How to Treat a Fever at Home
Are you concerned about treating a fever at home? You don’t need to go to the doctor – you can take simple steps to reduce your fever and feel better. In this article, you’ll learn how to treat a fever safely and effectively.
Quick facts: Treating Fever At Home
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Understanding Fever
Fever is a common symptom of injury or illness, and can range from mild to severe. It is also one of the most important signs that the body’s immune system is responding to an infection or other problem. It is important to understand the symptoms and causes of fever in order to properly treat it at home.
What is a fever?
A fever is an elevation in body temperature that is greater than normal. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as chills, headache, body aches, and a feeling of tiredness. Fever can be caused by a wide range of illnesses including the common cold, influenza, UTI’s, bacterial infections and other illnesses.
An adult’s temperature will typically rise to 101°F (38°C) or higher when they have a fever. In children under 2 years old, a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) may indicate a fever.
It is important to note that having a fever does not necessarily mean that you are sick or need medical treatment. A mild fever can help your body fight off infection and may even help speed the healing process if you are ill. It is important to monitor your fever carefully so that it does not get too high or last too long.
What are the symptoms of a fever?
Fever is an elevation in the body’s normal temperature, usually caused by the body defending itself against an infection. Symptoms of fever include feeling warm or hot, shivering, headache, feeling tired and weak, muscle aches, sore throat and loss of appetite. If a fever gets too high – usually defined as over 101°F (38.3°C) orally or 103°F (39.4°C) rectally – it can become dangerous and medical attention should be sought.
In order to treat a fever at home, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of a fever so that proper care can be given to reduce the fever safely and effectively. It is also important to take note of any other symptoms that may accompany a fever since they can provide clues as to what might be causing the elevated temperature. Additionally, it’s important to know when it’s time to seek medical help for a high-grade fever as well as other accompanying symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Home Treatment
Many people can treat a fever at home with simple and effective measures. Home treatment for a fever can help to keep the fever down or even make it go away, without the need for medical intervention.
Here, we will discuss the home treatment options for a fever, as well as their pros and cons:
Take your temperature
Taking your temperature is the first step in treating a fever at home. Depending on your type of thermometer, this can be done orally, rectally, anally, or with a temporal artery thermometer. Generally speaking, these are the most accurate and should be used for infants and young children. Ear thermometers and forehead strips are best suited for older children and adults. If you have a boil at home, you should treat it accordingly.
Once you take your temperature reading, it’s important to look at the severity of your fever in order to decide how best to treat it at home. A fever ranging from around 100-102 indicates mild fever while 103-104 indicates moderate fever. Anything above 105 is considered high fever and would require medical attention if not treated promptly.
Taking your temperature is an essential step in gauging how severe your condition is so that you can determine what home treatment methods are best suited to alleviate symptoms of the fever.
Drink plenty of fluids
Drinking plenty of fluids is one of the most important steps in home treatment for a fever. Fever can make individuals become dehydrated quickly because they are losing more water than they are taking in, so it is vital to make sure that you are replenishing fluids often throughout the day. This can be achieved through drinking more water and other electrolyte-rich drinks, such as sports drinks or coconut water. Additionally, adding some extra salt to your meals can help replenish lost electrolytes faster.
Additionally, it may also be beneficial to use fever reducers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to help reduce the fever and discomfort associated with it. Always consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications if you have any underlying medical condition or if you are pregnant.
Get plenty of rest
Getting plenty of rest is essential for recovery from a fever; your body needs time to heal. Resting in a cool, comfortable place can also help you feel more comfortable and reduce the fever.
If possible, allow your child to sleep in a cooler room than usual – between 68F and 70F – since this may help the body cool down naturally and make them more comfortable.
Make sure your child stays hydrated by encouraging them to drink fluids throughout the day, such as water or other clear liquids like broth or electrolyte drinks (such as Pedialyte) if they’re not able to keep solid food down. Avoid hot drinks, as these can actually increase body temperature.
Finally, make sure you monitor your child’s temperature regularly throughout the day with an appropriate thermometer – either digital or glass.
Take over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help reduce fever. These medications target the body’s inflammatory response that causes the fever in the first place. Specifically, ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory medication and acetaminophen works to relieve pain by blocking certain enzymes in the body. Both of these are available without a prescription and are generally safe for those aged 12 or older.
However, if you’re not sure which medication is right for your child, check with their doctor beforehand. It’s also important to pay attention to dosing instructions on the package labels, as children have different needs than adults when it comes to medication dosages. If you’re unsure of what dosage is appropriate for your child, ask a doctor before giving any medication.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever is the body’s natural response to infection, and mild cases can be treated at home through rest and hydration. However, if your fever persists or symptoms worsen, it may be necessary to seek medical attention.
