A person has a fever if his body temperature reaches more than 38°C. This occurs when the body is fighting an infection or disease, and is usually beneficial. Although you can often relieve symptoms at home, fever should always be monitored carefully, especially if it occurs in children, who are at risk for seizures or convulsions due to high body temperature. There are several ways to quickly relieve a fever when you or your child has a fever.
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Part 1 of 5: Dealing with Fever
Step 1. Use over-the-counter medications to treat fevers caused by colds and flu
One of the easiest and fastest ways to relieve a fever is to take over-the-counter medications. If the fever is from a viral infection, it may be difficult for you to treat it. Viruses live in body cells and reproduce rapidly. Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics. However, you can take medication to manage your body's response to fever, regardless of the cause.
- Try taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin to relieve fever. Always follow the directions on the package and do not take more than the recommended dose.
- Children should not take aspirin because it can cause Reye's syndrome if they have a viral infection. Acetaminophen is a safer option. Look for medications specifically designed for "children," and carefully administer them according to the dosage in the directions.
Step 2. Take a warm bath
Taking a bath or using a warm shower can also help cool the body more quickly. Fill the tub with warm water, or set the shower to let out warm water. Soak in the tub or stand in the shower for about 10-15 minutes to cool off.
Do not take very cold showers or add ice to the bath to bring down a fever. Always use warm water to lower the fever slowly
Step 3. Drink water
Fever can cause dehydration, making the condition worse. Drink plenty of water to help your body fight fever and get enough fluids.
- Children may also need to drink electrolyte fluids (eg Pedialyte) to restore wasted electrolytes. Ask your pediatrician first if you need to give it.
- You can also use Powerade or Gatorade. Maybe you should mix it with water to reduce the calorie and sugar content in it.
Step 4. Take supplements to boost immunity
Supplements provide the nutrients it needs to help the body fight off the cause of the fever. Taking a multivitamin can't fight a fever directly, but it can strengthen the body to fight it.
- Take a multivitamin containing vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and selenium.
- Take one or two capsules (or 1-2 teaspoons) of fish oil daily for omega-3 fatty acids.
- You can also try taking echinacea or zinc.
- Probiotic foods or supplements (eg yogurt with "active cultures") will bring the Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria into the system in large numbers and boost immunity. However, if your immune system is at dangerous levels, consult your doctor before taking probiotics.
- Do not take herbal supplements without consulting your doctor first. Some supplements may interact with certain prescription medications or medical conditions.
Step 5. Wear "wet socks" at home
Sleeping with wet socks on allows the body to defend itself because this action will drain blood and lymphatic fluid to the wet feet. This condition will stimulate the immune system and trigger a restful and healing sleep.
- Dip a thin cotton sock in warm water, then wring it out until the sock is damp, but not dripping.
- Put those socks on when you go to bed, then put a thicker dry sock over them.
- Give yourself two nights without wet socks after you've worn them for 5-6 days.
Step 6. Cool the child's body if necessary
Adults can handle fever well, but children can have seizures if they have a fever that is too high. Fever is the main cause of seizures in children aged 6 months to 5 years. If your child's temperature rises to 40°C, or rises rapidly, cool him down immediately. Start by removing the clothes. Use a washcloth or sponge to apply warm (not cold) water all over your body to lower the body temperature.
- Using ice on a feverish body can be dangerous if done incorrectly. This action can make you shiver so that your body temperature rises. Ice may be used in hospitals, but it's best to use warm water if you're doing it at home.
- Call the doctor immediately if the child's fever increases. Your doctor may ask you to take him to the hospital or provide detailed instructions on how to treat him at home.
- Call 118 or 119 for medical help when your child has a seizure.
- Doctors may give rectal diazepam to treat seizures in children.
Part 2 of 5: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Try to stay comfortable
Sometimes a fever has to be allowed to go away on its own. However, you can do some things that make yourself comfortable while waiting for the fever to go away. For example, putting a wet towel on your skin may not relieve a fever, but it can reduce the discomfort caused by a fever. Wet a washcloth or towel with cold water, then place it on your forehead or neck.
Wear warm clothes and snuggle under the blankets to deal with the cold from the fever. If you feel hot, use a light blanket and wear light, breathable clothing
Step 2. Drink fluids and eat light meals to recover from gastrointestinal (GI) infections
GI infections are often called "stomach flu." Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, and headaches or muscle aches. This infection also often appears in the form of a low-grade fever. A GI infection will clear up on its own in 3-7 days so you just need to take care of yourself until the infection goes away. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water (250 ml) a day, especially if you are vomiting.
- Be aware of the symptoms of dehydration in children because this condition requires serious attention. Signs to watch for include a diaper that isn't too wet, a smaller fontanelle (the soft part of the skull), sunken eyes, and lethargy. If these symptoms appear, contact medical services or take your child to the doctor immediately.
- The BRAT diet (Banana/banana, Rice/rice, Applesauce/apple sauce, and Toast/toast) is often recommended for treating GI problems, but the evidence to support it is not strong. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend this diet for use in children because it does not provide adequate nutrition. Eat moderately, avoid oily, spicy, and heavy foods, and drink plenty of water.
