How to Manage a Fever at Home

Fever is the body’s natural defense mechanism against infections caused by viruses and bacteria. While harmful microorganisms thrive at the body’s normal temperature (37ºC), a fever raises the body temperature to weaken the pathogens and prevent their reproduction. Fever also aids in flushing out toxins and boosting the immune system. Although fever is a common method for the body to fight off illness, it should only be treated if the body becomes too weak to combat the infection, or if the fever becomes dangerously high or causes significant discomfort. You can usually manage most fevers at home, but you should seek medical attention if the fever is accompanied by severe dehydration (dry lips, tongue, or fingernails), intense headaches, hallucinations, difficulty walking, trouble breathing, or seizures.

Stay Hydrated. Try to drink at least 250 ml of water every two hours. Your body can lose moisture and become dehydrated due to sweating or sneezing when you are sick, such as with a cold or flu, which can lead to a fever. Dehydration raises the body temperature and often causes headaches, dizziness, muscle aches, low blood pressure, and seizures.

• On average, adults should drink about 2 liters of water per day. Moderate consumption of caffeinated drinks is generally harmless, but remember that they should not be your primary source of hydration. Drink plenty of water.
• Sports drinks can also help hydrate your body, but use them cautiously. While these drinks provide electrolytes, they often contain more than necessary. Dilute a part of sports drink with water, or drink a glass of water after each sports drink.
• You can create your own hydrating solution at home without buying products advertised on TV.
• For infants, you can use commercial electrolyte drinks, like Pedialyte, as they are formulated for young children.
• For young children, administer 30 ml per hour for infants, 60 ml per hour for toddlers, and 90 ml per hour for older children.

Wear breathable clothing. When you have a fever, wearing loose, comfortable clothes helps your body relax and increases airflow to cool it down. Remove any excess clothing or blankets that might trap heat and make it harder for your body to reduce the fever. Opt for lightweight clothing and use a thin blanket or sheet while sleeping.

• Natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, or silk are typically more breathable than synthetic fibers like acrylic or polyester.

Lower the room temperature. High temperatures can prolong a fever and cause excessive sweating, leading to dehydration. The ideal room temperature is between 23-25 ºC. If the room feels hot or stuffy, you can use a fan to improve airflow.

Get plenty of rest. Adequate rest will help your body recover more quickly and strengthen the immune system. Avoid overexerting yourself and take time off work or school to get more sleep than usual.

• Studies show that lack of sleep weakens the immune system, increases stress hormones, makes you more susceptible to chronic illnesses, and shortens your lifespan.
• For tips on how to create a better sleep schedule, check out our article on How to Sleep Better.

Take fever-reducing medication. If your fever is high and causing significant discomfort, you can take over-the-counter fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin. These medications will help lower your fever.

• Be sure to check the recommended dosage carefully. Take the smallest dose needed to reduce the fever.
• Children under 18 should not use aspirin unless directed by a doctor, as it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a condition that causes swelling of the liver and brain in young children.

Take a warm bath. A warm bath lasting 5-10 minutes will help your body sweat and cool down. It can also relieve muscle aches and clear nasal congestion if you're dealing with a cold. Avoid hot water as it could raise your body temperature, making the fever last longer.

• Maintaining cleanliness can also help reduce the risk of spreading viruses or bacteria.

Apply a warm compress. If you're unable or unwilling to take a bath, you can use a warm towel. Soak a small towel in warm water and place it on your forehead or under your arms. This will help your body sweat, cool down, improve circulation, and may even help alleviate nasal congestion if you have a cold or flu.

• Using cold water, ice packs, or cold baths may make you shiver, which can raise your body temperature and make it harder to reduce the fever.
• Do not apply warm compresses to open wounds or infected areas, as it may cause bleeding and further infection.

Clear your nasal passages. If your fever is caused by a cold or the flu, you should clear your nose to make breathing easier. Difficulty breathing can worsen the fever. Avoid blowing your nose too forcefully, as the pressure can cause discomfort. Gently blow your nose and only do so when necessary.

• Experts recommend pressing one nostril closed and blowing gently into a tissue with the other nostril. If your child or infant has a cold, help them blow their nose properly.
• Wash your hands after each nose blow to prevent the spread of infections from bacteria or viruses.

Rest at home. Unless you're outside when you develop a fever, the best approach is to stay indoors, as indoor air is drier and the temperature is more stable. If you must go out while feverish, stay in the shade and limit physical activity.

Avoid smoking. In addition to the risks of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, smoking suppresses the body's immune system. Furthermore, smoking forces your body to work harder to fight off viruses and bacteria, raising your body temperature. It’s best to avoid tobacco smoke, nicotine, and other inhalants until the fever subsides.

• Children, especially infants, should not be exposed to secondhand smoke, especially when they have a fever.

Reduce your caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can harm your body when you're running a fever. Excessive caffeine intake can lead to fever, headaches, insomnia, diarrhea, irritability, and dizziness. Caffeine also stimulates water loss, so consuming too much can cause dehydration. When you have a fever, avoid caffeine or limit it to 100 mg.

• A cup of brewed coffee contains about 130 mg of caffeine, while a cup of black tea contains around 50 mg. Avoid sugary sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks, as they may induce nausea and vomiting during a fever.
• Overconsumption of caffeine can lead to nausea, vomiting, chest pain, hallucinations, difficulty breathing, and seizures.
• Avoid caffeine-containing supplements until your fever is gone.
• Children and infants should not consume caffeine.

Avoid alcohol consumption. It's best to avoid alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, or other alcohol-based drinks when you're running a fever, whether it's mild or high. Alcohol can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to recover quickly.

Do not use alcohol-based massage oils. Applying alcohol-based oils to your skin will initially make you feel cooler. However, this effect is temporary and won't help when you're dealing with a fever, as it may cause you to shiver, which can raise your body temperature.

• Additionally, alcohol can be absorbed through the skin. For young children (especially infants), this method may increase the risk of alcohol poisoning.

See a doctor. While many fevers can be treated at home, in certain cases, you should seek medical attention.

• If your fever reaches 39-40 ºC, common medications (like ibuprofen or aspirin) may not be effective in lowering it, or if the fever lasts for more than 72 hours, you should consult a doctor immediately. You should also see a doctor if your fever is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
• Children under 3 months old experiencing any fever
• Children under 2 years old with a high fever or one lasting more than 48 hours
• If you’ve recently traveled, had surgery, received vaccinations, or been exposed to allergens or toxins
• If you have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, or heart or lung diseases
• If you frequently experience mild or moderate fever
• If you develop an unexplained rash or bruise on your skin
• If you experience pain while urinating

Distinguish between fever and normal body temperature increases from physical activity. Physical activity, mood changes, hormonal fluctuations, irregular or excessive eating, tight or heavy clothing, medications, and exposure to heat can all raise your body temperature. If you suspect you're experiencing 'heatstroke,' get to the hospital immediately, as this condition can lead to seizures or heart attacks.

• Heatstroke will raise your body temperature, but it requires different treatment. If you think you're suffering from heatstroke, you can find more information in our article on: How to Treat Heatstroke.

Decide if your child needs to see a pediatrician. Unlike adults, when a child has a mild fever, you should take them to see a doctor. Always seek medical advice before giving your child any fever-reducing medication. You should also take your child to the doctor if they show any of the following symptoms:

• Under 3 months old with a rectal temperature of 38 °C or higher
• Between 3-12 months old with a fever of 39 °C or higher
• Under 2 years old with a fever lasting longer than 48 hours
• Loss of consciousness, difficulty waking the child, and intermittent fever lasting over a week (even if the fever isn't very high or symptoms return after it subsides)
• No tears while crying or difficulty consoling the child
• Diapers dry or no urination in 8 hours
• Other symptoms like sore throat, earache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or cough

Avoid inflammatory foods. Fever is a form of inflammation your body uses to protect itself from harmful agents. Foods that increase inflammation can make your fever higher or longer-lasting. They can also lead to indigestion and bloating, causing you more discomfort. Avoid the following foods, especially when you have a fever:

• Refined carbohydrates like white bread, pastries, and donuts
• Fried foods
• Sugary drinks such as soda or energy drinks
• Red meats like veal, ham, or beef, as well as processed meats like sausages
• Margarine, synthetic fats, and lard

Consume anti-inflammatory foods. While some foods can cause inflammation, others can help combat it. However, if you feel nauseous, indigestion, or vomit after eating certain foods, avoid them until your fever subsides. Gentle, non-acidic foods like salads with minimal seasoning, beans, and whole grains are easier for your body to absorb when you're sick. Anti-inflammatory foods include:

• Fruits like strawberries, cherries, and oranges
• Nuts like almonds and walnuts
• Leafy greens such as spinach or kale, which contain antioxidants
• Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines
• Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, millet, oats, and flaxseed
• Olive oil or canola oil

Supplement with vitamin C. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that boosts the immune system, regulates blood sugar levels, supports growth and cell repair, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Although vitamin C deficiency is rare, it can weaken your immune defense. Providing adequate vitamin C during a fever can help speed up recovery. You can supplement with 500 mg, divided into two or three doses per day. Smoking depletes vitamin C in the body, so if you smoke, consider adding 35 mg of vitamin C daily. You can also include vitamin C-rich foods in your daily diet. Foods rich in vitamin C include:

• Green and red bell peppers
• Citrus fruits such as oranges, local grapefruits, hybrid grapefruits, lemons, or citrus juices
• Spinach, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts
• Strawberries and raspberries
• Tomatoes
• Mango, papaya, and cantaloupe

Supplement with magnesium. Magnesium is a vital nutrient for many bodily functions, including energy production. It also helps reduce anxiety, stress, chronic fatigue, chest pain, and maintains healthy blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, and controls blood sugar. A magnesium deficiency can weaken your immune system and lead to other health problems.

