cranberry juice is prescribed to feverish patients as a refreshing and antipyretic.

Lemon juice along with an infusion of strawberry leaves is recommended for feverish patients, especially children.

As an antipyretic, it is recommended to take an infusion of black poplar buds for chronic tonsillitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia, for which it is often used together with lemon and infusion of strawberry leaves.
1. Infusion of poplar buds. 2 teaspoons of crushed raw materials are infused for 15 minutes in 200 ml (1 glass) of boiling water. Take the resulting infusion throughout the day.
2. Tincture of poplar buds. Prepared from freshly harvested raw materials in a ratio of 1:10. Infusion time is 7-10 days. Take 20-50 drops 3-4 times a day.

Fever - an increase in body temperature above 37 o C is a protective-adaptive reaction of the body.

Fever is manifested by such symptoms as: increased body temperature, fever, chills, sweating, daily temperature changes.

Fever without temperature can be observed with small changes in temperature, close to low-grade fever.

Depending on the causes occurrences are distinguished infectious and non-infectious fever. The latter is observed in cases of poisoning, allergic reactions, malignant tumors, etc.

Types of fevers depending on body temperature

The following types of fever are distinguished (according to the degree of temperature increase):

low-grade fever (from 37 to 38 o C);
moderate fever (from 38 to 39 o C);
high temperature fever (from 39 to 41 o C);
hyperpyretic fever (excessive) (over 41 o C).

Fever reactions can occur differently in different conditions and the temperature can fluctuate within different limits.

Types of fevers depending on daily temperature fluctuations

Depending on temperature fluctuations, the following types of fever are distinguished:

Persistent fever: body temperature is usually high (often more than 39 o C), lasts for several days or weeks with daily fluctuations in the ancestors 1 O WITH; occurs in acute infectious diseases (typhus, lobar pneumonia, etc.).
Relieving fever: significant daily fluctuations in body temperature - from 1 to 2 o C and more; occurs in purulent diseases.
Intermittent fever: a sharp rise in body temperature to 39-40 o C and above, with a decline in a short period of time to normal or even reduced and with the repetition of such rises after 1-2-3 days; characteristic of malaria.
Wasting fever: significant daily fluctuations in body temperature over 3 o C (can be at intervals of several hours) with a sharp drop from higher to normal and lower numbers: observed in septic conditions.
Relapsing fever: increase in body temperature immediately to 39-40 o C and above, which remains high for several days, then decreases to normal, low, and after a few days the fever returns and is again replaced by a decrease in temperature; occurs, for example, in relapsing fever.
Undulating fever: a gradual increase in body temperature from day to day, which reaches a maximum within a few days, then, unlike relapsing fever, it also gradually decreases and gradually increases again, which looks on the temperature curve as alternating waves with a period of several days for each wave. Observed in brucellosis.
Incorrect fever: does not have certain patterns in daily fluctuations; occurs most often (with rheumatism, pneumonia, dysentery, influenza and many others, including cancer).
Kinky Fever: morning temperature is higher than evening temperature: observed with tuberculosis, prolonged sepsis, viral diseases, and thermoregulation disorders.

Treatment of fever

Treatment is aimed primarily at the underlying disease. Low-grade and moderate fevers are protective and should not be reduced.

For high and excessive fever, the doctor prescribes antipyretics. It is necessary to monitor the state of consciousness, breathing, pulse rate and its rhythm: if breathing or heart rhythm is disturbed, emergency assistance should be called immediately.

A feverish patient needs to be given water frequently, changed underwear after excessive sweating, and wipe the skin successively with wet and dry towels. The room in which a feverish patient is located must be well ventilated and have a supply of fresh air.

Algorithm for measuring body temperature

A mandatory procedure for examining patients with various diseases, especially infectious ones. Many diseases are accompanied by changes in the temperature of the affected areas of the body. The cessation of blood flow, for example, when a vessel is blocked by a blood clot or an air bubble, is accompanied by decrease in temperature.

In the zone of inflammation, where, on the contrary, metabolism and blood flow are more intense, the temperature is higher. For example, malignant neoplasms in the stomach have a temperature 0.5-0.8 degrees higher than the surrounding tissues, and with liver diseases such as hepatitis or cholecystitis, its temperature rises by 0.8-2 degrees. Hemorrhages lower the temperature of the brain, and tumors, on the contrary, increase it.

