The two medicines most often recommended are acetaminophen say: uh-SEE-tuh-min-uh-fen or ibuprofen say: eye-byoo-PRO-fen. The medicine blocks the chemicals that tell the body to turn up the heat. Kids should never take aspirin to treat a fever because it can cause a rare but serious illness. If you have a fever, your mom or dad will probably ask you to drink more fluids than usual.
That's important because as your body heats up, it's easy for it to get dehydrated say: dee-HI-dray-ted. This means there isn't enough water in your body. You have a lot of choices when it comes to fluids — juice, water, sports drinks, soup, flavored gelatin, and even ice pops. Before you know it, your mom or dad will pull the thermometer out of your mouth and say, "Your temperature is normal.
No more fever! In fact, many pediatricians will request you take a rectal temperature before seeing them for a fever in a baby. When using touch to diagnose a fever in someone else, touch your own skin first, then touch the other person to compare the two temperatures. If the other person is a lot hotter than you, they may have a fever.
You can also try pinching the skin on the back of your hand to check for signs of dehydration. Dehydration may be a sign of a fever. You have a fever if your rectal temperature is In adults and children over 3 months, a temperature of If your baby is up to 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of Fevers in young babies can be very serious. If your child is between 3 months and 3 years old and has a temperature of This is considered a high fever. Seek immediate medical help if this is the case.
When you shiver, your body rapidly vibrates to increase your body temperature, so you could actually cause your temperature to get higher if you take a cold bath or shower. Instead, try sponging your body with warm water. As the water evaporates, your body will begin to cool. If sponging causes shivering, though, stop or increase the water temperature.
However, there are instances when medical attention is necessary in adults. For babies 3 months and younger, seek immediate medical help if they have a rectal temperature of If you're concerned about coronavirus COVID , be mindful of our ibuprofen advice on the coronavius page. Most fevers will improve of their own accord in a few days.
However, there are a number of things you can do to help the uncomfortable feelings associated with a fever. Fever affects people of all ages, however it often affects babies and younger children in response to minor illnesses such as:. Find out more about fever in children. Return to Symptoms. Next Review Date:. Home Illnesses and conditions Infections and poisoning Fever in adults.
Fever in adults. Only phone if your symptoms are severe. You can find out if you have a fever by using a thermometer to take your temperature.
What causes a fever? A child who has a complex febrile seizure is more likely to experience epilepsy as they grow older. In most cases, a child who has a seizure should see a doctor. The doctor may suggest controlling their temperature with acetaminophen and ensuring that they drink plenty of fluids.
A fever is a symptom, not an illness. To do so, they will examine the individual and ask them about any other symptoms and their medical history. If the person has recently experienced another infection, if they have recently had surgery, or if there is pain or swelling in one area, it may indicate what kind of infection is likely to be present.
A fever is usually a symptom of an infection. It is not usually a cause for concern, but the underlying illness may need medical treatment. Often, a fever will resolve without medical attention.
However, if a child or an older adult has a fever, if the individual has other severe or worsening symptoms, or if they have a weakened immune system, they should seek medical help. If they start to experience difficulty breathing, someone should call and ask for emergency help. Read the article in Spanish. Hyperpyrexia is a term for a very high fever of over This normally occurs due to another condition and is considered an emergency.
What causes a fever, when does a fever need treatment, and what are the different ways to break a fever? Learn when a doctor should be called. A febrile seizure can occur in a young child when their body temperature suddenly rises, usually as a result of infection or inflammation. Learn more…. The new coronavirus is spreading quickly and easily. Learn more about how a person can transmit the virus, as well as how to avoid it, here.
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