Fever symptoms include feeling hot to the touch, shivering, and having body aches. These are part of your body’s reaction to a fever, which is designed to fight an infection.
Feeling sick to your stomach and unable to keep anything down is another sign of a fever. It’s also a warning that you need to get your temperature checked by a doctor to make sure you don’t have a serious infection.
Symptoms in children can be scary, so it’s important to know what to look for in order to tell the difference between a real fever and a fever that’s caused by something else. If you notice a child who’s not behaving normally or doesn’t seem like himself or herself, call your doctor or 911 right away!
Fevers can also be a sign of dehydration, which can be very uncomfortable. To avoid this, drink plenty of fluids and give a child over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to lower their temperature.
Drinking lots of water can help prevent dehydration by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. Getting enough water can also help prevent nausea and vomiting, which can be associated with a fever.
Over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can often help reduce a fever by reducing the number of white blood cells in your body that fight infections. But they can mask a higher temperature by making it seem you’re feeling better, so talk to your health care provider about whether you need to take these medicines to treat a fever.
If you’re not taking over-the-counter medicines, consider using a natural fever medication called willow bark tea. This tea is rich in salicylates, which are aspirin-related compounds that can reduce a fever.
Sitting in a cool bath can help to lower your temperature. However, don’t overdo it or you can shiver even more and make your fever worse!
Wear light clothing and use a lightweight sheet or cover for comfort. A heavy blanket or cover can cause your body temperature to rise, and shivering is a common symptom of a fever.
You can also try a warm, lukewarm bath to help you feel better. This can be helpful to relieve tired muscles and achy joints.
Eat a healthy diet to support your immune system and promote recovery. This includes a combination of carbohydrates, protein and liquids to boost energy levels.
Rest as much as you can when you’re fighting a fever. Getting plenty of rest can help your body to heal faster, but don’t force yourself to sleep or you could become even more tired.
A fever is usually self-limiting, which means it will go away on its own in a few days. It may last longer, though.
Your health care provider can determine the cause of your fever by asking questions about your medical history, including any infections or other illnesses you have. He or she can also do a physical examination to see how the fever affects your body and to check for other symptoms that can indicate an infection.
