How Exactly Can You Get Rid of a Fever?
Are you or your loved one running hot?
Your normal body temperature can range from 97 F to 99 F. Once it exceeds 100 F, it’s considered a fever.
This can make a person feel icky with chills, headaches, and body aches. When a person’s temperature continues to rise, it puts them at risk for significant health complications.
Keep reading to learn how to get rid of a fever.
Hydration
If you feel sick, drink plenty of fluids, like water, broth, tea, and electrolyte drinks. This can help your body keep cool and stay strong enough to fight the infection causing the fever.
As body temperature rises, it evaporates body fluids, creating many unpleasant symptoms. So even though hydration will not immediately break the fever, you will feel better overall.
Keep a water bottle within reach at all times. If you cannot drink a lot at once due to nausea, try small sips and ice chips.
Rest
Illness can make it difficult to do much of anything. Listen to your body and rest, because your body is fighting hard for your health.
Resisting the urge to rest makes it more difficult for your fever to break. Muscle movement actually raises the core temp of your body.
Go to sleep. During sleep, your body recovers faster, which means the fever will break sooner.
Cool Cloths
Cool your body down from the outside. Wet washcloths with lukewarm water and place them against the body.
Ths fever treatment will also ease headaches if you place the washcloths behind the neck and on the forehead. Since the wrist blood vessels sit so close to the surface, cool washcloths there will help as well.
Add some essential oil to your wet washcloths. Eucalyptus oil breaks all types of fevers by dilating the body’s blood vessels, which increases blood flow and helps heat escape. Peppermint oil contains menthol which gives a cooling effect that will help you feel better.
Light Covers
Fever will make you feel chilled. Fight the urge to bundle up.
Doing so traps the heat and can raise your body temperature even further. Instead, wear light cotton pajamas or underwear.
Cover in a light blanket, or a sheet if your temperature gets very high. Keep your head uncovered, again to prevent raising your temp.
Fever Reducers
We live in a world where you can quickly and effectively reduce your fever. Acetaminophen works well for bringing down temperatures.
When the fever persists, alternating it with ibuprofen helps too. Both also help with easing discomfort.
When to Seek Medical Care
You do not always need to see a doctor at every sign of a fever. Seek this service when:
- Your fever reaches 103.1
- The fever lasts more than two days
- You develop a rash
- It becomes difficult to breathe
- You notice obvious signs of an infection
Going to the doctor typically treats the root of the problem rather than the fever itself. They may prescribe medication or try other treatments to get you healthy again.
Get Rid of a Fever Fast
You do not need to suffer through a high temperature. Get rid of a fever with these at-home remedies. Don’t hesitate to call the doc if your efforts don’t work.
Looking for ways to get your energy back when you heal? Check out our fitness page for tips!
