Fever
Fevers can be puzzling and alarming, especially for parents whose young children have them. Though fevers can be a symptom of a more serious problem, they generally illustrate the body’s immune system at work. Over certain temperatures, depending on the person’s age, fevers can be dangerous, so use this guide to learn when to call a doctor.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat Is a Fever?
A fever is when the body’s temperature rises to a certain level of just over 100 F. Although ... read more »
Fever Treatment
Fevers that aren’t a symptom of another illness can be monitored and treated at home with over-the-counter medication and plenty of fluids. Fevers typically last for a few days, at the most. However, additional treatment may be needed if the fever is symptomatic of another condition.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Mercury was once commonly used in thermometers because of its sensitivity to changes in temperature. But mercury poses health risks to children and adults, and it should no longer be used. Be wary of any thermometer containing a silver liquid.
- Don’t give aspirin to children with fevers, as it could cause a potentially fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome. Speak to your child’s doctor about what over-the-counter medications they should take.
- According to MedlinePlus, you should never submerge someone suffering from a fever in a bath of cold water. Although it might feel refreshing at first, the shivering it causes raises core body temperature, exacerbating the fever.
Dulcinea's Picks
For a quick reference in treating fevers …
Mayo Clinic
has a chart that offers treatment options by age group, from birth to adults 18 years and older.
For treating fevers in children …
WebMD
has a brief video (less than two minutes) about fevers in children. One pediatrician interviewed said fevers are a good sign the immune system is doing its job, and fevers of 101 F or less shouldn’t be treated. Most fevers, the doctor says, will go away in 24 hours. If a fever of 101 F or less lasts longer, then call the doctor.
The American Academy of Pediatrics
has a chart showing the best way to take your child’s temperature—orally, rectally, or under the arm (axillary)—by age. Also learn how to clean a thermometer, with step-by-step directions for taking a rectal temperature in children under the age of 3, and instructions for taking oral temperatures in older children.
Children’s Hospital Boston
has advice for treating mild fevers in children. Scroll down the page to learn when to call the doctor and to find other advice. Children, for example, should receive plenty of non-caffeinated fluids to keep them hydrated, should be dressed in light clothes, and should be fed even if they aren’t hungry.
For treating fevers in adults …
WebMD
has a page that describes what adults can do to lower their fevers, by providing comprehensive overviews of at home and professional fever treatments. Some of the advice mentioned includes taking alternating doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen, and drinking lots of non-caffeinated fluids to stay hydrated.
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