Let’s take a closer look at when you should seek medical attention for a fever:
High fever
High fever is defined as a body temperature higher than 103°F (39.4°C). If your body temperature is higher than this for more than a few days, you should seek immediate medical attention.
When dealing with high fever, you must take special precautions. Be sure to keep the affected person hydrated and comfortable by providing plenty of liquids and removing excess clothing.
If the high fever persists for more than three days or if there are additional symptoms such as confusion or lethargy, then it is best to seek medical attention right away. A doctor can properly diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the fever, which could be anything from a virus to an infection or even something more serious.
It is important to be aware of any other symptoms that may accompany the high fever in order to get the proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible:
- Confusion
- Lethargy
Severe headache
A severe headache can be a sign of a serious medical condition. If you experience a severe headache along with other symptoms such as nausea, confusion, or loss of balance, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Additionally, if your headache does not improve within 24 hours or if it worsens even after taking medication or other home remedies, you should consult your doctor. It is always important to inform your doctor of any medications that you’re taking so that they can assess the possibility of any interactions between them and your symptoms. Additionally, blood tests may be necessary to rule out any underlying causes.
Knowing when to seek out medical attention is important in order to properly diagnose and treat whatever may be causing the headache.
Severe abdominal pain
If you are experiencing severe abdominal pain, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Abdominal pain can have serious underlying causes such as appendicitis, gastroenteritis, ulcers, and gallstones. Symptoms may include:
- pain in the abdomen that comes and goes
- feeling nauseous or vomiting
- fever more than 101°F (38°C)
- constipation or diarrhea
- severe cramps or tenderness in the abdomen
Seek medical help if any of these symptoms occur. Symptoms such as chills, sweating or an elevated temperature may be indicative of infection and require medical attention right away. Additionally, if you are having difficulty urinating or passing stool or the nausea becomes worse with time it is important to see a doctor quickly.
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty breathing is a sign of serious illness and should be addressed immediately. Symptoms that are associated with difficulty breathing include a feeling of tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, wheezing, an inability to catch one’s breath, blue skin or lips due to lack of oxygen, and an abnormal heart rhythm. If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Do not wait until the fever has reached a dangerously high level before seeking medical care. It can be difficult to ascertain the severity of the infection without professional medical assistance. A physician can provide treatment and support that will help you recover as quickly as possible while minimizing potential complications.
Prevention
Prevention is the best way to treat a fever. Before your temperature rises, there are a few things that you can do to prevent a fever from occurring in the first place. Some of these include avoiding contact with people who are sick, washing your hands frequently, and getting enough rest and exercise.
Let’s look at how else you can prevent a fever:
Practice good hygiene
Practicing good hygiene is one of the most important steps for treating a fever at home. It is important to maintain clean hands and avoid touching your face as much as possible to reduce the spread of germs that can cause fever. Additionally, regular cleaning and disinfecting common areas, like countertops, door handles and kitchen sinks, can help prevent the spread of germs.
It is also recommended to keep the home well-ventilated with fresh air. If temperature allows, open windows or use fans to keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can help reduce fever symptoms as well. Eating bland yet hydrating foods like oatmeal, soups or yogurt may provide additional comfort. Last but not least, make sure to get plenty of rest in order to give your body time to fight off infection and recover from illness.
Get vaccinated
Getting vaccinated is a key way to prevent fever from occurring. Vaccines help to build immunity against certain viruses and bacteria that can cause fever. Make sure to keep up to date with your vaccines and ask your doctor about the latest recommended vaccinations for the season.
If you are traveling, it’s important to get any needed vaccines prior to travel as some illnesses may be more common in different parts of the world and can increase risk of fever. Vaccination can be done at home or at a doctor’s office and can help reduce your risk of developing a fever.
Avoid contact with sick people
To prevent a fever from occurring in the first place, it’s important to avoid contact with sick people as much as possible. This includes physical contact as well as being around them in a room or other enclosed space. You should also try to avoid sharing items such as utensils, cups, and towels with someone who is sick.
Additionally, if you think you may have been exposed to an illness that causes fever, make sure to wash your hands often and get tested if appropriate. If you do come into contact with someone who has a fever, make sure to take extra precautions and practice good hygiene such as wearing a mask and washing your hands afterwards.
FAQs about: Treating Fever At Home
Q: What are some home remedies for treating fever?
A: There are many home remedies for treating fever. These include drinking plenty of fluids, taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, using a cool compress or sponge bath, and getting plenty of rest.
Q: How long does it take for a fever to go away?
A: It depends on the cause of the fever and the severity. Most fevers usually subside within a few days, but it can take up to a week or more for the fever to go away completely.
Q: How high is considered a fever?
A: Generally, a fever is considered to be a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. However, some medical professionals consider a temperature of 99°F (37.2°C) or higher to be a fever.
