How to Treat a Fever

A fever is the body's natural reaction to something being wrong. The increase in body temperature is caused by the body fighting to return to a normal state. A fever is often accompanied by unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. An infection is the most common cause of fever. Other causes include overexposure to the sun, an allergic reaction and an adverse reaction to an immunization.

Things You'll Need

• Fever thermometer
• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Ginger ale, flat sodas, water, various other beverages
• Ice chips

Instructions

1. Resist the temptation to take medication at the first sign of a fever. Having a fever is a natural indication that your body is fighting off an infection or reacting to abnormal circumstances. If you treat the fever too quickly, your body may not have sufficient time to rid itself of the underlying problem.

2. Monitor a fever closely. Take your temperature regularly to determine if your condition is worsening. If your fever continues to increase or shows no signs of breaking, take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce it. This will also help alleviate some of the aches, pains and other uncomfortable symptoms associated with the fever.

3. Stay hydrated. The body needs plenty of fluids so that it can aggressively fight whatever is causing the fever. If your stomach is too upset to keep liquids down, try sucking on ice chips or sipping ginger ale or flat soda. Replacing fluids is especially important if you experience vomiting or diarrhea.

4. Make yourself as comfortable as possible while allowing your body to fight a fever. Wear light clothing and keep the room cool. Try taking a lukewarm bath or sponging off with a cool cloth.

5. See your doctor if your fever is very high or if it lasts for several days. A temperature of over 104 degrees F is usually considered very high. You should also seek medical attention if you experience confusion, painful urination, a stiff neck, convulsions, trouble breathing, or severe vomiting or diarrhea.

Tips & Warnings

• Never treat a child's fever with aspirin. It can trigger a rare but potentially fatal disorder known as Reye's syndrome.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish