How to Reduce a Fever

Fever is a common symptom of viral infections, illnesses, sunburn, heatstroke, or even certain prescribed medications. The increase in body temperature is a natural defense mechanism the body uses to fight infections and diseases. The hypothalamus, a region in the brain, is responsible for controlling body temperature, which fluctuates daily from a normal 37°C and may shift by one or two degrees. Fever is typically defined as a body temperature exceeding the normal level of 37°C. While fever is a natural process that helps the body heal, there are times when you simply want to alleviate the discomfort or seek medical attention.

Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These over-the-counter medications are effective for quickly reducing fever. They can help both children and adults feel more comfortable as the body heals.

• Consult a doctor or pharmacist before giving any medication to children under two years old (using infant or children’s formulas), and never give ibuprofen to children under six months old.
• Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Pay special attention to dosage for children, and always keep medication out of reach of children, as overdosing can be very dangerous.
• Take acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours, but do not exceed the dosage indicated on the label.
• Take ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours, but do not exceed the dosage indicated on the label.

Avoid combining medications for young children. Never give a child more than one dose of over-the-counter medication at the same time to treat different symptoms. If you give your child a dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen, do not administer any cough medicine or other medications without consulting a doctor first. Certain medications may interact with each other in ways that could harm your child’s health.

• For infants over 6 months old, older children, and adults, alternating between acetaminophen and ibuprofen is safe. The usual dosage is to take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours and ibuprofen every 6-8 hours, depending on the prescribed dosage.

Take aspirin only if you are over 18 years old. Aspirin is an effective fever reducer for adults, as long as it is taken according to the prescribed dosage. Never give adult aspirin to children as it can lead to Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal disorder.

Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated is crucial when you have a fever, as the increased body temperature can lead to dehydration. Drinking water and other fluids helps your body fight off the viruses or bacteria causing the fever. However, avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, as they can worsen dehydration.

• Green tea can help reduce fever and boost the immune system.
• If you are feeling nauseous or vomiting with a fever, avoid fruit juices, milk, sugary beverages, and carbonated drinks. These drinks may make you feel worse or induce vomiting.
• Try replacing solid foods with porridge or soup to help hydrate the body (be mindful of salt levels). Ice pops are also a great way to absorb fluids and lower body temperature.
• If you are vomiting, you may experience an electrolyte imbalance. In this case, you need to drink electrolyte-replenishing solutions or sports drinks with electrolytes.
• For infants under one year old who are breastfeeding less or not nursing at all, give them electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte to ensure they get the necessary nutrition.

Rest as much as possible. Sleep is a natural method for your body to recover when you are sick; in fact, not getting enough sleep can worsen your condition. Pushing yourself to keep working only increases your body temperature. Ensuring adequate rest allows your body to use its energy to fight infection rather than expending energy on other activities.

• Take time off from work, or if your child is ill, let them stay home from school. Resting helps children recover faster, and since the fever source can be contagious, it’s best to keep them home. Many fevers are caused by viruses, which remain highly contagious while the fever is present.

Wear light, breathable clothing. Avoid bundling yourself or your child in blankets or excessive layers of clothing. While you may feel cold, your body temperature will not decrease if you wrap up in a warm blanket or wear heavy clothing. Simply wear lightweight sleepwear that provides just enough warmth.

• Do not attempt to ‘sweat out’ a fever by wrapping the fevered person in extra warmth.

Continue eating as usual. Although the old advice may say, “Ignore the fever and don’t eat,” this is not practical guidance. Keep nourishing your body with healthy foods to speed up recovery. Chicken soup is often recommended as it provides both vegetables and protein.

• If you have little appetite, try substituting solid foods with porridge or soup to help hydrate your body.
• Consume foods with high water content, such as watermelon, to keep your body hydrated.
• If you feel nauseous or are vomiting with a fever, try eating soft foods like plain crackers or applesauce.

Try herbal remedies. Certain herbal treatments may help reduce fever or support your immune system in fighting the cause of the fever. However, herbal and natural methods may interfere with other medications and existing health conditions, so always consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any form of alternative treatment.

• Andrographis is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating colds, sore throats, and fevers. A daily dose of 6g for 7 days is recommended. Avoid using Andrographis if you have gallbladder issues, autoimmune diseases, are pregnant or trying to conceive, or are on blood pressure or blood-thinning medications such as warfarin.
• Sweet Vernal Grass may help reduce fever by promoting sweating. If you are allergic to ragweed or daisies, you may also react to Sweet Vernal Grass. Do not use it if you are on blood thinners, blood pressure medications, acid-reducing drugs, lithium, or antidepressants. Pregnant women and children should avoid Sweet Vernal Grass. You can add some to a warm (not hot) bath for a cooling effect.
• Despite its name, Feverfew does not actually have significant effects on reducing fever.

Take a warm bath. A warm bath or a soothing shower can be a simple and effective way to reduce fever. Warm water or room-temperature water is ideal for cooling your body without disturbing its natural balance. A warm bath is especially useful after taking fever-reducing medication.

• Do not bathe or shower children in hot water. Avoid cold water, as it may cause chills and actually raise internal body temperature. If you want to bathe, the best water temperature is warm, or just slightly above room temperature.
• If your child has a fever, you can sponge them with a soft washcloth dipped in warm water. Gently cleanse their body, pat them dry with a soft towel, and quickly dress them to prevent chills from making their fever worse.

