Fever is a common symptom of malaise. It manifests itself through an increase in body temperature, causing a general feeling of exhaustion and dehydration. Many think that it occurs when the thermometer exceeds 37 ° C, but a normal body temperature can vary depending on several factors: age, time, activity, hormones and others. Although it is necessary to fight infections and over time it goes away, it can become dangerous if the temperature gets quite high. If you have a fever or are taking care of a sick person, in this article you will find a lot of information and tips on how to diagnose and, if necessary, treat it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating Fever (Adults)
Step 1. Let the fever run its course
Fever in and of itself is not a pathology and is not dangerous, it is a physiological response to other processes in the body. The body often reacts to diseases or infections by increasing the body temperature: it is a defensive reaction carried out by the immune system while trying to get rid of pyrogens (substances responsible for fever).
- Taking immediate action to treat it can be counterproductive, as you risk damaging the body by compromising one of its defensive measures.
- Instead of treating it immediately, keep taking your temperature and monitoring your symptoms. It is likely to subside as the hours go by.
Step 2. If you feel unwell, use ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Fever can sometimes cause headaches, joint and muscle pains. If the accompanying symptoms cause physical indisposition, they can be relieved with ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Aspirin should not be used to lower fever, in particular it should not be given to children. It can in fact have serious side effects for a person under the age of 18.
- Compared to ibuprofen and acetaminophen, aspirin tends to cause gastrointestinal side effects to a greater extent.
- Never give it to a child. It can cause a life-threatening condition called Reye's syndrome.
Step 3. Try to rest as much as possible
This is the most effective way to treat fever. Exerting too much effort would only make the situation worse by exacerbating the infection or condition that caused the fever in the first place.
- Wear light clothing to keep your body cool. Avoid raising your body temperature further, especially in summer or in a warm place.
- Sleep when you can, only covering yourself with sheets or a light blanket. Often the malaise generated by fever hinders the night's rest. Sleep promotes healing: take naps during the day and sleep at night when you can.
Step 4. Hydrate your body by drinking water
In addition to rest, when you have a fever you need to hydrate. Fever often causes sweating, causing the body to excrete fluids. Reintegrate them by drinking lots of water.
- Although children prefer fizzy drinks or fruit juices, these drinks are not as effective for maintaining proper hydration. In any case, they are always better than nothing if a child refuses to drink anything else.
- Similarly, coffee and tea are not as effective as water.
Step 5. Take a lukewarm bath to cool your skin and relieve fever discomfort
- Do not stay too long in the water, so that the body has the possibility to release heat by means of evaporation.
- Do not take cold baths: the water temperature should be around 30 ° C.
- If you are caring for a baby, try wetting the skin with a damp sponge or towel.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Fever (Children)
Step 1. Get your fever under control
When an adult has a fever, the body usually raises its own temperature in order to fight a disease or infection. However, since children have small bodies and often have weaker immune systems, certain precautions must be taken to deal with the disorder.
- Check the temperature constantly (at least every 2-3 hours) by inserting the thermometer into the rectum, mouth, ear or armpit.
- If your child is under 36 months of age, pediatricians recommend taking the temperature through the rectum.
Step 2. If a baby (less than 3 months of age) has a fever that exceeds 38 ° C, take him to the pediatrician
A low fever is nothing to worry about for an older child or adult, but it can be dangerous for a newborn.
- If a 3-6 month old baby has a fever that exceeds 38 ° C, take him to the pediatrician, although he has no other observable symptoms.
- Once you are 6 months old, don't worry, unless your fever reaches 39 ° C.
Step 3. Keep it well hydrated
Just as advised for an adult, a child also needs to consume a lot of fluids, mainly water, to replenish what they have lost through sweating.
Although children tend to prefer fizzy drinks and fruit juices, these drinks don't have the same moisturizing properties as water. However, if the child doesn't really want to drink water, they are always better than nothing
Step 4. Soak a sponge or towel in warm (not cold) water and massage the baby's skin
Cold water would cause chills, causing your body temperature to rise.
Avoid cold baths or showers
Step 5. If your child feels unwell, give him ibuprofen, a medicine that is safe for children of all ages
It allows you to fight the physical ailment and the sensation of cold often associated with fever.
- Acetaminophen may also be helpful in relieving symptoms associated with fever.
- Remember to dose ibuprofen or acetaminophen according to the weight of the child.
- Avoid giving aspirin if you have a fever, as it can have serious side effects under 18.
Part 3 of 3: Treating High Fever
Step 1. Observe the duration of the fever and the peaks reached
It usually develops over 1-2 days. If it persists for more than 3 days, you should seek medical attention.
If the temperature peaks exceed 39 ° C, then the fever has a much higher severity
Step 2. Look for any severe symptoms
Fever usually occurs when the body is in the process of getting rid of a virus or infection. However, a symptom of some severity may indicate a complication and should not be treated using the classic methods recommended for fever. If the increase in body temperature is accompanied by the following symptoms, contact a doctor immediately:
- Confusion or difficulty staying awake.
- Severe pain affecting the lower abdomen.
- Blisters or rashes.
Step 3. Go to the doctor
A high fever that lasts longer than expected should not be treated at home: your doctor may prescribe a drip to maintain adequate hydration or other treatment. In case of a high fever, he may invite you to go to the emergency room.
See your doctor if you have any unusual symptoms, even though your body temperature has not reached 39 ° C and the duration of the fever has been normal
Step 4. Prevent future fever
The most effective way there is to do this? Avoid any pathology or infection that might be causing it in the first place. You can do this in the following ways:
- By getting all the necessary vaccinations on time.
- Avoiding contact with sick people and washing your hands.
Advice
- Do not try to measure the fever by placing the palm of your hand on someone's forehead: it is a very unreliable method.
- If the fever was caused by exposure to heat or heat stroke, look for a shady area or a cool place as soon as possible, and drink plenty of water. Once you reach a protected area, call an ambulance.
- Do not apply an ice pack to the skin, otherwise you will cause chills, raising your body temperature and making the situation worse.
