When you have a fever, it’s your body’s normal response to fighting infections caused by viruses or bacteria. However, you may also get a fever after a sunburn or from getting immunizations. Regardless of the cause, you are likely to experience symptoms such as weakness, loss of appetite, headaches, chills, and nausea. While you should always seek immediate medical attention if your body temperature is 103°F or higher, there are some steps that you can take to break a slight or moderate fever. Here is how to bring down a fever in 4 effective ways:
1. Get Some Rest
When you are experiencing a fever, your immune system is working overtime to battle the infection or disease that is making you sick. Since this will make you feel tired, go ahead and give in to the urge to crawl into bed! Studies have shown that sleeping helps boost immune system function. So, this will help to give your body a fighting chance.
2. Stay Hydrated
Another effective way to bring down a fever is to stay hydrated with water, diluted juice, and chicken broth. Many herbal teas are also known to cure a fever quickly, so try chamomile, linden tea, willow bark, and thyme. These liquids will replenish the fluids that you have lost through sweating. If you are having difficulty keeping liquids down due to your illness, try sucking on some ice chips.
3. Keep Cool and Comfortable
While you may have heard about people trying to “sweat out a fever” by layering on the blankets, there is no evidence that this has any benefits. You are actually better off if you stay cool by removing extra layers of clothing and blankets unless you have the chills. One of the best ways to beat the heat is to take a cool bath or shower at a temperature that feels comfortable. You can also apply a cool compress to your forehead, neck, and armpits to help cool your skin through evaporation.
4. Take a Fever Reducer
Often, one of the most effective ways to bring down a fever is to use over the counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Aspirin can also be effective for adults, but it should not be given to children or teenagers. Be sure to use the proper dosage and don’t use them along with other fever-reducing medications. This is because taking too much fever reducing medication is not only ineffective, but it is also dangerous! You can sustain damage to your organs and it won’t help bring your temperature down any faster. Since many multi-symptom cough and cold remedies contain acetaminophen, it is extremely important to check the ingredients of all the medications that you are using.
Now that you are familiar with some of the effective ways to bring down a fever, we hope that you can quickly alleviate your high body temperature! At Mac’s Pharmacy, we are dedicated to improving your health and well-being. Learn more about how we can assist you with all of your pharmaceutical needs! We look forward to helping you!
