Fever is a common symptom of colds and flu, often making us feel miserable and fatigued. While fever itself is a natural response of the body to infections, it’s essential to manage it effectively to alleviate discomfort and promote a faster recovery. Let us explore ways to reduce fever and stay healthy during cold and flu season.
How To Reduce a Fever from a Cold or Flu
1. Stay Hydrated
One of the most crucial steps in managing a fever is to stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen symptoms and prolong recovery. Consuming ample fluids helps cool the body, soothes a sore throat, and replaces fluids lost due to sweating and respiratory evaporation. Opt for water, herbal teas, and clear broths to ensure hydration.
2. Rest
Adequate rest is fundamental to the recovery process when dealing with a fever. Rest allows the body to redirect energy toward fighting off the infection, contributing to a quicker resolution of symptoms. Ensure you get enough sleep and take it easy during the day to support your body’s healing mechanisms.
3. Use Fever-Reducing Medications
Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help lower fever and alleviate discomfort. Following the recommended dosage instructions on the packaging and consulting with a healthcare professional can ensure the appropriate medication and a speedy recovery. (Miller and Haase, 2023)
4. Apply Cool Compresses
Using cool compresses to help bring down a fever. Placing a damp washcloth on your forehead, wrists, and neck can provide relief by promoting heat loss through evaporation. Be cautious not to use extremely cold compresses, as they may cause shivering and increase discomfort.
5. Take a Lukewarm Bath
A lukewarm bath can be an effective way to reduce fever. Soaking in a tepid bath for 10-15 minutes helps cool the body temperature. Avoid using cold water, as it may lead to shivering and negate the desired effect.
6. Keep the Room Cool
Maintaining a comfortable room temperature is crucial when you have a fever. It is essential to keep the room cool, but not too cold, to promote a more comfortable environment for rest and recovery. Use fans or adjust the thermostat to achieve a suitable temperature.
7. Wear Lightweight Clothing
Wear lightweight and breathable clothing when you have a fever. Loose-fitting clothes allow better air circulation, preventing overheating and discomfort. Choose cotton or other breathable fabrics to stay cool.
8. Use Humidifiers
Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help ease fever-related symptoms, such as dry throat and nasal congestion. Using a cool-mist humidifier in your room can help maintain optimal humidity levels. Ensure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
9. Consume Nutrient-Rich Foods
Eating a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients supports the body’s immune system and aids in recovery. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your meals provides the essential vitamins and minerals needed for healing.
10. Know When to Seek Medical Attention
While most fevers associated with colds and flu can be managed at home, it’s crucial to recognize when medical attention is necessary. Seeking medical help if the fever persists for more than a few days is essential if the fever is exceptionally high, or is accompanied by severe symptoms.
Adults vs Children
Fevers are not exclusive to any age group, impacting both adults and children, albeit with varying frequencies. While children tend to experience fevers more frequently than adults, it’s essential to recognize that fever itself is a symptom, not a standalone illness. Similar factors, such as viruses and infections, can cause fevers in both age groups.
The caution in monitoring fevers is particularly emphasized for babies, given their inability to communicate feelings. It becomes crucial to consult a pediatrician if uncertainty persists about the cause of a child’s fever, as prompt attention is essential for their well-being. (Cleveland Clinic, 2022)
What to do in Case of an Emergency?
Antiviral medications like baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), or zanamivir (Relenza) are recommended for treating the flu. These drugs work best within 48 hours of the first symptoms, potentially reducing illness duration and severity. Baloxavir marboxil is a single-dose option, while others are taken for 5 days. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) can also be used for flu prevention after exposure. In case of severe symptoms like trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, seizure, fainting, extreme fussiness in a baby, or difficulty waking, immediate medical attention (911) is advised. Antibiotics are ineffective against the flu as it is a viral infection. (WebMD, 2023)
When Fever is an Emergency
In Children
- Listless, confused or has poor eye contact with you.
- Irritable, vomits repeatedly, has a severe headache, sore throat, stomachache or other symptoms causing a lot of discomfort.
- Has a fever after being left in a hot car. Seek medical care immediately.
- Has a fever that lasts longer than three days.
- Has a seizure associated with the fever. Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or your child doesn’t recover quickly.
Ask your child’s healthcare provider for guidance in special circumstances, such as a child with immune system problems or with a preexisting illness.
In Adults
Call your healthcare provider if your temperature is 103 F (39.4 C) or higher. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these signs or symptoms accompanies a fever:
- Severe headache
- Rash
- Unusual sensitivity to bright light
- Stiff neck and pain when you bend your head forward
- Mental confusion, strange behavior or altered speech
- Persistent vomiting
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Pain when urinating
- Convulsions or seizures
No Wait to Be Seen
Fever is one of those illnesses that patients want immediate relief from. If you have the emergency symptoms above, head to the ER. Our hospital is open 24/7, 365 days to get you back to well again.
Works Cited
Miller, Korin, and Madeleine Haase. “How to Cool off and Feel Less Miserable When You’re Trying to …” 9 Tips on How to Break a Fever ASAP, According to Doctors, 12 Dec. 2023, www.prevention.com/health/a20429676/10-fever-remedies/. Accessed 01 Feb. 2024.
Cleveland Clinic. “How to Quickly Break a Fever.” Cleveland Clinic, 27 Nov. 2023, health.clevelandclinic.org/breaking-a-fever. Accessed 01 Feb. 2024.
WebMD. “Got the Flu? Try These 10 Tips to Ease Symptoms.” WebMD, www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/coping-with-flu. Accessed 01 Feb. 2024.