what to do for fever treatment education

What's the best thing to do if you have a fever?

If you or someone you're caring for has a fever, follow these steps to break the fever:

• Take your temperature and assess your symptoms. ...
• Stay in bed and rest.
• Keep hydrated. ...
• Take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to reduce fever. ...
• Stay cool. ...
• Take tepid baths or using cold compresses to make you more comfortable. ...
• But no matter what the number on the thermometer reads, if you have any concerns consult your doctor.

What should I do if I have a fever?

• Stay hydrated.
• If accompanied by headaches, muscle aches, an over the counter anti-inflammatory like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can be helpful.
• Eat healthy
• Stay warm
• Humidifiers can help with symptoms of congestion (e.g. stuffy nose)

What are the best foods to eat with a fever?

The 15 Best Foods to Eat When You’re Sick

1. Chicken soup. Chicken soup has been a go-to for sickness for generations — and for good reason. ...
2. Broths. Like chicken soup, broths are excellent sources of fluid and electrolytes that can be helpful when you’re sick.
3. Garlic. ...
4. Coconut water. ...
5. Hot tea. ...
6. Honey. ...
7. Ginger. ...
8. Spicy foods. ...
9. Bananas. ...
10. Oatmeal. ...

More items...

Which is better to take for a fever?

Which painkiller should you pick?

• Fever. Most research suggest acetaminophen and ibuprofen have similar results in controlling fevers, so pick what works for you.
• Stomach trouble. If you have a sensitive stomach or find that ibuprofen causes heartburn or nausea, give acetaminophen a whirl.
• Period pains. ...
• Other meds. ...
• Persistent pain. ...
• Kids. ...

What are some ways to manage a fever?

How to break a feverTake your temperature and assess your symptoms. ... Stay in bed and rest.Keep hydrated. ... Take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to reduce fever. ... Stay cool. ... Take tepid baths or using cold compresses to make you more comfortable.More items...

How do you treat a fever traditionally?

Stay coolSit in a bath of lukewarm water, which will feel cool when you have a fever. ... Give yourself a sponge bath with lukewarm water.Wear light pajamas or clothing.Try to avoid using too many extra blankets when you have chills.Drink plenty of cool or room-temperature water.Eat popsicles.More items...

How do you treat a fever in a child?

Other ways to reduce a fever:Dress your child lightly. Excess clothing will trap body heat and cause the temperature to rise.Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juices, or popsicles.Give your child a lukewarm bath. Do not allow your child to shiver from cold water. ... Don't use alcohol baths.

What should we eat during fever?

Chicken soup is also a rich source of fluid and electrolytes, which are helpful if you're at risk of dehydration due to diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, or fever ( 2 ). The soup's warmth may help reduce congestion, as hot or spicy liquids can be helpful for this ( 3 ).

What should we eat if we have fever?

Foods To Eat When You Have A FeverChicken Soup. There are a couple of reasons why a bowl of piping hot chicken soup is good for you when you are running a fever. ... Poultry and Fish. ... Vegetables. ... Fruits. ... Greek Yogurt. ... Coconut Water.

Do and don'ts in fever?

Stay hydrated and drink lots of fluids if you have poor appetite due to the infection and could get dehydrated easily. Stay at home and take sufficient rest. 5. Remove excess clothing and wear light, loose cotton clothes as excess clothing can further increase the body temperature.

When do you treat a child's fever?

Call your pediatrician if your child:Has a temperature of 104 F or higher.Is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4 F or higher.Has a fever that lasts for more than 72 hours (or more than 24 hours if your child is under age 2)More items...•

What do you feed a child with a fever?

Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are the foods that make up the BRAT diet. These foods are easy to digest and have a better likelihood of staying down than many other foods when a child is sick. Similarly, CRAM is a diet that consists of cereal, rice, applesauce, and milk.

Treating Fever in A Child

Children with relatively high fevers may not look or act particularly sick. Treating a fever depends on the degree of discomfort. If your child is...

When to Seek Medical Advice For A Child

If your baby is less than 3 months old and has a fever, it's important to get medical help immediately.Seek medical care if a child of any age show...