Step 3. Take herbs that can relieve fever
Herbs can be taken in various forms: capsules, powder, or tincture. Most people prefer to use dried herbs that are brewed into hot tea. The warm liquid will soothe the throat, while the herbal ingredients will fight fever. If you want to brew herbal teas, soak a teaspoon of herbs in one cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes if they come from flowers or leaves, and 10-12 minutes for herbs from roots. Consult your doctor before taking any herbs or natural remedies as herbs can interfere with the performance of prescription medications or other medical conditions. Some of the following herbs can boost immunity, but can cause negative side effects:
- Green tea can increase anxiety levels and raise blood pressure. Do not drink green tea if you have diarrhea, osteoporosis, or glaucoma. Consult your doctor if you have liver disease.
- Cat's claws can exacerbate autoimmune disorders or leukemia. This herb can also interfere with certain medications. Consult your doctor before you use it.
- Reishi mushrooms are usually sold in tincture form, not dried herbs. Use 30-60 drops 2-3 times a day. Reishi can also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and blood pressure medications.
Step 4. Be careful not to spread the infection
When you are sick, don't forget to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough, then dispose of the used tissue properly. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap as often as possible. Keep a distance from people who are not infected and try to avoid public spaces. Don't share equipment and glasses with other people, and don't be offended if your partner doesn't want to kiss you for a while!
Ask the children to play with hard toys that are easy to clean in the sink using soap and water
Part 3 of 5: Getting Medical Help
Step 1. Find out if anyone around you has been sick recently
If anyone in your office or home has been sick recently, you may have contracted it. Children usually transmit diseases to each other, and can catch a cold or flu from a friend while at play or school.
When you know that other people can heal themselves from their illness, you can relax a bit. Your illness may also be cured by resting and drinking plenty of water
Step 2. Keep a record of body temperature
If the disease does not go away on its own, you should give your doctor a detailed record of the symptoms that appear. Perhaps the doctor can use the information to diagnose a particular disease. For example, you might think you have a common cold, but after a week has passed, your fever suddenly rises. You may have a secondary bacterial infection, such as an ear infection or pneumonia (pneumonia). On the other hand, some cancers (such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) can cause fever at night, but not during the day.
- Take your temperature several times a day until the fever subsides.
- Fever at night is also a sign of HIV/AIDS or tuberculosis.
Step 3. Take note of any other symptoms that appear
Take note of anything that looks unusual, even if it doesn't make you feel sick. For example, unexpected weight changes can be caused by several things. Other symptoms that you experience may indicate that there is a problem with an organ that can narrow the diagnosis.
For example, a cough indicates a problem in the lungs, such as pneumonia. A burning sensation when urinating can indicate a kidney infection
Step 4. Seek medical help
Give your doctor a temperature note and list of symptoms so he can diagnose the cause of the fever. The doctor will perform a physical examination and provide further information about the source of the fever. Your medical history and the results of a physical exam will help your doctor narrow down the cause. The cause of fever can be confirmed or ruled out easily if you undergo a laboratory analysis or scan.
Some of the tests that doctors usually do include a physical exam, monitoring white blood cell counts, urine analysis, blood cultures, and chest x-rays
Step 5. Follow your doctor's instructions if you have a viral infection
The common cold and flu are the most common viral infections that doctors encounter. However, there are some rare viral infections that cannot be treated with antibiotics. Croup (a respiratory infection in children), bronchiolitis, roseola (a type of rash), varicella (chickenpox), and hand, foot, and mouth disease are also caused by viruses. Most of these diseases are self-limiting. For example, foot, hand, and mouth disease usually goes away on its own after 7-10 days. In most viruses, the best treatment is to take good care of yourself (proper hygiene, nutrition, and rest). Always consult this with your doctor.
- Ask your doctor how long the virus attack will last and if there is anything you can do to speed up the healing process.
- Ask what to watch out for as you monitor symptoms as some normally harmless viruses can thrive and turn dangerous. For example, foot, hand, and mouth disease can result in fatal (although rare) inflammation of the brain.
Step 6. Take antibiotics to treat bacterial infections
Bacterial infections are treatable, and can usually be treated well with antibiotics. Antibiotics will kill bacteria or stop their proliferation in the body. From there, the immune system can fight off any remaining infections.
- Bacterial pneumonia is a common cause of fever.
- The doctor will take a blood sample to determine the type of bacteria that causes fever.
- Your doctor uses this information to decide which type of antibiotic to use to fight the infection and relieve your fever.
Step 7. Talk to your doctor about other causes of fever
Bacteria and viruses are the most common causes of fever, but they are not the only cause. Fever can also be caused by allergic reactions, reactions to immunizations, and chronic inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and arthritis.
