Page 403 - Primary Six Notes

Fever and convulsions

Fever is the condition of the body when its temperature goes

beyond the normal. The normal body temperature is 37 C or
0
98 F .
0
Fever is not an illness but a symptom of many illness such as

malaria, typhoid, measles etc.

Fever can cause convulsions.

First aid for fever

Carry out torpid sponging (cold compress).

A wet cloth is put on the forehead or chest of a victim.

Caution

Do not use very cold water because it leads to convulsions.

Convulsions

These are uncontrollable jerky movements of the body. This is

caused by a sudden change in the body’s temperature, espe-

cially in children and is usually associated with a fever.

Convulsions can be stopped if the disease causing them is

treated.

First aid for convulsions

 Remove all tight clothes from the body of the victim.

 Put an object in the mouth of the victim to stop him from bit-

ing the tongue.

 Give the victim plenty of cold drinks.

 Take the patient to hospital.