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The elderly person has a high fever of 39°C and is shivering all over.

Apr 06, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
An elderly person with a high fever of 39°C and whole-body shivering may be suffering from autonomic nervous dysfunction, bacterial infection, epilepsy, or other causes. Symptoms can be improved through physical cooling, nerve regulation, and medication. In addition, high fever of 39°C accompanied by shivering in the elderly could also be caused by malaria; prompt hospital visit is necessary for thorough examination and targeted treatment.

A high fever of 39°C refers to a body temperature of 39°C. When elderly individuals experience such a high fever accompanied by whole-body shivering, it may be caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction, viral infection, epilepsy, or other reasons. The condition can be improved through physical cooling, nerve regulation, medication, and other treatments.

1. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction

If an elderly person remains in a prolonged state of emotional stress, it may lead to autonomic nervous system imbalance. This can affect the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center, increasing heat sensitivity and causing elevated body temperature. Nerve tension may result in sudden high fever and body shivering. Applying warm compresses with a heated towel can help physically reduce body temperature, and symptoms can be effectively relieved through emotional regulation.

2. Viral Infection

Elderly individuals often have weakened immune systems due to age, making them more susceptible to bacterial infections. Bacteria entering the bloodstream release toxins that trigger high fever and body tremors. Immediate physical cooling methods, such as cold compresses with a cold towel, can be applied. Under medical guidance, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or cefaclor capsules may be used for treatment.

3. Epilepsy

If an elderly person has pre-existing epilepsy, sleep deprivation may trigger seizures. During seizures, skeletal muscle contractions generate excess heat, leading to increased body temperature and shaking during fever episodes. Under a doctor's supervision, medications such as carbamazepine tablets or phenytoin sodium tablets may be prescribed for treatment.

In addition, high fever of 39°C with whole-body shivering in elderly individuals could also be caused by malaria. It is important to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital for thorough examination, accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause, and appropriate symptomatic treatment based on individual circumstances.

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High fever generally refers to hyperthermia. There is no specific time frame for when a child's high fever of 39°C becomes dangerous. However, a fever of 39°C in children may potentially cause harm to the body after about half an hour, and if the high fever lasts more than 24 hours, it could adversely affect health. During treatment, it's important to maintain proper local warmth and protection to prevent chilling, which might worsen existing symptoms.
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What should I do if viral influenza causes a high fever of 39°C that won't subside?
For persistent high fever of 39°C due to viral influenza, relief can be achieved by maintaining appropriate environmental humidity, getting adequate rest, staying hydrated, applying physical cooling methods, and using medication. Excessive sweating may occur during high fever, making it important to maintain suitable room humidity. A humidifier or a damp towel can be used to increase air moisture, which helps alleviate throat dryness and discomfort associated with symptoms.
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Can you take a bath when you have a high fever of 39°C?
When running a high fever, the body is relatively weak. Bathing consumes a certain amount of physical energy, and if one bathes while extremely weak, it may lead to excessive exhaustion, resulting in falls or fainting. Additionally, bathing should be avoided when there are open wounds to prevent infection from exposure to water. However, if the fever reaches 39°C but the person is in good spirits and has no injuries, bathing is acceptable.
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Can you cover with a blanket when having a high fever of 39°C in summer?
High fever generally refers to high body temperature. Under normal circumstances, whether a person with a high fever of 39°C in summer should be covered with blankets depends on the specific situation. If the high fever is caused by wind-heat stimulation, covering with blankets is generally not recommended. However, if the high fever results from wind-cold stimulation, using blankets may be appropriate. When a patient develops a high fever, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and follow the doctor's instructions for proper treatment.
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What should I do if my high fever of 39°C due to H1N1 influenza won't go down?
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When having a high fever of 39°C, should you cover up to induce sweating to relieve chills?
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Can you cover with a blanket when having a high fever of 39°C in summer?
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What happens if the fever remains above 39°C for a prolonged period?
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