If you have frequent fevers, talk to your doctor about possible causes. Perhaps you can treat the underlying condition and reduce the quantity of fever you have
Part 4 of 5: Measuring Body Temperature
Step 1. Use a digital thermometer if you want to take your body temperature orally
Digital thermometers can measure temperature orally (mouth), rectally (rectally), or underarm. It's best not to take your own temperature rectal. So, use the thermometer by mouth or armpit. Rinse the thermometer with cold water, then wipe it with rubbing alcohol, and rinse again with cold water. Never use a thermometer that has been used rectal to put it in the mouth.
- Do not drink or eat anything for 5 minutes before taking your temperature. This can change the temperature in the mouth so that the measurement becomes inaccurate.
- Place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue and leave it there for 40 seconds. Most digital thermometers will make a "tit" sound when the measurement is complete.
- After reading the measurement results, rinse the thermometer using cold water, then wipe it with alcohol, and rinse again to sterilize it.
Step 2. Take a body temperature measurement in the armpit
You can undress or wear a loose-fitting T-shirt to make it easier to take your temperature through your armpit. Place the tip of the thermometer directly into the armpit. The tip should directly touch the skin, not the fabric of the shirt you are wearing. Wait for approx. 40 seconds or when you hear a " tit " sound indicating the measurement has been completed.
Step 3. Determine the measurement method you want to use on the child
Take a child's temperature using a realistically workable method. For example, a child as young as 2 years old will not be able to keep the thermometer under the tongue for the time allotted to get an accurate reading. Ear thermometers will give mixed results. The most accurate measurement that can be taken is through the rectum because it is not painful for the child. This method is recommended for children aged from 3 months to 4 years.
Step 4. Take the child's temperature through the rectum using a digital thermometer
Make sure you've sterilized the tip of the thermometer with alcohol and rinsed it thoroughly. Once dry, grease the tip with petrolatum (petroleum jelly) to make it easier to insert into the rectum.
- Ask the child to lie on his back, then lift his legs up. In babies, lift the legs like you would change a diaper.
- Gently insert the thermometer into the rectum to a depth of about 1 to 2.5 cm, but don't force it if you have trouble getting it in.
- Leave the thermometer there for about 40 seconds or until you hear a “tit” sound indicating that the measurement has been completed.
Step 5. Analyze the results
You may have heard that a healthy body temperature is around 37.6°C, but these are just general guidelines. Normal body temperature will fluctuate, even in one day. Usually the body temperature will be lower in the morning and warmer at night. In addition, some people have a lower or higher resting temperature. A healthy daily temperature ranges from 36.4 to 37°C. The following are general guidelines for body temperature with a fever:
- Children: 38°C when measured rectal; 37, 5°C if measured by mouth; 37.2°C if measured through the armpit.
- Adults: 38.2°C when measured rectal; 37, 8°C if measured by mouth; 37.2°C if measured through the armpit.
- A temperature below 38°C is considered a "low grade" fever. Don't worry if your fever doesn't exceed 38.9°C.
Part 5 of 5: Preventing Future Infections
Step 1. Get vaccinated
Viral infections do not respond well to treatment. However, scientists have developed vaccines to prevent most viral infections. Consult a doctor for the recommended vaccinations. Vaccination of children early can prevent serious diseases later in life. Some vaccinations to consider include:
- Vaccination to prevent pneumococcal infection protects the body from bacteria that cause ear infections, pneumonia, sinus infections, meningitis, and sepsis.
- This influenza H. Influenza preventive vaccination causes upper respiratory tract infections, such as sinus and ear infections. Influenza H can also cause more serious infections, such as meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
- Children 11 years of age or older should receive a meningitis preventive vaccination.
- There is no evidence to suggest that vaccination in children can cause autism. Vaccinations must be licensed by the Department of Health and extensively tested to prove that they actually work. Vaccination in children can save his life.
Step 2. Get enough sleep every day
Adults who sleep for less than six hours a night will experience impaired immune response. This will decrease its ability to fight infection.
Try to sleep at night for at least 7-8 hours without interruption to keep your immune system strong
Step 3. Eat healthy foods
Anything that is put into the body can have a major effect on its ability to fight infection. Provide nutrition to the body with whole foods (whole food), such as vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. Stay away from processed foods, which usually contain lots of saturated fat and sugar which are not good for the body.
Make sure you take 1,000 mg of Vitamin C and 2,000 iu of Vitamin D every day. Vitamins A and E are also important because they contain antioxidants
Step 4. Avoid contact with germs
If you know someone is sick, don't get too close to them until they recover and are no longer contagious. Even if you don't see any disease around you, always practice good hygiene.
Wash your hands after you leave public spaces or before eating. If you can't find water in public, bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer
Step 5. Lower stress levels
Research shows that high levels of stress can actually suppress the immune system response. This condition makes you vulnerable to disease attacks. Take time to relax and do activities you enjoy, and try to be present in those moments when you get the chance to do so.
- Yoga and meditation are popular activities that can help reduce stress levels. Aerobic exercise also has a significant impact on stress.
- Aim to do at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week, for 30-40 minutes each session.
- When exercising, try to reach a heart rate that is appropriate for your age. The way to calculate it is to subtract 220 from your age. Target heart rate is 60-80% of maximum heart rate, depending on fitness level.
