Logan Reid
Fever is a common symptom of illness and can indicate that the body is fighting an infection from a virus or bacteria. It can also be caused by a vaccine, overheating, or sunburn. Most doctors agree that a temperature over 101°F is a fever. Fevers are usually harmless, but a high fever can be very uncomfortable. Hospitals and doctors treat fevers by recommending over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). They also advise drinking plenty of fluids, getting rest, and applying damp washcloths to the forehead and wrists.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medication | Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Acetaminophen, Paracetamol |
| Bathing | Take a slightly warm bath, but avoid cold baths or showers |
| Sponge exposed skin | Sponge exposed skin with tepid water |
| Clothing | Wear light clothing |
| Fluids | Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee |
| Food | Eat light foods that are easy to digest |
| Rest | Get plenty of rest |
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What You'll Learn
Drink plenty of fluids
Fever is one of the body's most effective ways of fighting infection, caused by viruses or bacteria. It is often harmless, but a high fever can be very uncomfortable.
Drinking plenty of fluids is one of the key ways to help bring down a fever. Staying hydrated helps to cool the body and prevent dehydration. Water is the best fluid to consume, as other drinks such as tea, coffee, and alcohol can cause dehydration. For infants under 6 months, breast milk or formula should be given, while clear fluids such as water or clear broth are recommended for older babies and children.
It is important to note that drinking fluids will also improve heat loss through the skin, helping to further reduce the fever. This is because the body loses water through sweating, and drinking fluids can help to replenish this loss.
In addition to drinking plenty of fluids, there are other measures that can be taken to reduce a fever. These include taking medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, eating light and easily digestible foods, and getting plenty of rest. Applying damp washcloths to the forehead and wrists can also help, as well as taking a slightly warm bath to avoid shivering.
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Take medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
While a fever is usually harmless, a high fever can be very uncomfortable. One way to bring it down is to take medication such as acetaminophen (or paracetamol outside the US and Japan) or ibuprofen. These are widely available over-the-counter painkillers that can also reduce fevers.
Acetaminophen, also known by the brand names Tylenol, Panadol, Excedrin, Nyquil, Sudafed, Mucinex, and Theraflu, is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It is often used to treat headaches, pains, and fevers. While it is not an anti-inflammatory drug, it is believed to work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2, an enzyme that causes pain. However, the exact mechanism by which acetaminophen relieves fever and pain is still not fully understood. It is important to note that acetaminophen should be used with caution by those with liver problems, but it is generally safe for pregnant women.
Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It reduces inflammation and pain in the body and can also be used as a fever reducer. Brand names for ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin. Ibuprofen should be used cautiously by individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, clotting disorders, or kidney problems. It is not recommended for pregnant women or those trying to conceive.
It is important to carefully read the labels of all medications and consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. Additionally, children's dosing for these medications is based on their age and weight, so it is crucial to follow the appropriate guidelines for pediatric use.
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Get plenty of rest
Getting plenty of rest is an important part of treating a fever. Fever is a common symptom of illness, and it can leave you feeling exhausted. Resting helps to conserve energy, allowing your body to direct its efforts towards recovery. It is important to listen to your body and rest when you feel tired.
When you have a fever, it is a good idea to take time off work or school if possible, and to avoid any strenuous activities. This includes sports and heavy exercise, as well as any tasks that are mentally taxing. Instead, opt for light activities such as reading or watching TV.
It is also beneficial to create a comfortable resting environment. This means keeping the room at a pleasant temperature, neither too hot nor too cold. You may want to open a window or use a fan to keep the air circulating. It is also helpful to wear light, loose-fitting clothing and to lie down under a sheet or light blanket.
Getting plenty of rest does not just mean sleeping more. It is also important to avoid activities that may be tiring or stressful. This could include social events, work meetings, or even spending time with pets or young children, depending on your personal energy levels. It is a good idea to keep background noise and bright lights to a minimum, as these can be stimulating and make it harder to relax.
Finally, it is worth noting that fever can disrupt sleep patterns, making it difficult to get the rest you need. If you are struggling to fall asleep or are waking up frequently, consider taking a nap during the day or resting your body by lying down in a quiet, comfortable space even if you are unable to sleep.
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Take a slightly warm bath
While hospitals do not specifically recommend taking a slightly warm bath to bring down a fever, it is a commonly suggested home remedy. It is important to note that a lukewarm or slightly warm bath is recommended, not a cold bath, as the latter may lead to shivering and could increase your core body temperature.
A fever is a common symptom of your body fighting off an infection, and it is usually harmless. However, a high fever can be very uncomfortable, and you may want to find ways to reduce it. Taking a slightly warm bath is one of the ways to help cool your body down and relieve fever symptoms.
When you have a fever, it is also recommended to stay in a cool environment, wear loose-fitting, light clothing, and get plenty of rest. Keeping yourself well-hydrated is important, as a fever can cause fluid loss and dehydration.
If you are experiencing chills, it is okay to wrap up in a blanket, but be careful not to overheat. You can also apply damp washcloths to your forehead, neck, and wrists to help bring down your temperature.
Over-the-counter medications can also be used to treat a fever, but always be sure to read the labels carefully and follow the recommended dosages. If your fever is accompanied by other severe symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.
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Apply damp washcloths to the forehead and wrists
A common at-home treatment for fevers is to apply damp washcloths to the forehead and wrists. This method can help to cool the body and bring down a high temperature.
To do this, take a clean washcloth and dampen it with cool water. It is important that the water is not too cold, as this can cause the skin to trap body heat and lead to shivering, which generates more heat. Apply the damp washcloth to the forehead, which is an area key to temperature regulation. The washcloth should also be placed on the wrists, as these pulse points can help to cool the body down. This method can be repeated as the washcloth warms to the patient's body temperature.
It is important to note that this method is not suitable for young children or babies. For infants, a rectal thermometer is the most accurate way to measure temperature. If a baby or child has a high fever, it is important to seek medical advice, as it could indicate a serious infection.
Alongside applying damp washcloths, drinking plenty of fluids is recommended to prevent dehydration and help the body cool down.
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Frequently asked questions
Medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) can be used to help bring down a fever.
Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help bring down a fever. It is also recommended to eat light foods that are easy to digest, get plenty of rest, and apply damp washcloths to the forehead and wrists.
Most doctors agree that a temperature over 101°F is a fever.
If your child has a temperature of 100.4˚F (38˚C) or higher, looks very ill, or has a fever that won't break, you should take them to the hospital.
