A majority of times, when we are suffering from fever, we tend to take paracetamol, only when the fever shows no signs of improving, do we see a doctor and by then it is too late. This practice of taking self-medications for fever must not be encouraged as it can do more harm than good, says Dr. Edwin Joe, Dean of Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH).
Speaking to SimpliCity he shares “When a patient shows signs of fever, he or she must see a doctor than administering self-medications. Many times, self-medication for prolonged fever could turn detrimental, as such fevers could be dengue, swine flu or many other type of fever. Early diagnoses and treatment of swine flu can cure the patient of this disease. The CMCH is fully-stocked with medication to treat swine flu. Currently, we have four patients who are undergoing treatment for swine flu at our Coimbatore Government Hospital (GH).”
Commenting on the symptoms of this disease, Dr Joe shares that breathlessness prolonged cough, throat pain and fever are the most common symptoms of swine flu. It is through a blood test that a doctor will confirm if a patient is suffering from this disease. Since this virus can spread from one person to another, as a precautionary measure, Dr Joe advice “One must hold a handkerchief while coughing or sneezing. Before consuming a meal, one must was their hands well. In an air conditioned room, this virus has a life of two hours. Those who work and spend their day in air conditioned rooms must be extra cautious of this. As working people get come in contact with common aspects like door handle, knobs among others every time before consuming a snack or meal thorough hand wash is a must'.
Lastly this doctor advises not to treat fever with self-medication. He adds that when one experiences fever, he or she must visit the nearest health centre to get tested and take appropriate treatment.