How to Take Care of a Fever

A fever is considered to be a higher than normal body temperature that increases with in a 24 to 48 hour period. Knowing how to care for a fever is very important. What to do and how to, can help with the wellness of a loved one.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Normal Temperature Range:
   
   Rectum 97.9 - 100.3 Degrees
   Ear 96.4 - 100.4 Degrees
   Mouth 95.9 - 99.5 Degrees
   Armpit 94.5 - 99.1 Degrees
   
   Do not use thermometers that contain mercury. If you have one contact your local health care provider to obtain a new one and learn how to dispose of your old one.

2. When an individual has a fever they may be very uncomfortable and become irritable. You want to make sure to keep them comfortable at all times when caring for an individual with a fever.
   
   Keep the room temperature at a comfortable level
   Do not over dress the individual
   
   You do not want to have the room temperature to hot or too cold. Over dressing them and placing them under heavy thick blankets will not help with the fever.

3. Make sure that you are monitoring their eating and drinking habits. When a fever is present hydration is needed. Their body is trying to fight off an infection and may be come dehydrated if there is not enough fluid intake. Signs that they may be dehydrated
   
   Unable to fulfill thirst
   Dry mouth
   Dark urine
   Lack of urge to urinate
   Dizzy or lightheaded
   irritable headache
   Fewer tears when crying
   Lack of motivation
   Sunken soft spot on top of infants head
   Decreased amount of wet diapers that is considered normal for individual.
   
   If you are seeing signs of two or more of these symptoms, the individual needs to seek immediate emergency attention. When an individual has symptoms of server dehydration fluids are needed to be placed intravenously at a hospital immediately. An individual suffering from server dehydration may also display symptoms such as
   
   Difficulty breathing
   Server irritability
   Slurred speech
   Confusion
   Lack of mobility
   Erratic heart beat
   
   These are signs that dehydration has set in and needs prompt attention by a health care professional. Remember you want to encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration. If the individual is unable to drink encourage them to take popsicles that contain electrolytes.

4. When to place in lukewarm water during a fever:
   
   The individual has a history of seizures induced by a fever.
   Unable to take medication by mouth (vomiting)
   Has a temperature above 104 degrees
   
   When an individual is displaying these symptoms you want to avoid submerging them into a cold water bath. The cold water will induce shivering and can cause the fever to become increasingly worse. Do not use any methods involving the use of rubbing alcohol. The alcohol can cause other issue to occur.

5. Medicating a fever:
   
   Use medications that are appropriate for the individuals age range and weight. Such as Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, Bayer, or store brand fever reducers. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 19 years of age, unless prescribed by the doctor to do so.