How to Break a Fever
Most people will experience a fever at some point in their lives. Fever is not a disease, but rather a symptom of an underlying problem. The body’s natural response to infection or injury is to raise the temperature in order to fight off the “bad guys.” While most fevers are nothing to worry about, there are times when it is important to take action and break the fever. In this blog post, we will discuss 11 tips on how to break a fever and feel better fast!
First, how to tell if you have a fever?
The normal body temperature is 98.60 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). A fever is defined as a temperature of 100.0 or higher. You can take your own temperature using a digital thermometer, or have someone else take it for you.
There are many reasons why someone might develop a fever. Some common causes of fever include:
- Infections such as the flu, bronchitis, or pneumonia
- Allergies
- Reactions to medications
- Autoimmune disorders
- Cancer
While most fevers are harmless and will go away on their own, there are some instances when you should seek medical attention.
Why Do Fevers Occur?
The hypothalamus is a small region in the brain that controls body temperature. When the hypothalamus senses that the body is getting too hot, it sends a signal to the pituitary gland to release histamine. Histamine then causes blood vessels near the skin’s surface to dilate (open up), which allows more heat to escape from the body and the person’s temperature to go down. At the same time, the hypothalamus also signals the body to produce more white blood cells. White blood cells help fight infection by attacking bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances in the body. They also release cytokines, which are chemicals that help regulate the immune system. When there is an infection, the body’s immune system becomes activated and fever is one of the body’s ways of trying to fight off the infection.
Temperature taking 101
The following are some tips on how to take your temperature the correct way:
- Wait at least 15 minutes after you wake up before taking your temperature. This will ensure that your temperature is taken at a consistent time of day.
- Make sure the thermometer is calibrated correctly and reads zero degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit before use.
- Remove all clothing from the waist up and place the thermometer in the armpit. Make sure that the arm is straight and relaxed.
- Keep the thermometer in place for at least three minutes before reading it.
The best thermometers are typically digital and have a fever alarm that sounds when the temperature reaches a certain level. If you are using an old-fashioned mercury thermometer, make sure to shake it down before use and place it in a safe place where children cannot reach it.
11 Safe Ways to Treat a Fever, According to Doctors
There are many ways to treat a fever, but not all of them are safe. The following 11 tips are safe and effective ways to treat a fever:
- Drink lots of fluids. This will help replace the fluid lost through sweating and will also help thin mucus so that it can be coughed up more easily.
- Drink warm liquids. Warm liquids can help soothe a sore throat and also help relieve congestion.
- Get plenty of rest. When you are sick, your body needs time to heal. Getting plenty of rest will help your body fight off the infection and reduce fever symptoms.
- Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications can help reduce fever and pain.
- Use a humidifier. A humidifier can add moisture to the air, which can help relieve congestion and cough.
- Stay cool. Drink cold fluids, take a cool bath, or use a fan to help lower your body temperature.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. This will help you stay cool and comfortable.
- Get fresh air. Spend time outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to get some fresh air.
- Suck on ice chips or popsicles. This can help soothe a sore throat and also help reduce fever.
- Gargle with saltwater. This can help relieve a sore throat and also help reduce fever.
- Take probiotics. Probiotics can help boost the immune system and may help reduce fever symptoms.
How long does a fever last in Covid?
A fever is one of the most common symptoms of Covid-19. The majority of people with Covid-19 will have a fever at some point during their illness. For most people, the fever will last for a few days and then go away on its own. However, in some cases, the fever may last for two weeks or more. If you have a fever that lasts for two weeks or more, it is important to see your doctor as you may need additional treatment.
When to See a Doctor & Treatment You Can Expect
If you are having trouble breaking a fever, it is important to see a doctor. There are many reasons why someone might have difficulty breaking a fever and some of these reasons can be serious.
The following are some signs and symptoms that you should see a doctor:
- Fever that lasts for two weeks or more
- Fever that does not go away with medication
- Fever that is accompanied by severe headache, neck stiffness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or rash
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Vomiting more than three times in a day
- Severe diarrhea
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Treatment for fever will vary depending on the cause of the fever. However, in most cases, treatment will involve taking medication to reduce fever and fluids to help replace lost fluid. In some cases, you may also need additional treatment such as antibiotics or antiviral medications.
Infants and toddlers with a fever should
Fever in infants and toddlers can be alarming. The following are some things parents should do if their child has a fever:
Contact your child’s doctor. It is important to contact your child’s doctor if your child has a fever. Your doctor will be able to determine whether or not your child needs to be seen and will provide you with instructions on how to care for your child at home.
Do not give aspirin to children under the age of 18. Aspirin can cause a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome in children.
Give your child plenty of fluids. It is important to make sure your child stays hydrated when they have a fever. Give them lots of fluids such as water, juice, or soup.
Monitor your child’s temperature. It is important to keep track of your child’s temperature and make sure it does not get too high. You can use a thermometer to measure your child’s temperature.
Keep your child in a cool environment. Try to keep your child in a cool environment, such as an air-conditioned room. Do not let them become overheated.
Give your child ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help reduce fever in children. Follow the instructions on the bottle to determine the correct dosage.
Visit iCare Urgent Care – Fever Treatment
iCare Urgent Care at Wise health center can provide quick relief for patients experiencing a fever. More importantly, we can provide insight, panel testing, and PCR testing to diagnose possible fever causes. We are open daily accepting walk-ins with lower wait times than emergency rooms and pediatricians’ offices.
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