The concept of the five stages of fever is based on the classic fever pattern that was first described by physician Thomas Sydenham in the 17th century. These stages are:
- Prodrome: This is the initial stage of fever, in which the body begins to respond to an infection or other stimulus. During this stage, a person may experience symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, and a general feeling of malaise.
- Chill: This stage is characterized by a sudden drop in body temperature, often accompanied by shivering and a feeling of coldness. This is due to the body’s attempt to raise its temperature to fight off the infection.
- Flush: In this stage, the body’s temperature begins to rise rapidly, and the person may feel flushed or warm to the touch. The skin may also become red and sweaty.
- Defervescence: This is the stage in which the fever begins to break, and the body’s temperature starts to return to normal. The person may experience sweating and feel fatigued or weak.
- Recovery: During this final stage, the person’s temperature returns to normal, and they begin to feel better. However, it may take some time for the person to fully recover from the underlying illness or infection that caused the fever.
