Fight The Fever This Monsoon: Fever Advance

Introduction

The arrival of the monsoon brings much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat, and people eagerly anticipate the joy of rain every year. However, along with the showers, the season also brings a downside in the form of various illnesses. Our bodies require time to adjust to climatic changes, making us susceptible to these illnesses during the monsoons. Hence, being cautious during this time of the year is crucial.

The monsoon season is known for diseases like dengue, malaria, typhoid, and other water-borne infections, which can be life-threatening if not treated properly.

Therefore, it is essential to undergo routine check-ups like a fever profile test during the monsoon.

Fever Advance by Dr. Lal PathLabs

A fever advance, curated by doctors at Dr. Lal PathLabs is a set of tests done in a lab to find out why someone has a fever. It includes blood and urine tests to check for infections or inflammation, and the results are usually available within a few hours to a day.

Purpose of a Fever Advance 

The fever advance serves multiple purposes and is essential for diagnosing the underlying cause of continuous fever. It provides a comprehensive screening to identify fever-related ailments, leading to prompt and targeted treatment.

A fever profile test may be necessary for the following situations:

• Identifying diseases such as malaria, dengue, or typhoid.
• Ensuring early detection for timely treatment and recovery.
• Assessing chronic low-grade fever.
• Identifying symptoms of typhoid fever, such as headache, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, weight loss, or skin rashes.
• Diagnosing malaria-like fever with shaking chills and headaches.

 When to Get a Fever Advance Done

If a person experiences the following symptoms persistently for more than two days, it is advisable to undergo a fever profile test:

• Severe body aches
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Headache

 Tests Included in the Fever Advance

A fever advance is a set of laboratory tests typically ordered when a person has a fever of unknown origin or a fever accompanied by other symptoms. The specific tests in a fever panel may vary depending on the medical practitioner and the patient’s circumstances.

These components help doctors identify infections or underlying conditions causing fever:

• Hemogram – Helps identify possible infections or underlying conditions by analysing blood cell levels
• C-reactive protein (CRP) – Detects signs of inflammation in the body.
• Blood Picture, Peripheral Blood Smear Examination – Examines blood cells under a microscope to assess health and detect certain diseases.
• Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen, EIA – Identifies the presence of dengue virus in the early stage of infection.
• Chikungunya Virus Antibody, IgM – Tests for antibodies against the chikungunya virus.
• Widal Slide Agglutination Test – Diagnoses typhoid fever by detecting specific antibodies.
• Culture, Aerobic, Blood, Rapid – Identifies bacteria in the blood to diagnose infections quickly.
• Urine Routine Examination – Detects abnormalities in urine, helping diagnose urinary tract and kidney-related issues.
• Malaria Parasite / Blood Parasite Identification – Helps detect malaria-causing parasites in the blood, assisting in diagnosing malaria infection.
• Typhi IGM – Tests for special antibodies against Salmonella typhi bacteria, aiding in the diagnosis of typhoid fever.

Preparation for a Fever Advance

There is no specific preparation required before a fever profile test. However, informing the healthcare provider about ongoing or past medications is essential. In some cases, 8-10 hours of fasting might be recommended, but adequate water intake to prevent dehydration is allowed.

Procedure of Fever Advance

The fever profile test involves collecting blood and urine samples. A trained professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm, and you will provide a urine sample in a clean container. The sealed samples are then sent to the lab for analysis to identify the root cause of the fever and associated symptoms.

Risk and Result Interpretation

There are no risks or side effects associated with the fever profile test. However, each test’s interpretation of the results varies based on specific parameters. For example:

• A high neutrophil count may indicate a bacterial infection.
• An elevated lymphocyte count could be due to a viral infection.
• A positive Widal test confirms typhoid fever.
• The presence of malarial parasite on peripheral smear suggests malaria infection.
• Urine routine and microscopic analysis reveal whether the fever is caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI).

In conclusion, staying cautious during the monsoon season is crucial due to the increased risk of water-borne and vector-borne diseases. A fever profile test serves as a valuable diagnostic tool, aiding in the early detection and treatment of illnesses, ensuring a healthier monsoon season for everyone. So, prioritize your health and get a fever profile test if you experience any persistent or associated symptoms during this monsoon season. Stay safe and enjoy the rain!