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Home Treatment
It is easy to become dehydrated when you have a fever. Watch for early signs of dehydration and drink extra fluids, especially water. Adults should drink at least 10 glasses of liquid a day to replenish lost fluids. Children between the ages of 4 and 10 should drink at least 6 to 10 glasses. You may feel better if you eat light, easily digested foods, such as soup.
Many people find that taking a lukewarm [80°F (27°C) to 90°F (32°C)] shower or bath makes them feel better when they have a fever. Do not try to take a shower if you are dizzy or unsteady on your feet. Increase the water temperature if you start to shiver. Shivering is a sign that your body is trying to raise its temperature. Do not use rubbing alcohol, ice, or cold water to cool your body.
Dress lightly when you have a fever. This will help your body cool down. Wear light pajamas or a light undershirt. Do not wear very warm clothing or use heavy bed covers. Keep room temperature at 70°F (21°C) or lower.
If you are unable to measure your temperature, you need to look for other symptoms of illness every hour while you have a fever and follow home treatment measures.
| Try a nonprescription medicine to help treat your fever or pain: |
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Talk to your doctor before switching back and forth between doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen to treat a fever. When you switch between two medicines, there is a chance you or your child will get too much medicine. |
| Be sure to follow these safety tips when you use a nonprescription medicine: |
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Be sure to check your temperature every 2 to 4 hours to make sure home treatment is working.
Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment
Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment:
- Level of consciousness changes.
- You have signs of dehydration and you are unable to drink enough to replace lost fluids.
- Fever lasts longer than 4 days.
- Other symptoms develop, such as pain in one area of the body, a cough, or urinary symptoms.
- Fever recurs more than once over 3 weeks.
- Symptoms become more severe or frequent.
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| Last updated: | April 24, 2007 |
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| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Andrew Swan, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer |
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