Short Guide on How to Reduce a Fever

Fever is very common and can be experienced at any age. This health condition is usually caused by health problems such as flu and strep throat. Viruses, bacteria, and other harmful organisms in the environment can also cause fever.If you are experiencing fever, it is a sign that your body is trying to fight off an infection. A fever can become dangerous and life-threatening if it gets too high. Therefore, it is important that you monitor your temperature and learn how to reduce fever. A fever must be reduced before it gets worse.

Read this short guide to learn about some of the most effective ways to reduce a fever at home:

Before you try the steps below, you must first make sure that you are experiencing fever and not something that requires immediate medical attention. The most common symptom of fever is a body temperature that is greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Other common symptoms are chills, shaking, shivering, muscle aches, joint ache, intermittent sweats, headache, skin flushing, rapid heart rate, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and feeling faint. If you are experiencing these symptoms, then you have fever. Serious symptoms such as temperatures greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, confusion, hallucinations, and convulsions are considered dangerous and needs immediate medical attention.

One of the best ways to reduce fever is to get plenty of rest. Do not force yourself to go to work or do house chores when you have fever. If you have fever, lie down on your bed and try to relax. Do not think about anything depressing or stressful. Just relax and rest on your bed the whole day until the fever symptoms disappear.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

A fever may also cause you to sweat a lot. You must drink plenty of fluids so that you will not get dehydrated. Dehydration can make your fever worse, so make sure you drink plenty of water. You can also try sucking on a flavored ice or ice cube. You can also drink chilled clear broth or iced fruit juice. Avoid cold drinks if you have strep throat or cough because they might make your condition worse.

It is also best to dress lightly and set the room temperature to 70 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit while you still have fever. Use a soft blanket if you are feeling cold.

Take Anti-Fever Medications

Another great way to reduce fever is to take anti-fever medications. However, it is best to consult a doctor before you purchase and take anti-fever medications for your fever. A doctor can perform proper diagnosis and recommend the best anti-fever medications for your current condition. Children who are under 18 years old can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen, while adults can take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin for their fever. Some anti-fever medications may have side effects or harmful drug interactions that can make your fever worse, so you should consult your doctor if you are taking other medications.

A nice, warm bath in lukewarm water may also help reduce your fever. Bathe in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, dry yourself thoroughly and check your temperature. If your temperature is below 102 degrees Fahrenheit, don't continue the lukewarm baths. If you are cold and shivering after the bath, increase the water temperature by a few degrees before taking your next bath. If you don’t have a bathtub at home, you can wipe yourself with a sponge or washcloth soaked in lukewarm water instead.

Know your Medications

You can also reduce your fever by knowing your medications. Some medications may cause drug allergies and side effects that can lead to fevers. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you believe that one of your medications are causing your fever.

A fever can cause your lips to crack and split. Cracked and split lips can cause bleeding and infection which can worsen your fever. To prevent cracked or split lips, apply some lip balm over your lips during and after your fever. If you do not have any lip balm at home, you can use petroleum jelly instead.

Use Ice Packs

If you are experiencing a very high fever, you can try placing an ice pack in the armpit and groin areas to reduce your fever. However, it is best to consult your doctor before you try this at home because it might cause other health problems if done incorrectly.

For children, a fever temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit is not unusual. For adults and the elderly, a fever temperature that is over 101 degrees Fahrenheit is cause for immediate medical attention. If you live alone, it is best to invite someone over to take care of you until the fever symptoms eventually subside. You will also need someone to call an ambulance in case your symptoms worsen and you become too weak to use your phone. Ask a friend, relative or family member to stay at your house until your fever is cured.

Do not use alcohol for rubdowns during your fever. Alcohol is easily absorbed through the skin and alcohol fumes are toxic and may make your fever worse. It is best to use lukewarm water for rubdowns instead.

You should also call your doctor or an ambulance immediately if your body temperature is very high and if it is accompanied by serious symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, stiff neck, convulsions, delirium, lethargy, confusion, or coughs with colored sputum.

The methods listed above are some of the most effective ways to reduce a fever. If you have tried all of the methods above and you still have fever after one week, then you should visit your doctor as soon as possible. Remember that fevers can worsen and lead to serious health problems if not treated immediately. So, try the methods above and reduce your fever before it becomes worse.

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