How to measure body temperature correctly?

Using a mercury or electronic thermometer, body temperature is measured in the armpit (the skin is first wiped dry), less often in other areas - the inguinal fold, oral cavity, rectum (basal temperature), vagina.

Temperature is usually measured 2 times a day - at 7-8 am and at 17-19 pm; If necessary, measurements are carried out more often. The duration of temperature measurement in the armpit is approximately 10 minutes.

Normal values of body temperature when measured in the armpit range from 36 o C to 37 o C. During the day it fluctuates: the maximum values are observed between 17 and 21 o'clock, and the minimum, as a rule, between 3 and 6 o'clock in the morning, with In this case, the temperature difference is normally less than 1 o C (no more than 0.6 o C).

P increased body temperature not necessarily associated with any disease. After great physical or emotional stress, in a hot room, body temperature may rise. In children, body temperature is 0.3-0.4 o C higher than in adults; in old age it may be slightly lower.

Most healthy people usually have a body temperature of around 37°C, and to be more precise, the ideal body temperature is considered to be 36.6°C, and it remains at the same level day after day until microbes disturb this stable pattern. . Microorganisms, be careful! The body's defense system begins to increase body temperature in an attempt to restore order and destroy pathogens.

Temperature rise is important

In the center of the brain is the hypothalamus, which acts like a thermostat on the body. Therefore, when the hypothalamus receives a message that germs have illegally entered the territory it controls, it begins to set the body's core temperature higher than normal. Heat helps fight bacteria, making the body less suitable for their existence. With a cold, some viruses do not multiply at elevated body temperatures, so even a slight increase in temperature can really help get rid of the virus faster.

A fever indicates that the body has entered fight mode to rid itself of a virus or infection. Almost any infection can cause a fever - chickenpox, sore throat, flu and even the common cold - all of them often cause an increase in body temperature.

Sometimes fever appears along with other symptoms such as chills, loss of appetite, a general feeling of fatigue or weakness, headache, since a simple increase in body temperature is not enough to quickly cope with germs.

Is it worth fighting a fever?

There are several ways to measure body temperature, including holding a thermometer under your armpit, in your mouth, in your ear, and in your rectum. The rectal method is the most accurate, but it is too messy, although children get the most benefit from this method. Measuring the temperature in the mouth is another fairly accurate way to measure temperature,

and measurements under the armpit and in the ear provide the least accurate readings. One more thing - leave those mercury thermometers for the medical museums and make your life a little easier.

We take glasses and check the numbers on the screen: with a fever, the temperature is usually two to three, and sometimes four degrees higher than normal body temperature. In general, fevers below 38.9°C cannot be treated, even with over-the-counter medications. Medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help relieve symptoms that accompany a fever, but do not treat the underlying condition. And since the drug blocks the signals sent by the hypothalamus, the microbes survive and the disease will last longer.

If the fever is higher than 38.9°C or lasts longer than three days, medical attention may be required. Children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk from fever, so it is important for them to take action early on.

For everyone else, it's worth knowing that when your body gets hot, it's easy to become dehydrated, so you should drink more fluids to prevent this. Here's the good news: Once the cause of the fever goes away, the hypothalamus restores order, returning your body temperature to normal.

What is a fever? This is a condition when the body temperature exceeds 37 degrees. As a rule, fever is one of the symptoms of a particular infectious disease, accompanied by headache, skin flushing, confusion, thirst, etc.

Basic concept

What is a fever? It is understood as the general reaction of the body to any irritation. An increase in temperature in this case becomes a consequence of a violation of thermoregulation.

What is a fever? This is an active reaction of the protective-adaptive nature of the human body, which it gives in response to the penetration of various pathogenic stimuli.

What is a fever? This is a process when excess body temperature is caused by restructuring and disruption of thermoregulation. Fever is considered the main symptom of many infectious diseases. When it occurs, heat generation in the human body begins to prevail over heat transfer.

Why does fever occur?

The main reason why body temperature rises is considered to be infection. Bacteria, as well as their toxins, begin to circulate in the blood and disrupt the process of thermoregulation. Sometimes such a negative action is possible using the reflex path. It arises from the place where the infection enters.

Foreign protein substances also contribute to an increase in temperature. This sometimes happens when infusing serums, blood or vaccines.

