Flu temperature in adults

First, let’s understand what the flu is. Influenza is an airborne respiratory infection caused by influenza A, B, or C. The disease is highly contagious and affects all age groups.

A feature of the flu is an abrupt onset. People can even name what time they felt sick. In addition to an increase in body temperature, the flu is characterized by:

• Strong headache;
• chills;
• photophobia;
• aches in the body;
• pain on eye movement.

But a runny nose is not an obligatory symptom and can appear only 2-3 days from the onset of the disease.

What is the usual temperature for influenza in adults

With flu symptoms, body temperature rises sharply to 38-39,5 degrees. This fever can persist for up to 3-4 days.

Temperature can be measured using a mercury, electronic and infrared thermometer. The most reliable method for measuring body temperature is the use of a mercury thermometer in the armpit. Measurements using other instruments have an error in the range of 0,1–0,2 degrees. It should also be borne in mind that temperature indicators depend on the place of measurement:

• The normal temperature in the armpit is 36,3 – 36,9 degrees;
• The normal temperature in the oral cavity is 36,8 – 37,3 degrees;
• The normal temperature in the rectum is 37,3 – 37,7 degrees.

Therefore, when measuring body temperature in various areas, one should take into account the standard and know the error of the measuring device.

How long does the flu temperature last in adults

With a mild or moderate course of the flu, an elevated body temperature lasts 3-4 days. Then residual effects are possible in the form of 37,0-37,5, which persist for a couple of days. This temperature is a variant of the norm and does not require additional treatment.

With the addition of a bacterial infection, a long-term preservation of temperature is possible with obligatory additional symptoms (cough with sputum, shortness of breath, runny nose with green discharge from the nose). In this case, the temperature will be about 37,5 and appear in the morning.

Do I need to bring down the temperature with the flu in adults

Since intoxication with the flu is quite strong, it is almost always necessary to bring down the temperature. This is especially necessary if the patient:

• fever over 38,5 degrees;
• severe symptoms of intoxication (headache, pain when moving the eyes, photophobia, nausea).

If you tolerate the temperature well enough, then there is no need to take any medications. You just have to stay in bed and drink enough fluids.

Myths about high temperatures

• The higher the temperature, the more severe the disease.

Elevated body temperature is not an indicator of the severity of the disease. Fever depends only on the individual characteristics of the organism.

• Viruses die at high temperatures

Yes, but the body itself suffers. Body temperature above 39 degrees negatively affects the cardiovascular system, forcing it to work several times harder. And at temperatures above 41 degrees, protein folding occurs.

• If the temperature is high, then the disease will pass quickly.

No, because fever may be associated with the addition of a bacterial infection, which complicates the course of the disease.

• At temperatures above 39 degrees, you need to call an ambulance.

No. First you need to try to bring down the temperature yourself. In addition, if the fever occurs without severe chills and severe symptoms of intoxication, then an ambulance call is not needed at all.

How to bring down the temperature with the flu in adults

There are several ways to help bring down the temperature with the flu. It can be both medicines and traditional medicine. All options are valid and allowed by doctors.

Medications

Paracetamol-based drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most popular medicines for reducing flu fever.

Paracetamol – a universal drug that is used in pure form or in combinations. It is important that the maximum daily dosage does not exceed 4000 mg. Paracetamol should be taken at intervals of 4 hours. When taking powders or tablets with paracetamol (Rinza, Theraflu), it is worth considering the concentration of all active substances.

Ibuprofen – also an excellent tool that allows you to quickly reduce body temperature. The maximum daily dosage of the drug should not exceed 1200 mg.

Ibuklin – a combination drug that contains ibuprofen in combination with paracetamol. It has a fast and long antipyretic effect.

Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid, a fast-acting drug from the NSAID group. Use as an alternative if other antipyretics work worse.

Compresses

Compresses allow you to quickly reduce body temperature without resorting to the use of drugs. Cold water compresses are most commonly used. To do this, you need ordinary cotton towels that are wetted in water and wrung out. It is better to apply a compress on the forehead, neck, wrists, calves and lower legs. As the towels dry, they are re-wetted. This method allows not only to reduce body temperature, but also to relieve headaches and pain when moving the eyes. You can also add a little vinegar to the water, about 1 teaspoon per liter.

Drinking plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids is a must for any infection. With the flu, a sufficient volume of liquid allows you to rid the body of intoxication products, which greatly alleviates the condition.

It is necessary to drink 2-3 liters of liquid. It should be either pure water or a liquid with enough glucose and vitamins. The ideal option would be weak tea with the addition of honey, jam, lemon. Compotes, decoctions, homemade juices are perfect. When you are sick, your appetite is reduced, so supplementing your diet with carbohydrates will help provide the body with energy to fight infection.

Popular questions and answers

We discussed important issues related to flu temperature with therapist Tatyana Pomerantseva.

Sources of:

1. “Influenza and SARS” RCHD (Republican Center for Health Development of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan) Version: Clinical protocols of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 2019.
2. Pulmonology. National leadership. Short edition. A.G. Chuchalin, S.N. Avdeev. Moscow, 2016.
3. Pulmonology Reference Book. A.G. Chuchalina, M.M. Ilkovicha. Moscow, 2009.
4. Prevention and treatment of respiratory infections. Markova T.P. RMJ, 2010: T. 18. No. 2.