When taking acetaminophen, always make sure that you follow the instructions on the package and do not exceed the recommended dosage. Don’t give aspirin to children, because it can cause Reye’s syndrome if they have viral infections. Acetaminophen is a safer option. Look for “children’s” formulas, and follow dosage instructions carefully. According to Nazarian, NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can also help when you have a fever. [4] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Do not take a freezing cold shower or add ice to the bath to bring down your fever. You can also use a damp washcloth to give yourself a cool sponge bath.
Kids may also need to drink an electrolyte fluid, such as Pedialyte, to help replenish lost electrolytes. Ask your child’s pediatrician first to see if this is necessary. Gatorade or Powerade are also an option. You may want to cut these with water to reduce the sugar and calorie content.
Take a multivitamin with vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex vitamins, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium. Take 1 or 2 capsules or 1–2 teaspoons (4. 9–9. 9 mL) of fish oil every day for the omega-3 fatty acids. You can also try zinc or echinacea. Probiotic supplements or foods (like yogurt with “active cultures”) will introduce more Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria into your system and improve your immune health. But if you have a severely compromised immune system, talk to your doctor before taking probiotics. Do not take herbal supplements without consulting your doctor. Some can interact with prescription medication or medical conditions.
Soak a pair of thin cotton socks in lukewarm water, then wring them out until they’re moist but not dripping. Put them on when you’re going to bed, then wear a thicker pair of dry socks over them. Take 2 nights off after 5 to 6 days.
Applying ice to a fevered body can be dangerous if done incorrectly. It causes shivering, which actually raises the body temperature. They may apply ice in a hospital setting, but it’s best to use tepid water at home. Call the doctor immediately if your child’s fever spikes. They will either direct you to take the child to an ER or provide detailed guidance for how to care for them at home. Call 911 or your local emergency number for emergency assistance if the child has a seizure. Your doctor may administer rectal diazepam to treat febrile seizure in your child.
Wear warm clothes and stay under blankets to deal with the chills from the fever. If you feel hot, then just use a light sheet and wear light, breathable clothes.
Watch for symptoms of dehydration in children, as this needs emergency attention. In babies, signs include fewer wet diapers, decreased fontanelle (soft spot on the skull) size, sunken eyes, and lethargy. If you see these symptoms, call emergency services or seek immediate medical attention. The BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast) diet is often recommended for GI trouble, but the evidence to support it is weak. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend using it for children, as it does not provide adequate nutrition. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source Eat reasonably, stay away from greasy, heavy, and spicy foods, and drink plenty of water.
Green tea may increase your anxiety levels and raise your blood pressure. You may want to avoid drinking green tea if you have diarrhea, glaucoma, or osteoporosis. Consult your doctor if you have liver disease. Cat’s claw may make autoimmune disorders or leukemia worse. It can also interfere with certain types of medications, so talk to your doctor before drinking it. Reishi mushroom. You may find this as a tincture rather than in dried form. Take 30-60 drops 2 to 3 times a day. Reishi may interact with some medicines as well, like blood thinners and blood pressure medications.
Have children play with hard toys that can be cleaned easily in the sink with soap and water.
If you know that the other person’s illness resolved on its own, you can relax a bit. Your illness will likely also resolve with rest and plenty of water.
Make sure to take your temperature multiple times every day until the fever recedes. Night fevers may be a sign of tuberculosis or HIV/AIDS.
For example, a cough suggests a lung problem like pneumonia. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Lung Association Nonprofit health organization dedicated to improving lung health through education, advocacy, and research Go to source Burning during urination points to a bladder or kidney infection. A sore throat could be a symptom of a cold, flu, or strep infection.
Common tests your doctor may order include a physical examination, white blood cell count, urine analysis, blood cultures, and a chest X-ray.
Ask your doctor how long the virus will last and whether there are any ways to speed up the healing process. Ask what you should be looking for as you monitor your symptoms, as some normally harmless viruses can progress and become dangerous. Foot, hand, and mouth disease, for example, can cause fatal brain inflammation in rare cases.
Bacterial pneumonia is a common cause of fever. The doctor will take a blood sample to determine which bacteria is causing the fever. They will use that information to decide which antibiotic to use to fight the infection and reduce your fever. Don’t take antibiotics for a fever unless your doctor prescribes them. Antibiotics won’t fight a viral infection, and taking them when you don’t need them could do more harm than good.
If you get frequent or recurring fevers, talk to your doctor about potential causes. You may be able to treat the underlying condition and reduce the number of fevers you get.
Don’t eat or drink anything for 5 minutes before taking your temperature. This could change the temperature in your mouth and lead to an inaccurate measurement. Put the tip of the thermometer under your tongue and hold it still for about 40 seconds. Most digital thermometers beep to let you know when they’ve finished taking the measurement. After reading the measurement, rinse the thermometer in cold water, clean it with rubbing alcohol, and rinse it again to sterilize it.
Have the child lie down on their back, then lift their legs into the air. For babies, you should lift the legs like you would when changing a diaper. Gently insert the thermometer about 1⁄2 to 1 inch (1. 3 to 2. 5 cm) into the rectum, but don’t force it against resistance. Hold the thermometer still for about 40 seconds or until it beeps to let you know the measurement is ready.
Children: 100. 4 °F (38. 0 °C) measured rectally; 99. 5 °F (37. 5 °C) measured orally; 99 °F (37 °C) measured in the armpit. [23] X Research source Adults: 100. 7 °F (38. 2 °C) measured rectally; 100 °F (38 °C) measured orally; 99 °F (37 °C) measured in the armpit. Temperatures under 100. 4 °F (38. 0 °C) are considered “low-grade” fevers. You shouldn’t worry about a fever until it reaches 102 °F (39 °C).
Pneumococcal infection, which protects against the bacteria that cause ear infection, sinus infection, pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. [24] X Research source Olaf Hoffman, R Joeng Weber,Pathophysiology and Treatment of Bacterial Meningitis, Therapeutic Advanced Neurological Disorders , 2009 2 (6) 1-7. H influenzae, which causes upper respiratory infections like ear and sinus infections. It can also cause more serious infections, like meningitis. Children age 11 years and older should be vaccinated for meningitis. [25] X Research source Pathophysiology of Meningiocococcal Meningitis and Septicemia Journal of Clinical Pathology, Volume 56, Issue 12, 941 doi 10. 1136/jcp 5612. 941 Vaccines don’t cause autism. The only researcher who made this claim was faking his data and concealing payments from lawyers,[26] X Research source > and every independent researcher since then has found no link. Vaccinations must be licensed by the FDA and be extensively tested to show that they work. Vaccinating your child could save their life. [27] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Try to get at least 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night to keep your immune system strong.
Make sure to get 1000 mg of Vitamin C and 2000 IU of Vitamin D per day. Vitamins A and E are also important for their antioxidant properties.
Wash your hands after leaving public spaces, and always wash them before eating. If you don’t have access to water in public, carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you.
Yoga and meditation are popular activities that help people reduce their stress levels. Aerobic exercise also has a significant impact on stress. Try to get at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise every week, in periods of 30 to 40 minutes per day. When you exercise, aim for a target heart rate appropriate to your age. Calculate this by subtracting your age from the number 220. [32] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source Target heart rate is 60-80% of your Max Heart Rate depending on fitness.
