You wake up and you’re feeling warm and under the weather. You grab the thermometer and find out you have a fever. Now what? What Should You Do When You Have a Fever?
Most of the time, high temperature or fever is nothing to be overly concerned about and could be the result of suffering from a cold or the flu, a stomach bug, or food poisoning, which can all be easily treated.
What Should You Do When You Have a Fever?
Usually, a fever is a sign of illness. In fact, it’s not often a bad thing, as temperatures can play a crucial role in fighting the infection. A fever can help you get back to normal again. So, if you have a fever, should you let it run its course, or get treatment? Here are some factors to consider to help you make the right decision.
Temperature
The first factor to consider if you have a fever is how high your temperature is. Take your temperature using a thermometer. if it measures less than 102F, then you’re usually fine to let the fever run its course without medication. However, to help, you should rest and make sure that you stay hydrated.
If your temperature is over 102F, then medication can help to get it down and help you start feeling back to normal again. If you are uncomfortable, you can take an over-the-counter medication like Tylenol, ibuprofen, or aspirin. Make sure that you read the label carefully and choose the correct dosage. If you take more than one, make sure that they are safe to take together.
When to Call the Doctor
Most of the time, a fever will pass on its own or with the help of over-the-counter medication. However, if you’ve taken medication and nothing has changed, it’s best to seek some medical assistance.
If you have a fever that’s not responding to medication or getting worse, you can contact your regular physician, ask a pharmacist for advice, or visit an urgent care center if you feel care is needed straight away. Most fevers will go away after a few days. If you’re still feeling the same after three days, get in touch with your doctor.
Other Symptoms
Depending on why you have a fever, you may also be experiencing some other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains, or tiredness. You should seek medical assistance if you are experiencing a fever that is accompanied by shortness of breath, a stiff neck, headache, or any other unusual signs or symptoms.
What Else Can You Do?
To make sure that you are as comfortable as possible and that the fever breaks sooner rather than later, you can do the following:
- Stay in bed and rest as much as possible
- Stay cool; remove extra layers of clothing or blankets, unless you have the chills
- Drink plenty of iced water or diluted juices to replace any fluids lost through sweating. If you find keeping liquids down tricky, you can suck on ice chips
- Use cold compresses or tepid baths to help you stay comfortable
What Should You Do When You Have a Fever?
Most of the time, a fever is a sign that your body is naturally fighting an infection. But if you have any concerns, speak to your doctor.