Treating Fever in An Adult

Adults with fevers of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher will generally look and act sick. The main goal of treatment is to relieve discomfort and help you g...

When to Seek Medical Advice For An Adult

Seek medical care if someone with a fever has any of the following signs and symptoms: 1. Difficulty breathing 2. Chest pain 3. Severe headache 4....

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek emergency medical care if your child has a fever after being left in a hot car or other such potentially dangerous situation and shows any of...

How to Take A Temperature

Always use a digital thermometer to check someone's temperature. Various types are available: 1. Rectal thermometers are used in the rectum. 2. Ora...

Rectal Temperature (For Infants)

1. Turn on the digital thermometer and dab petroleum jelly or another lubricant on the tip of the thermometer. 2. Lay the child on his or her stoma...

How to get rid of a fever?

By itself, fever is usually harmless, though a high fever can be miserable. These steps may help you feel better: Drink plenty of fluids to help cool your body and prevent dehydration. Eat light foods that are easy to digest.

What to do if you have a fever of 104?

Call your doctor right away if you have a fever along with any of these symptoms: seizure. loss of consciousness. confusion. stiff neck. trouble breathing. severe pain anywhere in the body. swelling or inflammation of any part of the body.

How to help a dehydrated body?

Drink plenty of fluids to help cool your body and prevent dehydration. Eat light foods that are easy to digest. Get plenty of rest. Take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or others), naproxen, (Aleve, Naprosyn, or others), acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or aspirin to help relieve head and body aches and lower your temperature.

What is the average temperature of a person?

Fever is one of the body's most effective ways of fighting infection. The average body temperature is 98.6° F (37°C). But "normal" body temperature varies from person to person. It also changes during the day, rising a bit after you eat or exercise. Body temperature is often higher in the afternoon than it is when you wake up in the morning.

How to help a child with a fever?

If your child is uncomfortable or restless, these home care strategies may help: Encourage your child to drink fluids. Dress your child in lightweight clothing. Use a light blanket if your child feels chilled, until the chills end.

How to treat 103 F fever?

To treat a fever at home: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Dress in lightweight clothing. Use a light blanket if you feel chilled, until the chills end.

How to use a thermometer for a child?

Lay the child on his or her stomach or side, with knees flexed. Carefully insert the tip 1/2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) into the rectum. Hold the thermometer and child still until the thermometer beep indicates it's done. To avoid injury, don't let go of the thermometer while it's inside the child.

What are the signs of a fever in a hot car?

Seek emergency medical care if your child has a fever after being left in a hot car or involved in another such potentially dangerous situation and shows any of these warning signs: Fever with no sweating. Severe headache. Seizures.

What is the normal temperature of a person?

The average body temperature is 98.6 F (37 C). But normal body temperature can range between 97 F (36.1 C) and 99 F (37.2 C) or more. Your body temperature can vary depending on how active you are or the time of day.

When to seek medical advice for a baby?

When to seek medical advice for a child. If your baby is less than 3 months old and has a fever , it's important to get medical help immediately. Seek medical care if a child of any age shows any of the following:

How to make your child more comfortable with a fever?

You can try a number of things to make yourself or your child more comfortable during a fever: Drink plenty of fluids. Fever can cause fluid loss and dehydration, so drink water, juices or broth. For a child under age 1, use an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte.

How to evaluate a fever?

To evaluate a fever, your doctor may: Ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. Perform a physical exam. Order tests, such as blood tests or a chest X-ray, as needed, based on your medical history and physical exam. Because a fever can indicate a serious illness in a young infant, especially one 28 days or younger, ...

What is the best medicine for a high fever?

In the case of a high fever, or a low fever that's causing discomfort, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others).

What does a fever mean for a baby?

In babies this young, a fever could indicate a serious infection that requires intravenous (IV) medications and round-the-clock monitoring.

What to do if you have a fever and a strep throat?

Prescription medications. Depending on the cause of your fever, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, especially if he or she suspects a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or strep throat. Antibiotics don't treat viral infections, but there are a few antiviral drugs used to treat certain viral infections.

Can a doctor lower your temperature?

For a low-grade fever, your doctor may not recommend treatment to lower your body temperature. These minor fevers may even be helpful in reducing the number of microbes causing your illness.

