What Mobile Fever Care Consists Of
Services offered by mobile fever care providers are designed to help patients manage fevers and other underlying conditions related to a fever. Mobile fever care providers deliver services in private patient homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and group living environments, or in other situations as needed. Additionally, mobile fever care providers coordinate services with other medical professionals so that patients receive prompt and effective treatment.
Definition of a Fever
When you have a fever, your body is undergoing a normal response to fighting an infection or illness. Average body temperature has traditionally been defined as 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). Because body temperature varies by person and time of day, there are no strict guidelines for what temperature equals fever conditions. Most healthcare providers consider a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) or higher, when measured by a mouth thermometer, to be a fever.
A fever has many causes and can be a symptom of almost any illness. But certain common conditions known to be related to fever include bacterial infection, viral infections such as flu or COVID-19, urinary tract infection, gastrointestinal infection, and skin infection.
Fevers usually are not cause for serious concern. Typically, a fever subsides when the infection you have passes. Signs of infection can include, but are not limited to, the following symptoms:
- Sweating, or chills, shivering, or shaking
- Headache, body aches, or fatigue
- Lack of appetite or excessive thirst
- Decreased urination
- Faster heartbeat
- Respiratory congestion
- Skin changes such as flushed complexion or hot skin
Mobile Fever Care Services
For vulnerable populations, a fever can lead to further health complications. The following types of patients benefit the most from mobile fever care:
- Seniors in private living homes, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities
- Patients with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses
- Patients recovering from surgery, recently hospitalized patients, those who are confined to bed, or those with limited mobility
- Residents in group living environments where illness can spread quickly
The first step when visiting a patient with a fever is an examination and assessment. Mobile care fever providers review patient symptoms, check medical history, identify potential risk factors, determine the cause of the fever, and develop a treatment plan.
If additional evaluation or testing is required, mobile fever care providers coordinate with partner team members or labs to collect and process blood work, urine samples, or swabs used to detect respiratory infections.
Achieving the Best Possible Results for Patients
Mobile fever care providers develop treatment plans for the fever and any underlying conditions. Treatment can include medication management, hydration support, wound care (if needed), and vital signs monitoring. After beginning treatment, mobile fever care typically includes check-in visits, ongoing care, education resources for patients and family caregivers on signs and symptoms to monitor, and aftercare instructions.
To achieve the best possible results for patients, mobile fever care providers collaborate with partner staff at hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities by promptly evaluating fevers and managing infections before they spread.
Additionally, because of the importance of working with primary healthcare providers, mobile fever care providers also share notes with doctors and other providers to keep all parties updated on patient treatment and progress.