Elevated temperature increases metabolism. In this case, an increase in the number of leukocytes often occurs. Doctors believe that fever enhances the formation of immunity. This, in turn, creates conditions for more successful elimination of harmful microorganisms.

Thus, the question “What is a fever?” one can answer that this reaction, like the inflammatory one, is an adaptation of the body to the pathological conditions that have arisen.

Symptoms of fever

Elevated body temperature, as a rule, is accompanied not only by headache and flushing of the skin, but also by a feeling of aching in the osteoarticular system. At the same time, the patient is also worried about chills and trembling, thirst and increased sweating. The person begins to breathe frequently, has a lack of appetite, and sometimes becomes delirious. In young patients, pediatricians note increased irritability and crying, as well as problems with feeding.

During exacerbations of chronic diseases, in addition to the signs listed above, symptoms arise that relate to the peculiarities of the manifestation of recurrent pathology.

In pediatric practice, it is believed that calling a doctor to a sick child under three months of age is necessary when the temperature rises above 37.5 or persists for two days. In young patients from 6 months to 6 years, fever is sometimes accompanied by convulsions. If this phenomenon occurs, you will also need to consult a doctor. Urgent medical care should also be provided to those children whose fever is accompanied by a stiff neck, skin rash (especially if it is dark red or in the form of large blisters), and abdominal pain.

An adult patient needs to call a doctor at home in case of fever with swelling, skin rashes, and joint pain. A medical examination is necessary for pregnant women, as well as for those patients who suffer from a cough with greenish and yellowish sputum, headaches and pain in the abdomen and ears, as well as if an increase in body temperature is accompanied by vomiting, dry mouth and pain during urination. A doctor's visit is needed for people with increased irritability, rashes and confusion.

Treatment of fever

As a rule, therapy for fever in a patient is not carried out until the exact cause of the disease is determined. This will preserve the picture of the pathology clinic. In some cases, treatment is not carried out, since for some ailments, fever stimulates the body's defenses.

If a person has difficulty with elevated body temperature or develops a dangerous complication in the form of dehydration, heart failure or convulsions, then, regardless of the cause of the disease, taking antipyretic drugs is indicated.

Types of fevers

An increase in body temperature can be caused by various reasons, and also have a special clinical picture. In this regard, fever is divided into the following types:

Taking into account the factor that caused it. With this classification, fever is divided into infectious and non-infectious.

According to the levels of temperature increase. In this case, the fever can be subfabrial (up to 37.5 or 37.9 degrees), febrile (ranging from 38 to 38.9 degrees), pyretic (from 39 to 40.9 degrees), and hyperpyretic (more than 41 degrees) .

According to the duration of manifestation. There are subacute, acute and chronic forms of fever.

According to the time of increase in body temperature values. In this case, fever is divided into laxative and constant, wavy and intermittent, perverted and irregular.

Fever is considered the main symptom that accompanies some severe infections. Sometimes they are very dangerous for humans. These are yellow and hay fever, Ebola and Dengue, West Nile and some others. Let's consider one of them. The disease is mouse fever.

HFRS virus

This acute viral natural focal disease is popularly called mouse fever. Characteristic signs of this pathology are elevated temperature and intoxication with subsequent kidney damage and, in addition, the development of pathological thrombohemorrhagic syndrome.

The HFRS virus was first discovered by A. A. Smorodintsev in 1944. However, the infection was isolated only in 1976. This was done by a scientist from South Korea.

After some time, a similar virus was isolated in Finland and Russia, China and the USA, as well as some other countries. Today there is its classification. These are the Hantaan and Puumala viruses. Throughout the history of the disease “mouse fever,” 116 cases of its severe form were recorded.

Pathogens

What is fever caused by the HFRS virus? This is a hemorrhagic pathology with renal syndrome. The causative agent and carrier of this type of disease are mice, as well as rodents belonging to their species.

In the European part of Russia, the infection is spread by the bank vole. Great danger awaits people in the Far East. Here you should be wary of field mice, red-gray mice, as well as Asian bats. In the history of HFRS fever, there have been cases where the infection in cities was transmitted by house rats.

Routes of infection

The causative agent of HFRS is excreted in the feces or urine of animals. Rodents transmit it to each other through airborne droplets.

