How to decide when a fever is too high?

Are you one of those people stuck with the flu this season? Not sure if you need to be seen by a doctor or go to the emergency room? The steps below should help you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. A high fever is normal when you have the flu! It is possible to reach temperatures as high as 104 Degree's (F). The fever may continue up to four days.

2. Rest and drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated.

3. Do not cool yourself off with wash cloths or the cold patches they sell at stores. Making yourself cold when you have a temperature will make you shiver and in the long run raise your body temperature.

4. Alternate medicines (tylenol & Ibuprofen) every four hours (check labels on your medication for times, times may vary depending on your dosage). Alternating will help prevent an overdose. Typically using both of these medications is much more effective in lowering a fever.
   
   When my son had a fever of almost 104 we took him to the emergency room and they gave him both tylenol and Ibuprofen at the same time because alone the fever would not go down.

5. Make sure your fever does not go over 104 degree's (f). Also, if your fever lasts more than five days you should consult your doctor.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink juice, clear liquids, or water. Stay away from soda's, especially coke's or other dark think, sugary soda's.
• This should not substitute a doctors advice. Please contact your doctor if you are sick and let them know. This will also keep them on alert if they need to get you in for a last minute appointment.

[amylaine]

on 3/4/2008 Great info.