How To Rid Of A Fever

Infection is a common cause of fever, but other conditions can also bring the heat.

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Fever is one of the body's most effective ways of fighting infection.

Theaverage body temperature is 98.6° F (37°C). But "normal" body temperature varies from person to person. It also changes during the day, rising a bit after you eat or exercise. Body temperature is often higher in the afternoon than it is when you wake up in the morning.

Fever means a body temperature of 100.4° F (38°C) or higher. An infection, such as the flu, is the most common cause of fever.

Other conditions can also cause a fever. These include diseases that produce inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis; reactions to drugs or vaccines; and even certain types of cancers.

Fever symptoms

People with a fever may also:

sweat
shiver (chills)
have a headache
have achy muscles
not want to eat
break out in a rash
be restless
feel weak.

A very high fever can cause confusion, extreme sleepiness, irritability, and seizures.

Diagnosing the cause of a fever

To help determine why you have a fever, your doctor will ask you about:

other symptoms such as coughing, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or pain when urinating
recent surgeries or injuries
recent vaccinations
new drugs you may be taking
recent travel, particularly travel abroad.

Treating a fever

Fever is part of your body's defense against infection-causing germs. By itself, fever is usually harmless, though a high fever can be miserable. These steps may help you feel better:

Drink plenty of fluids to help cool your body and prevent dehydration.
Eat light foods that are easy to digest.
Get plenty of rest.
Take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or others), naproxen, (Aleve, Naprosyn, or others), acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or aspirin to help relieve head and body aches and lower your temperature.
Take a slightly warm, not cool, bath or apply damp washcloths to the forehead and wrists.
Dress lightly (even if you have chills).

If you have a fever over 104°F (40°C) call your doctor. Call your doctor right away if you have a fever along with any of these symptoms:

seizure
loss of consciousness
confusion
stiff neck
trouble breathing
severe pain anywhere in the body
swelling or inflammation of any part of the body
vaginal discharge that is discolored or smells bad
pain when urinating or urine that smells bad

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