• Natural magnesium-rich foods include salmon, mackerel, tuna, dark chocolate, dark leafy greens, beans, nuts, brown rice, lentils, soybeans, black beans, fennel beans, avocados, and bananas.
• Calcium can inhibit the absorption of magnesium supplements, so it is better to opt for more absorbable forms of magnesium like magnesium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide. A 100 mg dose of magnesium supplements should be divided into 2-3 doses per day. Adults should aim for at least 280-350 mg of magnesium daily.
• Excessive magnesium intake can lead to side effects and reduce calcium absorption, so avoid taking too much. Consult your doctor for the right dosage based on your body’s needs.

Prepare homemade soups. Consuming warm liquids like soup can help lower your body temperature, encourage hydration, and promote sweating to cool down. The soup broth should be light and free from flour or grains.

• Add ½ kg of sliced potatoes, 250 grams of carrots, 100 grams of chopped leeks, and other leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, or red cabbage into 2 liters of water.
• Simmer for an hour over medium heat, then strain the broth into a cup or bowl. Only add salt if you do not have high blood pressure.

Children should follow a bland and healthy diet. A bland diet includes soft foods, mild in flavor, and low in fiber for easy digestion. Recommended foods include:

• White bread, crackers, and pasta made from refined wheat flour
• Processed hot cereals, such as oatmeal or wheat cream
• Fruit juices may be consumed in moderation. Avoid giving children too much fruit juice, as many fruits contain citric acid, which can lead to acid reflux and vomiting. Dilute juice by mixing half juice with half water. If making juice at home, use fully ripe fruits and ensure it is 100% fruit juice with no added sugar. Avoid giving fruit juice to children who are vomiting.
• If a child is used to drinking fruit juice, you can substitute it with fresh milk if they are not vomiting.
• Infants should only consume nourishing beverages, breast milk, and commercial drinks like Pedialyte to stay hydrated until their fever subsides. Solid foods could overwhelm their digestive system.

Drink herbal tea. Herbal teas contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help relax the body, soothe indigestion, reduce acid reflux, and alleviate nasal congestion when you have a fever. Some herbal teas may take 2-3 hours to take effect. Herbal teas that may help reduce fever symptoms include:

• Chamomile tea, which can help alleviate symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety, inflammation, heartburn, colds, and sore throats. To brew chamomile tea, steep 2-3 grams of dried chamomile in 1 cup of warm water for about 5 minutes, then strain and drink. Consult a doctor before giving chamomile tea to children.
• Peppermint tea, which can help relieve nasal congestion during a cold or flu and has a cooling effect due to the active peppermint extract. To prepare peppermint tea, add ¼ teaspoon of peppermint leaves to 1 cup of warm water for 3-5 minutes, then strain and drink without adding sugar. You can drink it 1-2 times per day to alleviate mild fever symptoms. Peppermint may cause nausea if consumed during moderate to high fever (39-40ºC), and it should not be given to children or infants.

Drink rice water. When you have a fever accompanied by diarrhea or severe indigestion, drinking rice water can help alleviate symptoms. To prepare rice water, boil 2 ½ tablespoons of rice in 1 liter of water for half an hour, then strain the liquid.

• Children over 2 years old can drink rice water when they have a fever.

Use cayenne pepper. If you enjoy spicy foods, you can add ½ chopped cayenne pepper or 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper powder to your dishes, especially soups. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which has antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties to help promote recovery. It also helps induce sweating, which aids in cooling the body down.

• People allergic to latex, bananas, kiwi, chestnuts, and avocados may also be allergic to cayenne pepper.
• People with acid reflux or low blood sugar (or those on blood-thinning medications) should avoid capsaicin.
• Children who are sick typically prefer bland foods, so this remedy is not suitable for children or infants.

Use ginger. Ginger can help alleviate fever-related symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, and digestive issues, making it easier to manage the condition. Ginger can also be found in capsule or oil form at most health food stores. It is a potent herb, so the recommended daily dose is 4 grams, including any ginger used in your diet. Some important things to note when using ginger include:

• Pregnant women should not exceed 1 gram of ginger per day.
• Children under 2 years old or infants should not use ginger. Consult a doctor to determine the appropriate dosage if you wish to give it to your child.
• Do not use ginger if you have blood disorders or are on blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.

Use perilla leaves. Perilla leaves contain antiviral and anti-inflammatory compounds known as tannins. Perilla leaves can help reduce insomnia and anxiety, as well as aid digestion and help reduce fever. These leaves are found in various supplements, creams, tinctures, herbal teas, and can be purchased at most supermarkets or herbal medicine stores.

• The recommended dosage of perilla for daily use is 300-500 mg, up to three times a day.
• To make perilla tea, steep ¼ teaspoon of dried perilla leaves in 1 cup of water for 3-5 minutes, then strain and drink without adding sugar.

Use lemongrass oil. Several studies have shown that lemongrass contains many antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce fever. Inhaling lemongrass essential oil can relieve nasal congestion from colds or the flu and helps combat inflammation.

• Dilute lemongrass oil by adding 5 drops of essential lemongrass oil to 15 ml of vegetable oil, then gently massage the mixture onto your forehead or the back of your neck for 3-5 minutes. Use a warm, damp towel to wipe off any remaining oil.
• Do not use lemongrass oil for children or infants.