Fever treatment in Bang Tao
A temperature that will not come down is unsettling anywhere, and more so when you are a long way from your own doctor. In Phuket a fever needs a slightly different approach to a fever at home, because the possible causes here include ones that change what you should take for it. Fever treatment in Bang Tao starts with finding the cause, usually within the same visit.
What counts as a fever
A temperature of 38C or above. Between 37.5 and 38 is raised but not yet fever. Take it with a thermometer rather than by touch, which is unreliable, and measure before taking paracetamol rather than after.
Note when it started, how high it has gone, and whether it comes and goes. That pattern is genuinely useful to the doctor.
The causes we see most in Phuket
Most fevers here are ordinary viral infections that pass in a few days. The ones worth ruling out are:
- Dengue fever, especially with severe body aches and headache behind the eyes
- Bacterial chest infection or bronchitis
- Urinary tract infection, particularly with burning on passing urine
- Food poisoning and gut infections
- Wound infection or cellulitis from a cut, bite or graze
- Influenza, which circulates here all year
Paracetamol only until dengue is excluded
Take paracetamol for the fever and the aches, and avoid ibuprofen, aspirin and similar anti-inflammatories until dengue has been ruled out with a blood test. Those medications affect platelets, and dengue lowers platelets, so the combination raises bleeding risk.
This is the most common avoidable mistake travellers make here, largely because ibuprofen works better for the deep muscle pain and people reach for what helps.
What we test for
The doctor examines you for a source — chest, throat, ears, abdomen, skin and any wounds — because a fever with an obvious cause needs different treatment from an unexplained one.
Testing usually means a full blood count, which distinguishes bacterial from viral patterns and shows the platelet count, plus a rapid dengue test where the picture fits, and a urine test where relevant. Results come back inside about half an hour. See blood tests.
When a fever is an emergency
Go to a hospital or call 1669 immediately for:
- Confusion, drowsiness or difficulty waking
- A stiff neck with headache and dislike of bright light
- A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever with severe abdominal pain
- Any fever in a baby under three months
- A seizure
Confusion is the line worth remembering. Someone hot and miserable can usually be managed at a clinic. Someone hot and confused needs a hospital now.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to have a fever checked?
A consultation is the base cost, with tests added as needed. A dengue test and full blood count together are still inexpensive, and you are quoted before anything is run.
Can a doctor come to my hotel?
Yes, at any hour. A doctor hotel visit can examine you, take blood and start treatment in your room.
How long should I wait before seeing someone?
In the tropics, do not sit on a fever for days. Any fever above 38C lasting more than 48 hours, or any fever with severe headache, body aches or a rash, should be assessed.
Should I use a cold bath to bring it down?
No. Cold water causes shivering, which raises the core temperature. Use paracetamol, a lightly cooled room, light clothing and plenty of fluids.
Can I fly with a fever?
Not while it is unexplained. Once the cause is known and you are improving, most people can fly. Airlines can refuse boarding to a visibly feverish passenger, so get it assessed before travelling.
Come in, or we come to you
Take Care Medical Clinic Bang Tao is open open 24 hours, 7 days a week on Bandon Road in Cherng Talay, a few minutes from Bang Tao Beach and Laguna Phuket. Walk in without an appointment, call +66 81 718 9080, or message us on WhatsApp. If you would rather not move, ask for a doctor hotel visit and we will come to your room.