The disease mouse fever overtakes a person who inhales the smell of feces of an infected individual. Infection also occurs through contact with a rodent carrying the virus. You can also get sick from contact with an infected object (for example, brushwood or hay on which a mouse ran). A person also becomes infected in cases where he eats foods that rodents have come into contact with. This could be cabbage and carrots, cereals, etc. At the same time, an infected patient is not dangerous to another person.

Who does the HFRS virus affect?

Most often, men whose age ranges from 16 to 50 years suffer from mouse fever. This disease is also observed in women. But the largest percentage of patients with this diagnosis are still men. This figure is up to 90%. Why do they get sick so much more often than women? The main reasons for this lie in the neglect of basic hygiene rules. Otherwise, infection with the virus can occur with the same frequency.

As a rule, symptoms of the disease “mouse fever” are observed in residents of rural areas. Such statistics can be explained by the constant contacts of these people with nature, as well as with its pests, including rodents.

Young children rarely get mouse fever. This is due to the fact that children rarely encounter carriers of a pathogenic virus, and they are always given vegetables and fruits only washed. In this regard, there is no danger for a child who is not accustomed to putting dirty hands and objects in his mouth.

Mouse fever is a seasonal disease. During the winter cold period, the number of rodents decreases. At the same time, the activity of the virus decreases. The peak of infection in adults and children is observed in the spring and autumn periods.

Symptoms of a disease caused by rodents

What are the main stages and signs of the disease? Mouse fever is an infectious pathology with a rather complex development. There are five stages in its clinical picture:

Incubation period. It covers the time from the moment of infection to its first manifestations. The duration of this incubation period ranges from 3 to 4 weeks. At the same time, the patient does not know that an uninvited guest has entered his body, due to the absence of any signs of illness. Doctors note that the course of the disease “mouse fever” is the same in all patients. Symptoms in men, however, which indicate the onset of pathology, develop somewhat earlier than in women.
First stage. This is the immediate beginning of the disease, which at this stage develops quite acutely. The first stage lasts on average from 2 to 3 days. The course of the disease and symptoms of mouse fever during this period resemble a cold. The patient develops intoxication in the form of nausea and headache, weakness and body aches. In addition, vomiting is a symptom of the initial phase of the development of mouse fever. Signs of this disease include redness of the collar area (neck, as well as part of the back), and face. This symptom is due to the fact that blood begins to rush to the skin, and many small hemorrhages occur. In addition, a rash in the form of red blisters appears on the body. These tumors are filled with blood. The patient's body temperature rises. Its values reach 39 and even 40 degrees. How does the disease “mouse fever” occur in men? Are there any differences in clinical presentation with female patients in this case? Doctors note that the symptoms of the pathology do not depend on the gender of the patient. Only sometimes the course of the disease “mouse fever” in the first stage is characterized by a somewhat blurred clinical picture. In men, the symptoms of the disease are not as pronounced as in women.
Second stage. During this period, the disease also continues to develop quite acutely. The beginning of the second stage of mouse fever, which is so dangerous and severe for humans, is indicated by a decrease in the volume of daily urine output (oliguria). This sign indicates problems with the functioning of the kidneys. The oliguric period of murine fever lasts for 8-11 days. Throughout this period, the patient experiences intense pain in the lower back and lower abdomen. 2-3 days after the onset of the second stage of the pathology, a person experiences intense vomiting. The end of the oliguric stage is marked by the cessation of the symptomatic increase in body temperature. However, this does not bring any relief to the patient.
Third stage. This stage of mouse fever is called polyuric. It lasts from five to fifteen days. If the disease is severe, it is preceded by a period of kidney failure. Swelling occurs, sleep is disturbed and depression develops. If treatment was started in a timely manner, then taking medications helps to approach the polyuric stage. In this case, an increase in diuresis occurs. The volume of urine during the day reaches 2-5 liters. This indicator is evidence of normalization of kidney function. However, at the third stage of development of the pathology called “mouse fever”, careful monitoring of the patient is very important. Otherwise, the consequences of the disease may be quite severe. Mouse fever can cause complications such as kidney failure.
Fourth stage. At this stage, the fever disappears completely. Only its residual effects can be observed in the patient. This stage of the disease lasts from one month to fifteen years. And even in the case when the patient does not complain about anything, it is too early to calm down. Indeed, during this period there remains a risk of the consequences of the disease “mouse fever” in the form of various complications. Consequently, a person who has suffered from this disease must constantly visit a nephrologist.

