How to Get Rid of a Fever

2018-08-21

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A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. It is a common symptom of illness, and it can be caused by a variety of things, such as infection, injury, or certain medications. While a fever can be uncomfortable, it is usually not a cause for alarm. However, it is important to know how to break a fever, especially if it is high or if it lasts for more than a few days.

There are a number of things that you can do to break a fever. Some of these methods are simple, such as taking a cool bath or drinking plenty of fluids. Others may require medical attention, such as taking antibiotics if the fever is caused by an infection.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective ways to break a fever. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent a fever from developing in the first place.

How to Break a Fever

Here are 8 important points on how to break a fever:

Take a cool bath or shower.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Wear light, loose clothing.
Use a cool compress.
Take over-the-counter fever reducers.
Get plenty of rest.
See a doctor if fever is high or lasts more than 3 days.
Prevent fever by practicing good hygiene.

By following these tips, you can help to break a fever and relieve its symptoms.

Take a cool bath or shower.

Taking a cool bath or shower can help to lower your body temperature and break a fever. When you immerse yourself in cool water, your blood vessels dilate, which allows heat to escape from your body. This can help to reduce your fever by up to 2 degrees Fahrenheit.

Stay in the bath or shower for 10-15 minutes.
This will give your body time to cool down.
Use lukewarm water, not cold water.
Cold water can actually cause your body to shiver, which can raise your temperature.
Avoid using soap or shampoo.
Soap and shampoo can remove the natural oils from your skin, which can make it more difficult for your body to cool down.
Get out of the bath or shower and dry off thoroughly.
This will help to prevent your body from getting chilled.

You can take a cool bath or shower as often as needed to break a fever. However, it is important to avoid taking too many baths or showers in a short period of time, as this can dry out your skin.

Drink plenty of fluids.

The best fluids to drink when you have a fever are water, electrolyte-rich sports drinks, and clear broths. Avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice, as these can actually make your fever worse.

You should drink at least 8 glasses of fluids per day, but you may need to drink more if you are sweating heavily or if your fever is high. If you are having trouble drinking fluids, you can try sucking on ice chips or popsicles.

It is also important to avoid alcohol and caffeine when you have a fever. Alcohol can dehydrate you, and caffeine can make your fever worse.

By drinking plenty of fluids, you can help to break a fever and prevent dehydration.

If you are unable to drink fluids or if you are experiencing severe dehydration, you may need to seek medical attention.

Wear light, loose clothing.

When you have a fever, it is important to wear light, loose clothing. This will help to keep you cool and comfortable, and it will also allow your body to breathe.

Choose natural fibers, such as cotton or linen.
Natural fibers are more breathable than synthetic fibers, and they will help to keep you cool and dry.
Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
Tight-fitting clothing can restrict blood flow and make it more difficult for your body to cool down.
Wear layers.
If you are feeling chilly, you can wear a light layer of clothing under your loose-fitting clothes. This will help to keep you warm without overheating.
Change your clothes if they become damp.
Damp clothing can make you feel colder and can also lead to skin irritation.

By wearing light, loose clothing, you can help to break a fever and keep yourself comfortable.

Use a cool compress.

A cool compress can help to reduce fever by drawing heat away from the body. To make a cool compress, soak a washcloth in cool water and wring it out. You can also use a cold gel pack or a bag of frozen peas.

Apply the cool compress to your forehead, neck, or armpits.
These are areas where blood vessels are close to the skin, so the cool compress can help to cool your blood and reduce your fever.
Keep the compress in place for 10-15 minutes.
You can repeat this process as often as needed.
Avoid using a cool compress for more than 20 minutes at a time.
This can cause your skin to become too cold.
Do not apply a cool compress to an open wound.
This can cause infection.

Using a cool compress can be a safe and effective way to break a fever. However, if your fever is high or if it lasts for more than 3 days, you should see a doctor.

Take over-the-counter fever reducers.

Over-the-counter fever reducers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help to reduce fever by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause fever. These medications are generally safe for adults and children over the age of 6 months.

Follow the dosage instructions on the medication label.
Do not take more than the recommended dosage.
Do not give aspirin to children under the age of 19.
Aspirin can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome in children.
Avoid taking fever reducers if you have certain medical conditions.
For example, people with liver or kidney disease should talk to their doctor before taking fever reducers.
Do not take fever reducers for more than 3 days.
If your fever lasts for more than 3 days, you should see a doctor.

Over-the-counter fever reducers can be an effective way to break a fever. However, it is important to use these medications safely and responsibly.

Get plenty of rest.

When you have a fever, your body is working hard to fight off infection. Getting plenty of rest can help your body to heal and recover. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night, and try to avoid strenuous activity.

When you are resting, your body can produce more white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infection. Rest also helps to reduce inflammation and pain.

If you are having trouble sleeping, you can try some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or listening to calming music. You can also try taking a warm bath or shower before bed.

If your fever is high or if it lasts for more than 3 days, you should see a doctor. However, in most cases, getting plenty of rest can help to break a fever and speed up your recovery.

Here are some tips for getting plenty of rest when you have a fever:

Go to bed early and get up late.
Take naps during the day if you need to.
Create a comfortable and relaxing environment in your bedroom.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
See a doctor if you are having trouble sleeping.

