Koortes

Koortes, commonly known as fever in English, is a temporary increase in body temperature often caused by an underlying illness or infection. It is typically considered a symptom rather than a disease itself and serves as the body’s natural response to harmful invaders such as bacteria or viruses. The body raises its temperature to create an environment less favorable for pathogens while stimulating the immune system to fight them more effectively.

Fever is generally classified as mild (up to 38°C or 100.4°F), moderate (38.1–39°C or 100.5–102.2°F), or high (above 39°C or 102.2°F). In many cases, fever is harmless and may even indicate that the body is actively combating an infection. However, persistent or extremely high fevers can signal more serious conditions, such as meningitis, pneumonia, or heatstroke, particularly in vulnerable populations like infants, the elderly, or individuals with weakened immune systems.

Common causes of fever include viral infections (such as the flu or common cold), bacterial infections (like strep throat or urinary tract infections), and other factors such as vaccinations, heat exposure, or inflammatory diseases. Symptoms accompanying fever may include chills, sweating, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and, in some cases, confusion or dehydration.

While mild fevers often do not require medical attention, it is advisable to seek medical advice if fever persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by severe symptoms, or occurs in high-risk individuals. Treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms, such as using antipyretics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce temperature, staying hydrated, and resting. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous fluids or further diagnostic evaluation. Preventive measures, such as maintaining good hygiene and vaccination, can help reduce the risk of infections that lead to fever.