Can adults with a fever use air conditioning?

Nov 22, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Shuwen

Introduction

Fever in clinical practice usually refers to an elevated body temperature. For adults with significant fever, if the ambient temperature is excessively high, it is acceptable to use air conditioning appropriately to lower the room temperature and promote heat dissipation from the body surface. However, if an adult has a mild fever without obvious symptoms such as limb soreness or general weakness, and the surrounding temperature is already comfortable, using air conditioning is generally not recommended.

Fever in clinical practice usually refers to an elevated body temperature. Whether adults with fever can be exposed to air conditioning depends on various factors such as ambient temperature and the severity of the fever.

1. Acceptable

If an adult has a severe fever and the surrounding environment is excessively hot, the body's heat dissipation is typically slowed, which may hinder recovery. In such cases, using air conditioning moderately to lower the ambient temperature can help promote heat loss from the skin surface and facilitate a reduction in body temperature. However, the air conditioner's airflow should not be directed straight at the body, and the temperature setting should not be too low.

2. Not recommended

If an adult has a mild fever without significant symptoms such as limb soreness or general weakness, and the room temperature is already comfortable, using air conditioning is generally not advised. Air conditioning can further reduce environmental and skin surface temperatures, causing pores and blood vessels to constrict, which impairs the body's ability to dissipate heat. Excessive heat retention may lead to moderate or even high fever, resulting in noticeable discomfort for the patient.

View All

Is a fever of 38.5°C serious for an adult?

Fever generally refers to an elevated body temperature. For adults, a fever reaching 38.5°C may not be serious, but it could also indicate a more severe condition; the severity depends on the underlying cause. If the fever is caused by inflammation in the body, a temperature of 38.5°C is usually not serious and can typically be treated under medical guidance with oral antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules or cefixime tablets.

View Full Answer

Adult fever above 38°C lasting for one week

An adult with a fever above 38°C lasting for one week may have respiratory system diseases such as viral influenza or acute suppurative tonsillitis, or possibly malignant tumors. The aforementioned symptoms could also be caused by hematological disorders such as pernicious anemia or leukemia. Under a doctor's guidance, vitamin B12 and folic acid may be administered via intravenous injection for conditions like anemia; leukemia requires treatments including molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

View Full Answer

Can adults with a fever wash their hair?

Fever usually refers to an elevated body temperature. Whether adults with fever can wash their hair depends on various factors. If the adult has a low-grade fever and is in a comfortable environment without excessive coldness, washing hair is generally acceptable. However, if the adult has a high fever causing significant discomfort, such as headache, or is in a cold environment, washing hair is typically not recommended.

View Full Answer

What antipyretic medication should an adult take for a fever of 39°C?

Ibuprofen capsules are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with antipyretic and analgesic effects. Patients experiencing discomfort due to fever may take this medication. Acetaminophen tablets are also suitable for adults with a fever of 39°C, as this drug possesses antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. A fever of 39°C in adults is considered high-grade fever; to prevent worsening of symptoms, indomethacin capsules may be taken.