See a doctor if fever is high or lasts more than 3 days.

In most cases, a fever is not a cause for alarm. However, there are some situations in which you should see a doctor. These include:

If your fever is over 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your fever lasts for more than 3 days.
If you have other symptoms, such as a headache, stiff neck, rash, or abdominal pain.
If you have a weakened immune system.
If you are pregnant.
If you are concerned about your fever.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. The doctor can determine the cause of your fever and recommend the best course of treatment.

In some cases, a fever may be a sign of a serious illness, such as meningitis or sepsis. These illnesses can be life-threatening if they are not treated promptly.

Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if your fever is high or if it lasts for more than 3 days. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.

Here are some additional tips for when to see a doctor about a fever:

If you have a fever and you are not sure what caused it.
If your fever is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a headache, stiff neck, rash, or abdominal pain.
If you have a weakened immune system.
If you are pregnant.
If you are concerned about your fever.

Prevent fever by practicing good hygiene.

Good hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent fever. Here are some tips:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
This is especially important after coughing, sneezing, or using the bathroom.
Avoid touching your face.
Your hands can carry germs that can enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
This helps to prevent the spread of germs.
Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
This includes doorknobs, countertops, and bathroom fixtures.
Get vaccinated.
There are vaccines available to prevent many common illnesses that can cause fever, such as measles, mumps, and rubella.

By practicing good hygiene, you can help to reduce your risk of getting a fever. This is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing complications from fever, such as the elderly, the very young, and people with weakened immune systems.

In addition to practicing good hygiene, there are other things you can do to prevent fever, such as:

Eating a healthy diet.
A healthy diet helps to boost your immune system and make you less susceptible to illness.
Getting regular exercise.
Exercise also helps to boost your immune system and make you less susceptible to illness.
Getting enough sleep.
When you are sleep-deprived, your body is less able to fight off infection.
Managing stress.
Stress can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent fever and stay healthy.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to break a fever:

Question 1: How can I break a fever at home?

Answer 1: There are a number of things you can do at home to break a fever, such as taking a cool bath or shower, drinking plenty of fluids, wearing light, loose clothing, using a cool compress, and taking over-the-counter fever reducers.

Question 2: When should I see a doctor about a fever?

Answer 2: You should see a doctor if your fever is over 103 degrees Fahrenheit, if it lasts for more than 3 days, if you have other symptoms, such as a headache, stiff neck, rash, or abdominal pain, if you have a weakened immune system, if you are pregnant, or if you are concerned about your fever.

Question 3: What is the best way to prevent a fever?

Answer 3: The best way to prevent a fever is to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are frequently touched.

Question 4: Can I give aspirin to my child to reduce a fever?

Answer 4: No, you should not give aspirin to children under the age of 19. Aspirin can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome in children.

Question 5: How long does it usually take for a fever to break?

Answer 5: The length of time it takes for a fever to break varies depending on the cause of the fever. In most cases, a fever will break within a few days. However, some fevers can last for longer.

Question 6: What are some natural ways to break a fever?

Answer 6: There are a number of natural ways to break a fever, such as drinking plenty of fluids, getting plenty of rest, and using a cool compress. You can also try taking herbal remedies, such as elderberry or yarrow.

Question 7: How can I prevent my child from getting a fever?

Answer 7: There are a number of things you can do to prevent your child from getting a fever, such as making sure they wash their hands frequently, avoiding contact with sick people, and keeping their vaccinations up to date.

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If you have any other questions about how to break a fever, please talk to your doctor.

In addition to the information provided in this FAQ, here are some additional tips for breaking a fever:

Tips

Here are some additional tips for breaking a fever:

Tip 1: Drink plenty of fluids.

When you have a fever, your body loses fluids through sweating and evaporation. This can lead to dehydration, which can make your fever worse. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to replace the fluids that you lose and prevent dehydration. The best fluids to drink when you have a fever are water, electrolyte-rich sports drinks, and clear broths. Avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice, as these can actually make your fever worse.

Tip 2: Dress in light, loose clothing.

Wearing light, loose clothing can help to keep you cool and comfortable when you have a fever. Tight-fitting clothing can restrict blood flow and make it more difficult for your body to cool down.

Tip 3: Use a cool compress.

Tip 4: Get plenty of rest.

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By following these tips, you can help to break a fever and speed up your recovery.

If your fever is high or if it lasts for more than 3 days, you should see a doctor. However, in most cases, a fever can be broken at home using the tips provided in this article.

Conclusion

A fever is a common symptom of illness, and it can be caused by a variety of things, such as infection, injury, or certain medications. While a fever can be uncomfortable, it is usually not a cause for alarm. However, it is important to know how to break a fever, especially if it is high or if it lasts for more than a few days.

In this article, we have discussed some of the most effective ways to break a fever. We have also provided some tips on how to prevent a fever from developing in the first place.

The main points to remember are:

Take a cool bath or shower.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Wear light, loose clothing.
Use a cool compress.
Take over-the-counter fever reducers.
Get plenty of rest.
See a doctor if fever is high or lasts more than 3 days.
Prevent fever by practicing good hygiene.