How to prevent a fever?

Limiting exposure to infectious agents is one of the best ways to prevent a fever. Infectious agents often cause body temperature to rise. Here are some tips that can help reduce your exposure: Wash your hands often, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after being around large numbers of people.

How to treat a low grade fever?

A low-grade fever with no other symptoms doesn’t typically require medical treatment. Drinking fluids and resting in bed are usually enough to fight off a fever.

How to measure temperature in infants?

A rectal thermometer may be used for measuring body temperature in infants. To do this: Place a small amount of petroleum jelly on the bulb. Lay your baby on their stomach and gently insert the thermometer about 1 inch into their rectum. Hold the bulb and your baby still for at least three minutes.

What is fever in adults?

Fever is also known as hyperthermia, pyrexia, or elevated temperature. It describes a body temperature that’s higher than normal. Fever can affect children and adults. A short-term increase in body temperature can help your body fight off illness.

How to check a child's temperature?

To check you or your child’s temperature, you can use an oral, rectal, or axillary thermometer. An oral thermometer should be placed under the tongue for three minutes. Shop for oral thermometers. You may also use an oral thermometer for an axillary, or armpit, reading.

What happens when you have fever?

Fever occurs when a part of the brain called the hypothalamus shifts the set point of your normal body temperature upward. When this happens, you may feel chilled and add layers of clothing, or you may start shivering to generate more body heat. This eventually results in a higher body temperature.

What causes a fever when you pee?

listlessness or irritability. abdominal pain. pain when urinating. muscle weakness. trouble breathing or chest pain. confusion. Your doctor will probably perform a physical examination and medical tests. This will help them determine the cause of the fever and an effective course of treatment.

How to lower fever?

Take a Bath. Taking a bath can help bring down your fever, but the really important part is that it can't be a cold bath. Although that might seem like it would help more than taking a warm bath, getting in cold or ice water will cause shivering which can actually increase your internal temperature. 3 .

What is the temperature of a fever?

The CDC defines a fever as 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or greater. Other signs of a fever include the person feeling warm to the touch, reporting a feeling of excessive warmth, and alternating between feeling warm and having chills. When to See a Doctor for a Fever.

Why do kids get seen in the emergency room?

Tylenol (acetaminophen) overdose is a common reason kids are seen in the emergency room. 7 . Healthcare providers recommend: Don't alternate fever-reducing medications. Write down when you last gave the medication. Communicate with other caregivers so extra medicine is not given unknowingly.

Why do we have fevers?

Fevers most often occur when our bodies are trying to fight infections. The internal body temperature goes up as a defense mechanism, trying to make the body hot enough so the germs that are invading won't survive. 1  In this way, fevers are a good thing. Of course, they can also make us feel pretty terrible.

Do children have fevers?

Children often deal with fevers better than adults do. If your child has a fever but is still playing and for the most part is still acting like himself, there is no need to do anything to bring his temperature down.

Can you get a fever after taking a cool pack?

4 . It's important to know that the fever may return after removing cool packs.

Is it safe to bring a fever down?

There are a lot of myths surrounding fevers, how dangerous they are and how to get them to come down. Many people are surprised to learn that it often isn't necessary to try to bring a fever down at all. But if a fever is making you or your child uncomfortable, there are things you can do to bring it down safely—and a lot of things you shouldn't do.

What is the best medicine for fever?

Medications — The most effective way to treat fever is to use a medication such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin). These treatments can reduce the child's discomfort and lower the child's temperature by 2 to 3°F (1 to 1.5°C).

What is the temperature of a fever?

Because of the normal variation in body temperature, there is no single value that is defined as fever. In general, a fever means a temperature above 100.4ºF (38ºC).

What is febrile infant?

Fever of unknown origin in children: Etiology. Febrile infant (younger than 90 days of age): Outpatient evaluation. Fever without a source in children 3 to 36 months of age: Evaluation and management.

What to do if your child is unable to drink fluids?

If the child is unwilling or unable to drink fluids for more than a few hours, the parent should consult the child's health care provider. Rest — Having a fever causes most children to feel tired and achy. During this time, parents should encourage their child to rest as much as the child wants.

