Fevers are a common symptom that many people experience throughout their lifetime. While people’s body temperatures can vary depending on their environment, the time of day, and other factors, the average temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C). If your temperature reaches 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, you may have a fever.
Fevers are typically the result of your body fighting an infection. Once your immune system kills any foreign pathogens, your fever should subside. While most cases can be managed with rest and home remedies, knowing how to treat a fever and when to seek medical attention can ensure your health and a smooth recovery. These are the general facts for adult and child patients to know about how to get rid of a fever.
What Are the Common Causes of Fever?
Most fevers are your body’s response to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. These fevers are often symptoms of an underlying disease, such as the flu, common cold, or a urinary tract infection. However, patients should be aware of the other ways of how to get a fever:
- Inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
- Heat exhaustion or prolonged exposure to high temperatures
- Medications that can cause fevers as a side effect, such as antibiotics
- Vaccinations, as fevers are a side effect of your body reacting to the injection and the vaccine
- Medical conditions that can present with fever
Symptoms of a Fever
Recognizing the symptoms of a fever is crucial for timely intervention. Common symptoms include:
- Elevated body temperature above 100.4°F or 38°C
- Sweating and chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Dehydration
How to Get Rid of a Fever at Home
Most patients can recover from mild fevers at home. A fever can last anywhere from two to four days before it typically breaks. These common practices can relieve fever symptoms:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink more fluids, such as water, herbal teas, and clear broths to prevent dehydration
- Rest: Ensure you get ample rest to help your body fight off the underlying cause of the fever.
- Cool Compresses: Applying a cool, damp washcloth to your forehead can help lower body temperature.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can reduce your body temperature and discomfort. Always follow the dosage instructions.
- Light Clothing and Bedding: Wear light clothing and use a light blanket to avoid overheating.
- Lukewarm Bath: Taking a lukewarm bath can help reduce fever. Avoid using cold water, as it can cause shivering, which may raise your body temperature.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Fevers often present different levels of severity. Patients with low-grade fevers of 99.1 to 100.4°F (37.3 to 38°C) and most cases of moderate fevers up to 102.2°F (39°C) can recover at home without medical intervention. However, you should see a doctor if you have a high-grade fever ranging from 102.4 to 105.8°F (39.1 to 41°C).
If you are experiencing a fever with these additional symptoms, seek immediate medical care:
- Moderate to high fevers lasting longer than three days
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pains
- Severe headache
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Rashes
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty urinating
Additionally, patients with compromised immune systems or chronic medical conditions should seek urgent care in case of fever. If you have traveled to locations with endemic diseases and are experiencing a fever shortly after your return, you should seek immediate attention to rule out infection.
Fever in Children: What Parents Should Know
Fevers are a common occurrence in children. However, they can be particularly concerning for parents, especially those with younger children and infants. It is important to understand when a fever is a normal response to an infection and when it requires medical attention.
- Infants: Any fever in a baby under three months old requires emergency medical evaluation.
- Young Children: For children aged three months to three years, a fever above 102°F (38.9°C) should prompt a call to the doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if the child exhibits more severe symptoms.
- Older Children: For children over three years old, a fever above 103°F (39.4°C) or a fever lasting more than three days should be sent to urgent care for evaluation and treatment.
Additional symptoms to watch for include:
- Seizures
- Dehydration
- No urination for over 12 hours
- Difficulty breathing
- Cold or flu symptoms
- Ear discharge or, for infants and non-verbal children, pulling their ears repeatedly
- Vomiting and diarrhea
Treatment for Fever in Children
A good rule of thumb for parents with children over three months old is that if your child can walk, talk, and play, emergency care is unnecessary. For a high or prolonged fever, they can be treated with urgent care. Otherwise, children can rest and recover at home.
- Hydration: Encourage drinking fluids such as water, electrolyte solutions, or clear soups to prevent dehydration.
- Rest: Ensure the child gets plenty of rest. Avoid sending your child to school or daycare to rest and avoid transmitting diseases if they have an infection or transmissible illness.
- Appropriate Clothing: Dress the child in lightweight clothing and use a light blanket if needed.
- Medications: Use age-appropriate fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Lukewarm Bath: A lukewarm bath can help lower their body temperature. Avoid bathing children in cold water, which can cause shivering and raise the body temperature.
- Monitor: Keep a close eye on the child’s temperature and overall condition. If symptoms worsen or if there are any signs of serious illness, seek medical attention promptly.
In case of a prolonged fever or severe symptoms, it’s best to take your child to emergency or urgent care, whichever is more appropriate for their condition. A doctor can conduct exams to determine the cause of the fever and the correct treatment to manage the symptoms.
Key Takeaway
A fever is a common symptom that can usually be managed effectively with home care. However, understanding how to get rid of a fever and when to seek medical attention is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of your child. If you have non-life-threatening fevers that have not subsided with regular home remedies, stop by the Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln. Our comprehensive care can diagnose the cause of your fever and provide appropriate treatment for your health and comfort.