Acting too quickly to treat your fever can, counterintuitively, harm your body by undercutting one of its defensive measures. Rather than treating your fever immediately, continue to take your temperature and monitor your symptoms. The fever will probably subside in time.

Avoid giving aspirin for a fever, especially if you are dealing with a sick child. [3] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Aspirin can have harmful side effects for anyone under the age of 18. Aspirin is generally more likely than ibuprofen or acetaminophen to cause gastrointestinal side effects. Never give aspirin to a child. It can cause a potentially life-threatening condition called Reyes Syndrome.

Wear light clothing to keep your body cool. You should avoid raising your body temperature any higher than it already is, especially if it is summer or you live in a warm climate. Sleep when you can, under only a sheet or light blanket. Often the discomfort of a fever makes it difficult to sleep at night. Any sleep will help your body; take naps during the day, and sleep when you can at night.

Although children may prefer to drink soda or juice, these fluids are not as helpful in staying hydrated. However, if your feverish child will only drink soda or juice, it’s better than nothing. Coffee and tea are also not as effective as water.

Don’t submerge yourself for too long; you want to give your body a chance to release heat through evaporation. Do not take an ice bath; the water temperature should be around 85 °F. If you are caring for a feverish child, try sponging them or wiping their skin with a damp sponge or a wet washcloth.

Continue to take your child’s temperature (at least every couple of hours), either rectally, orally, or in their ear or armpit. If your child is under 36 months old, the rectal temperature is the means of measurement recommended by doctors.

If you have a baby 3–6 months of age with a temperature of 100. 4 °F or higher, take him or her see a doctor, even if the child has no other observable symptoms. Once your child is older than 6 months, you don’t need to be concerned unless her fever reaches 103 °F.

Although children may prefer to drink soda or juice, these fluids are not as helpful in staying hydrated. However, if your feverish child will only drink soda or juice, it’s better than nothing.

Do not give your child an ice bath or insist that they take a cold shower.

Acetaminophen may also be useful for symptoms of a fever. Remember to dose a child’s dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen by their weight. Avoid giving aspirin for a fever. [12] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Aspirin can have harmful side effects for anyone under the age of 18.

If your peak temperature rises over 102 °F, the fever has become severe.

Confusion or trouble staying awake. Severe lower abdominal pain. Blisters or rashes on your skin.

Even if the fever has not reached 102 °F and has not lasted multiple days, you should still call you doctor if you are experiencing unexpected symptoms. It’s important that you talk to your doctor since your fever may be from an infection that requires treatment. [16] X Expert Source David Nazarian, MDDiplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.

Staying up to date on your immunizations. Avoid contact with ill people, and wash your hands.