Fever : Care And Treatment

Fever is one of the most common signs of illness. However, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. That said, fever can still cause distress, particularly if it’s high or if a young child has it. Knowing in advance how to properly care for and treat a fever can relieve a lot of stress.

In this article, we’re sharing the basic things you need to know in caring for and treating someone with a fever.

Understanding Fever

Also known as hyperthermia or pyrexia, fever is the increase in body temperature. Typically, it’s a sign that your body is fighting off infection.

The average normal body temperature is 37°C. For adults, a temperature higher than 38°C is considered a fever. For children, a temperature ranging from 37.2°C – 38°C and higher, depending on how the temperature is taken, is considered a fever.

When the body’s temperature increases a few degrees above normal, it’s a good sign that the body is healthy and fighting infection. However, it should be treated immediately when the fever rises above 38.8°C. Later on, we’ll discuss several home remedies on how to bring temperature down. You should consult a doctor if the fever doesn’t go down after a few days.

Numerous causes trigger a fever. Some of these may include:

  • Infections such as common cold and flu
  • Extreme sunburn
  • Some vaccinations, such as tetanus shots
  • Food poisoning
  • Blood clots
  • Medications like antibiotics
  • Inflammatory diseases
  • Teething in infants

Depending on the cause, fever may also include symptoms like headache, shivering, dehydration, muscle aches, general weakness, and loss of appetite.

Fever Care And Treatment

While low-grade fever doesn’t need to be treated, if it’s causing you discomfort, there are several ways to help you recover quickly. Below, we share some tips for caring for and treating a fever.

  1. Take Plenty Of Rest

    The most effective way to help reduce fever is to simply rest, especially if the fever is lower than 38°C. Getting enough sleep can support the integrity of the immune system, helping your body focus on fighting off infection and recovering. Plus, physical activity can increase your body temperature further.

  2. Drink Fluids

    In addition to getting enough sleep, experts recommend drinking enough fluids to help recover from fever.

    A fever causes fluid loss and dehydration. Thus, make sure to drink plenty of fluids when you’re fighting a fever. It helps improve heat loss from the skin and replaces water lost through sweating.

    In general, clear broth and water are healthy choices. However, for babies, breast milk and formula should be enough.

  3. OTC Medications

    If you have a fever that causes discomfort or a high fever, fever reducers are some of the most effective methods.

    Anti-pyretic drugs help reduce fever and make you feel better within 4-8 hours. You can purchase these medications without a prescription. Some of the most commonly used antipyretic drugs include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

    Take these medications as recommended by your doctor or according to the label instructions. Be careful not to take too much. Acute overdoses can cause kidney or liver damage and even death.

    Most of these drugs can be used in children and adults. However, doses will vary. Always contact a pediatrician before using any fever medication for kids under three months of age. Also, never give aspirin to kids since it may trigger a rare, fatal disorder known as Reye’s syndrome.

  4. Stay Cool

    One way to help lower your temperature when you have a fever is by applying a cool, damp washcloth on your forehead or at the back of your neck. Doing so can help reduce your fever symptoms and make you feel better.

    You can also take a sponge bath (also known as tepid sponging) using cool water, focusing more on high-heat areas such as your armpits.

    Also, if you’re not shivering, you should dress in light clothing or keep the room temperature cool. You can also sleep with only a light blanket.

  5. Take A Lukewarm Bath

    Taking a lukewarm bath can help lower your fever while relaxing the body, allowing you to sleep better. Just make sure to get out of the tub once the water feels cool. A cold bath can cause shivering and may worsen your fever.

Take Away

In most cases, fever is the body’s reaction to infections and other common illnesses, and there’s no reason to worry. Most of the time, a fever doesn’t need to be treated and should go away on its own. You should be fine in just a few days with enough rest and some home remedies.

However, consistent high fevers can be a sign of something more serious. So, make sure to contact emergency hotlines right away.

Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:July 25, 2023

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