Steps for Getting Rid of a Fever

A healthy body temperature often fluctuates throughout the day, but there are certain thresholds you don’t want to pass. If you do, you’re entering into fever territory. A fever is temporary increase in body temperature that’s often caused by illness. Chances are you’ve dealt with a few fevers in your lifetime. It’s a common symptom to sicknesses like a cold or the flu. Children experience fevers with temperatures at or above 100°F, and adults have a low-grade fever at 100.4°F and a high-grad fever above 103°F. The good news is that they usually go away after a handful of days. The bad news is that fevers can be a real drag. Breaking a fever might feel like tough task, but there are easy steps to help speed up recovery.

Here are four steps to help get rid of a fever.

What Causes a Fever

First, we’ll go over the causes of a fever. Elevated body temperatures or fevers might be caused by any of these conditions:

• Virus
• Heat exhaustion
• Bacterial infection
• Medication side effect
• Inflammation

Symptoms of a Fever

Fever symptoms can vary depending on what you’re suffering from, but, in most cases, a fever will clear up within a few days. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• Headache
• Hot forehead
• Body chills
• Muscle aches
• Dehydration
• Weakness

1. Get Some Rest

Physical activity can raise your body temperature. Taking it easy and getting plenty of rest can help you reduce your fever and recover. Getting enough rest can help kick start your immune system and help it attack fever causing viruses like the flu or common cold.

2. Keep It Cool

Unless you have the chills, it’s important to remove any extra layers of clothing in order to keep your body temperature lower. Tepid baths may make you feel more comfortable and help lower body temperature as well. Water can help soothe the body and make your symptoms feel much more tolerable.

3. Take Some Medicine

Keep some medicine on hand, there are over-the-counter medications that can help you break a fever. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen will alleviate symptoms and help your body heal from a fever.

4. Drink Plenty of Liquids

This is the most important step. Fevers can easily cause dehydration and fluid loss, so be sure to keep drinking liquids. Water, juice and sports drinks are super helpful and can help replenish electrolytes.

Young Children with Fevers

• Infants up to 3 months old should be seen by a doctor if they have a fever at or above 100.4°F. Seek medical attention even if no other symptoms are present.
• Children 3 to 6 months old should seek medical attention if fevers pass 102°F.
• Children 6 months to 2 years old may take medication under medical recommendation at or above 102°F.

Running a fever is typically nothing to worry about. If a fever’s duration lasts more than a few days, these home remedies aren’t working or you’re unsure how to handle a fever, be sure to stop into Urgent Care. We can help you assess the situation and get you back to your healthy self.