How To Spot Scarlet Fever
High Fever With Chills
Patients with scarlet fever will almost always experience a high fever with chills. Generally, the fever will be at least 101 degrees Fahrenheit, and patients who suspect they have a fever should check their temperature at least every couple of hours. If the patient's fever rises to 102 degrees Fahrenheit or above, a physician should be consulted. To reduce the fever, patients should take over-the-counter fever reducers, such as acetaminophen. Patients who have a fever should stay home from school or work until they have started antibiotics and have gone for a full twenty-four hours with no fever. To reduce the discomfort fever and chills can cause, patients should make sure they have lots of warm blankets, ice packs, and cool washcloths available. These can be placed on the body according to the patient's preference. In order to prevent dehydration, patients should try to continue to eat and drink while they have a fever.
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Sore and Red Throat
Scarlet fever typically causes a very sore and red throat. Patients may have difficulty swallowing, and they might also experience nausea and vomiting. To reduce throat pain, doctors often suggest patients use a cool mist humidifier in the home to create moist air. Patients should also avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Fumes from some types of cleaning products may irritate the throat, and these should not be used around patients with scarlet fever. Gargling with a saltwater solution may help alleviate soreness, and patients can use this solution three or four times a day. In addition, patients are advised to consume plenty of fluids; these will keep the mouth and throat moist, reducing dryness and preventing dehydration. Cold and hot drinks are equally effective for this purpose, and patients can choose which ones to consume based on how they are feeling. While the throat is sore, it may be beneficial to minimize talking in order to promote healing.
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