So, the symptoms of mouse fever are:

The occurrence of intoxication of the body in the form of headache, weakness, etc.;

Increase in body temperature to 40 degrees;

Nausea;

Pain in the abdomen and also in the lower back;

Decrease in daily diuresis;

An increase in the volume of urine excreted at the final stage of the disease.

Carrying out diagnostics

In order to avoid unpleasant consequences after the disease “mouse fever”, it is necessary to begin its treatment in a timely manner. To do this, after detecting the first possible signs of pathology, you will need to consult a general practitioner. If the symptoms become more pronounced, then you should not hesitate to call an ambulance.

The mild course of the disease allows treatment to be carried out on an outpatient basis, under the supervision of a general practitioner and nephrologist. All other cases require immediate hospitalization to ensure that serious complications do not arise after an illness with mouse fever.

Diagnosis of the disease, especially in its first stages, is quite difficult. After all, the disease is similar to a common cold. That is why the most important thing in establishing it is to consider the likelihood of infection.

Diagnosis of mouse fever includes:

A survey of the patient, during which the existing complaints and their duration are clarified, and the question of the likelihood of contact with rodents is also considered;

Conducting laboratory tests, including general analysis and blood biochemistry, PCR test, as well as urine analysis (in case of development of renal disorders);

Instrumental studies in the form of ultrasound of the kidneys.

All of the above studies are sufficient for an attentive specialist to make an accurate diagnosis.

How is mouse fever treated?

In order to rid the patient of the HFRS virus, an integrated approach will be required. After all, the disease is quite complex and threatens with dangerous consequences for human health.

Already from the first day of detection of pathology and until its end, it is necessary to adhere to bed rest. After all, the pathogen provokes fragility of blood vessels, which threatens the development of bleeding. The duration of the patient's bed rest is determined by the doctor. On average, this period ranges from 2 to 6 weeks.

Therapy for mouse fever involves the use of a variety of pharmaceuticals:

Pain syndrome is eliminated through the use of analgesics (Analgin, Ketorolac, etc.).

To combat viruses, antiviral drugs such as Lavomax are used.

The antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect is achieved by taking drugs such as Paracetamol, Nurofen, etc.

To cleanse the body of toxins, the doctor prescribes sorbents.

Maintenance treatment includes taking vitamins and glucose.

To eliminate edema, hormonal drugs are used, including Dexamethasone and Prednisolone.

All medications should be prescribed only by the attending physician.

Consequences of the disease

For those who have had mouse fever, the consequences of the illness for women, men and children may be minimal or no complications at all if treatment was started in a timely manner. The pathology passes without any trace. However, the disease is dangerous due to its late diagnosis, which significantly delays the start of the treatment process. And if time was still lost, then there is a high probability of kidney damage and liver destruction. All this causes serious illnesses, and sometimes can result in death.

What is the danger of mouse fever? Consequences after illness for men, women and children are manifested by complications such as:

Impaired excretory function or kidney rupture;

Pulmonary edema;

Eclampsia - convulsive fainting;

The emergence of localized areas of pneumonia;

Vascular insufficiency and blood clot formation.

What should not be done after the disease “mouse fever”? Even after recovery, a person should not consume spicy, smoked and salty foods, as well as alcohol. The daily diet requires the presence of fresh and lean dishes. A similar diet must be followed throughout the recovery period in order to restore normal kidney function.

Preventive measures to prevent mouse fever

There is no pre-vaccination to protect against the disease. It is possible to prevent the HFRS virus from entering the body only if certain precautions are taken. Prevention of the disease in women, men and children consists of:

Cleaning the house using antiseptics;

Thorough cleaning of dust that may contain the virus;

Thoroughly cleansing hands using soap or other special products;

Use gloves and masks when cleaning (especially in country houses);

It is mandatory to wash vegetables and fruits;

Use only boiled or bottled water for drinking;

In the immediate treatment of abrasions and other injuries;

Use gloves when handling rodents.

Such advice is not complicated at all. These are the usual rules of hygiene that every person who cares about their health should follow. But it is always worth remembering that it is still easier to prevent a disease than to try to get rid of it later.