Acute Febrile Illness (AFI): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Acute febrile illness (AFI) is typically described as a fever that resolves on its own in a maximum fortnight, i.e. two weeks. It is one of the challenging conditions for medical professionals, as the actual cause of AFI has yet to be discovered. Acute febrile illness is termed “sudden fever” and happens when a body turns up the heat to fight off unwanted germs. 

Acute febrile illness (AFI) is also known as Acute Undifferentiated Fever (AUF), Acute Fever (AF), or Short Febrile Illness (SFI). 

Nevertheless, acute febrile illness occurs when the body temperature rises above the normal level, which is 98.6 Fahrenheit or 37 Celcius. 

 Let’s discover acute febrile illness in detail. 

What are the main symptoms of acute febrile illness (AFI)?

Fever is the main cause of acute febrile illness; however, it doesn’t come alone. It is accompanied by other symptoms, including: 

• High fever
• Rashes on skin
• Myalgia (muscle aches and pain)
• Jaundice
• Hemorrhages
• Headaches
• Arthralgia (pain in joint) 
• Typhoid
• Chills and sweats

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/food-creative/typhoid-diet-chart-food-to-eat-and-avoid/ 

What are the main causes of acute febrile illness?

Acute febrile illness (AFI) is like turning up the heat to make invaders such as bacteria, viruses, or other germs uncomfortable while signaling our immune system to bring in the reinforcements. 

4 invisible enemies that cause AFI include: 

• Bacteria survive in almost all environments. Good bacteria benefit our health, but bad bacteria can cause diseases like throat or urinary tract infections. 
• Viruses are smaller than bacteria. They invade our cells and multiply them, causing illnesses like flu or the common cold. 
• Parasites are organisms that live on or in a host organism. They get their nutrition from any living organism, such as insects, plants, or even animals. Malaria is considered to be the most common cause of AFI in certain parts of the world. 
• Fungi are usually harmless, but some cause infections in people with weak immunity. 

How do germs invade our bodies?

The germs invade our bodies through these entry points: 

1. Direct contact is one of the main entry points through which germs invade our bodies. By shaking hands or touching surfaces contaminated with germs and touching your face, give direct invitations to them. 
2. Airborne transmission is another way to invite bacteria and viruses. They are easily transmitted through sneezing or coughing in your lungs, making you sick.
3. Food and water: Contaminated food and water pave the way for germs. 
4. Insect bites: Bites from insects can cause illnesses such as ticks, scabies, and malaria. 

The importance of accurate diagnosis

Identifying the actual cause of the acute febrile illness (AFI). It helps your healthcare provider decide the best treatment plan. Remember, guesswork won’t work; an accurate diagnosis is vital. 

A thorough clinical evaluation, including detailed medical history and physical examination, is the first step in diagnosis. A doctor may also ask about recent travel history, animal exposure, or any contact with contaminated water or food. These factors can point to specific infections. 

How is acute febrile illness diagnosed?

The primary diagnostic tests for acute febrile illness are as follows: 

• Peripheral smear examination. It is a blood test, and the collected blood sample is analyzed under the microscope. This is to check abnormalities in the structure of the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Besides, your doctor may also order additional tests like a complete blood count (CBC) test, blood cultures, or serological tests to diagnose the actual cause of fever.
• Rapid diagnostic test (RDT). It is often used to diagnose infectious diseases and is now widely available. The expert uses a sterilized needle to draw merely a drop of blood drawn onto an antigen plate. The antigen on the plate is a protein either related to malaria, dengue, jaundice, or typhoid. Timely intervention is important to initiate the treatment procedures instantly. 
• ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay). The ELISA test helps detect and measure biological samples' antigens, antibodies, proteins, and hormones. 
• PCR (polymerase chain reaction) evaluates DNA samples in the blood and helps detect the bloodborne agents of acute febrile illness. 
• Urinalysis: This test helps check for any signs of infection in the urinary system. 

Additionally, imaging, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans, may be used if a doctor finds symptoms suggestive of complications affecting organs such as the lungs or liver.

Also read:

https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/blood-test/cbc-test-what-is-the-normal-range-what-do-abnormal-levels-indicate/

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What are the treatment options available for AFI?

The appropriate course of treatment is needed to eliminate the symptoms of fever. The most common treatment options for acute febrile illness include antibiotics, multivitamins, antiviral medications, or antimalarial drugs. These medicines help avoid lethargy, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and vomiting.

Furthermore, in some severe cases like hemorrhagic fever, severe malaria, or complications like dehydration from gastrointestinal infections, hospitalization may be required. 

How can you prevent AFI?

Keeping these points in mind will help you prevent acute febrile illness (AFI): 

1. Vaccination is available for some causes of AFI, such as typhoid fever, influenza, and COVID-19. 
2. Mosquito control: Diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya are mosquito-borne. To prevent infection, use insect repellent, wear covered clothes, and sleep under mosquito nets. 
3. Safe water and food practices: Proper sanitation is needed. Drink boiled water and ensure food hygiene to prevent waterborne diseases like typhoid and amoebiasis.
4. Good personal hygiene: Personal hygiene is equally important. Wash your hands with soap, especially before eating or using the restroom. It helps minimize the risk of the spread of many infections.
5. Avoid direct contact with infected animals to prevent leptospirosis and brucellosis. 

Conclusion

Acute febrile illness (AFI) is common, but it can affect your health because of various infectious agents. While many cases of AFI are mild and resolve independently, they can cause significant complications if not managed properly. 

Early detection of symptoms, timely doctor attention, and proper diagnosis are vital to ensuring a full recovery. By adhering to preventive measures, patients can reduce their risk of contracting infections that lead to AFI, promoting better health and well-being.

Frequently asked questions: acute febrile illness (AFI)

1. What are the different names for acute febrile illness (AFI)?

Acute febrile illness (AFI) is also known as acute undifferentiated fever (AUF), acute fever (AF), or short febrile illness (SFI). 

2. What are the main symptoms of AFI?

The main symptoms of AFI include headaches, dizziness, chills, sweats, weakness, muscle pain, or high fever. 

3. How long does acute febrile illness last?

Acute febrile illness usually lasts from a few days to two weeks. It is characterized by body pain, lethargy, sudden fever, and headache. 

4. What is an acute febrile illness called in India?

In India, acute febrile illness (AFI) refers to infections like typhoid, malaria, and dengue. 

5. What are the complications associated with acute febrile illness?

Dark-colored urine, loose stools, body rash, and dyspnea (shortness of breath) are the complications associated with acute febrile illness.