Diseases & Conditions

Fever is a temporary elevation of body temperature above the normal range, generally defined as an oral temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher. It is one of the most common reasons for medical consultation in Nigeria and across the world. Fever is not a disease itself but a symptom — a sign that the body's immune system is actively fighting an infection or responding to inflammation. Most fevers are caused by common viral or bacterial infections and resolve on their own within a few days. However, fever can sometimes indicate a serious underlying condition, particularly in very young children and immunocompromised individuals. In Nigeria, fever in any age group should always raise suspicion for malaria until proven otherwise.

A food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless food protein as a threat and mounts an inflammatory response against it, ranging from mild skin or digestive symptoms to a severe, potentially life-threatening whole-body reaction called anaphylaxis. Common allergenic foods include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, shellfish, fish, wheat, and soy, though any food can theoretically trigger an allergic reaction in a susceptible individual. Food allergies are distinct from food intolerances (such as lactose intolerance), which cause digestive discomfort but do not involve the immune system and are not life-threatening. Because even trace exposure can trigger a severe reaction in someone with a true food allergy, accurate diagnosis and, for severe allergies, an emergency action plan are essential.