Why do kids have fevers?

Fever is a normal response to a variety of conditions, the most common of which is infection. Fever occurs when the body's temperature is elevated as a result of the body's thermostat being reset to a higher-than-usual temperature. Nearly every child will develop a fever at some point.

Can fever prevent seizures?

In children who have had febrile seizures in the past, treatment of fever has not been shown to prevent seizures but is still a reasonable precaution. Treatment of fever may be helpful if the child is uncomfortable, although it is not necessary.

Is fever accompanied by other symptoms?

Instead, it is important to note how a child behaves and appears. Fever is usually accompanied by other symptoms. Some of these symptoms require evaluation by a health care provider, even if there is no fever. The table provides a list of some of these symptoms ( table 1 ).

Why is fever important for children?

The fever may be important in helping your child fight the infection. Even higher temperatures are not in themselves dangerous or significant unless your child has a history of seizures or a chronic disease. Even if your child has a history of a fever-related convulsion and you treat the fever with medication, they may still have this kind ...

How hot should water be for a baby with fever?

To sponge your child, place him in his regular bath (tub or baby bath), but put only 1 to 2 inches of tepid water (85–90 degrees Fahrenheit, or 29.4–32.2 degrees Celsius) in the basin.

How long does it take for a fever to go down with sponging?

Usually sponging will bring down the fever by one to two degrees in thirty to forty-five minutes. However, if your child is resisting actively, stop and let him just sit and play in the water. If being in the tub makes him more upset and uncomfortable, it is best to take him out even if his fever is unchanged.

What to do if your child shivers in the bath?

Shivering can make a fever worse; take your child out of the bath if he shivers. Seat your child in the water— it is more comfortable than lying down. Then, using a clean washcloth or sponge, spread a film of water over his trunk, arms, and legs.

Is a fever a contagious disease?

If the fever is a symptom of a highly contagious disease (e.g., chickenpox or the flu), keep your child away from other children, elderly people, or people who may not be able to fight infection well, such as those with cancer.

Can a child have a seizure if they have a fever?

Even if your child has a history of a fever-related convulsion and you treat the fever with medication, they may still have this kind of seizure. It is more important to watch how your child is behaving. If he is eating and sleeping well and has periods of playfulness, he probably doesn’t need any treatment.

Can you use ibuprofen for fever?

In most cases, using oral acetaminophen or ibuprofen is the most convenient way to make your feverish child more comfortable. However, sometimes you may want to combine this with tepid sponging, or just use sponging alone.

What to do when your child has a fever?

What to Do When Your Kid Has a Fever. If you're a parent, it's a scene that's all too familiar. You put your hand on your sick child's forehead and it feels warm. Then the thermometer confirms your suspicion: They've got a fever. But if you follow some simple rules you'll make them more comfortable and keep them safe.

How long does it take for a fever to go away?

Fever is a defense against infection. Your child's body is raising its temperature to kill the germs. In most cases it's harmless and goes away on its own in 3 days.

How accurate is a rectal temperature?

For young children, a rectal temperature is most accurate. If your kids are age 4 to 5 or older, you can probably get a good reading with a thermometer in the mouth. Under the arm is less reliable but it's easier to do. Remember to add a degree to an underarm reading to get a more accurate number.

How old do you have to be to take cough and cold medicine?

In addition, no child under 4 years of age should be given a product that combines cough and cold medicines.

How old should a child be to take acetaminophen?

What You Should Do. Acetaminophen can lower your child's temperature. If they're older than 2 , the dose will be listed on the label. If they're younger, ask your doctor how much to give them. Another option is ibuprofen if your child is at least 6 months old.

What is the temperature of a 3 month old?

Has a temperature of 104 F or higher. Is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4 F or higher. Has a fever that lasts for more than 72 hours (or more than 24 hours if your child is under age 2) Has a fever along with other symptoms such as a stiff neck, extremely sore throat, ear pain, rash, or severe headache. Has a seizure.

Can you rub your child's skin with alcohol?

Don't use an icy cold bath or rub your child's skin with alcohol. Either can actually drive a fever up. And even if your child has the chills, don't bundle them up with thick blankets or clothes.

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