FEVER( ADULTS) 75
Have you been coughing up sputum?
Sputum
No sputum
Do you have either of the following?
General aches and pains
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES You probably have a viral illness, such as a severe cold or flu.
• Follow the advice for bringing down a fever( p. 164).
• Try inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water( p. 165).
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if your symptoms worsen, if you are no better within 2 days, or if any other symptoms develop.
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES You may have a viral chest infection, such as acute bronchitis.
• Follow the advice for bringing down a fever( p. 164).
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• If you smoke, stop.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if your symptoms worsen or if you are no better within 2 days.
Runny nose
Neither
Do you have problems with urination?
Painful
Abnormally frequent
Neither
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS You may have cystitis or a urine infection that has spread to one or both kidneys.
• For both conditions, take an analgesic such as acetaminophen.
• Drink 500 ml( 1 pt) of fluid every hour for 4 hours.
• Drinking cranberry juice may help relieve the burning sensation.
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS A long-term infection, such as infective endocarditis( inflamed lining of the heart), or an AIDS-related illness may cause recurrent fever. Another possible cause is an underlying cancer, such as lymphoma( cancer of the lymphatic system).
Do you have a sore throat?
Sore throat
No sore throat
Have you had several bouts of fever over the past few weeks?
Recurrent fever
No other recent fever
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS if you cannot identify a possible cause for your fever from this chart.