Never use alcohol to wipe the body to reduce fever. Using alcohol to wipe the body is an old method once used to reduce fever, but it causes a rapid drop in body temperature, which can be extremely dangerous.

• Wiping with alcohol can also lead to unconsciousness if absorbed through the skin, making this method unsuitable, especially near children.

Select a thermometer. There are several types of thermometers, including digital and mercury thermometers. The most common method for measuring temperature in older children and adults is by placing a thermometer under the tongue, but other types of thermometers may use different methods to measure body temperature.

• Digital thermometers can be used orally, rectally (see below), or under the armpit (though this method may reduce accuracy). The thermometer will beep once the measurement is complete, and the temperature will display on the screen.
• Ear thermometers are used in the ear canal, measuring temperature with infrared light. A limitation of this type is that earwax or the shape of the ear canal may affect the accuracy of the reading.
• Forehead thermometers use infrared technology to measure temperature. These thermometers are very effective because they are quick and require minimal contact with the body. To use one, slide the thermometer across the forehead to the temple, right above the cheekbone. It may be difficult to position correctly, but repeating the measurement can help improve accuracy.
• Pacifier thermometers are for infants. These thermometers are similar to digital ones used in the mouth but are designed for babies who use pacifiers. The peak temperature will appear on the display once the measurement is complete.

Measure temperature. Once you have chosen a thermometer, take the temperature according to the device's instructions (oral, ear, temporal artery, or rectal for infants (see below)). If you have a fever above 39.4°C, or if your baby older than 3 months has a fever over 38.8°C, or if you have a newborn (0-3 months) with a fever above 38°C, call the doctor immediately.

Measure rectal temperature for infants. The most accurate method for measuring temperature in young children is through the rectum, but great care must be taken to avoid injury. The most suitable thermometer for this is a digital thermometer.

• Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly or lubricating gel to the tip of the thermometer.
• Lay the baby on their stomach. Enlist someone else to help if necessary.
• Carefully insert the thermometer tip about 1.3 cm into the baby’s rectum.
• Hold the thermometer and baby in place for about 1 minute until you hear the beep. Do not leave the thermometer in place or leave the baby unattended to avoid injury.
• Remove the thermometer and read the display on the screen.

Let the fever run its course and resolve naturally. If it's a mild fever (up to 38.8°C in adults or children over 6 months old), the advice here is to avoid aggressively reducing the fever. A fever is the body’s natural response to an underlying issue, and attempting to lower the fever may obscure a more serious condition.

• Over-treating a fever can also interfere with the body’s natural ability to fight viruses or prevent infection. Lowering the body’s temperature may create a more favorable environment for foreign invaders, so it’s often better to let the fever naturally develop and gradually subside.
• Allowing a fever to progress and naturally subside is not recommended for those with weakened immune systems, undergoing chemotherapy, or recovering from surgery.
• Instead of focusing on reducing the fever, focus on making yourself or your child more comfortable while the fever progresses, such as resting, staying hydrated, and keeping the body cool.

Recognize the symptoms of a fever. Not everyone’s normal body temperature is exactly 38°C. It’s common for people’s temperatures to vary by one or two degrees. Even if it’s just a mild fever, it’s typically not a cause for major concern. Symptoms of a mild fever include:

• Feeling uncomfortable or slightly warm
• General fatigue
• Warm body
• Chills
• Perspiration
• Depending on the underlying cause of the fever, you may also experience symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, loss of appetite, or dehydration.

Call a doctor if you have a high fever. Adults should seek medical attention if the fever exceeds 39.4°C. Children’s body temperatures are more sensitive to the effects of fever than adults. Call a doctor immediately in the following situations:

• Your infant under three months has a fever above 40°C.
• Your child between three to six months old has a fever above 38.8°C.
• Your child, regardless of age, has a fever over 38.8°C.
• You or another adult have a fever above 39.4°C, particularly if accompanied by drowsiness or irritability.

Seek medical attention if the fever lasts more than a few days. A fever lasting more than two or three days could indicate an underlying issue that requires specific treatment. Avoid attempting to diagnose yourself or your child; instead, visit a healthcare professional. You should consult a doctor if:

• The fever lasts for more than 24 hours in a child under 2 years old.
• The fever lasts for 72 hours (3 days) in any child over 2 years old.
• The fever lasts for 3 consecutive days in an adult.

Recognize when immediate medical intervention is needed. If the fever is accompanied by other symptoms indicating a more serious issue, or if the person with the fever is in a compromising condition, you should contact a doctor, regardless of the fever's intensity. Here are situations when you should seek immediate medical help:

• The patient is having difficulty breathing.
• A rash or red spots appear on the skin.
• The patient is lethargic or delirious.
• The patient is unusually sensitive to light.
• The patient has chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or HIV.
• The patient has recently traveled to another country.
• The fever is caused by exposure to extremely high temperatures, such as being in very hot outdoor conditions or in an overheated vehicle.
• The person with the fever complains of additional symptoms such as sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, earache, rash, headache, blood in stool, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, neck pain, or pain while urinating.
• The fever has subsided, but the person still shows symptoms of being feverish.
• If the person experiences a seizure, immediately call emergency services at 115.

• Always consult a healthcare professional before giving medication to a child under 2 years old.
• Make sure you are aware of the latest dosage recommendations. For example, the concentration of acetaminophen syrup for infants has recently been adjusted to a lower strength (from 80 mg/0.8 mL to 160 mg/5 mL).