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- What is fever?
- Symptoms of fever
- Causes of fever
- Prevention of fever
- Risk factors for fever
- Complications of fever
- When to see a doctor about fever
- Diagnosis of fever
- Conventional treatment of fever
- Alternative/complementary treatment of fever
- Living with fever
- Caring for someone with fever
Conventional treatment of fever
The conventional treatment of fever (especially if it is caused by a viral or bacterial infection) recommends the following:
- Cool compress - it is advisable to use a cool compress, which is a cloth that has been moistened through with cold water and then dabbed on the pulse points of the skin to cool the body down and reduce the fever. Once the cloth warms up (and it will do so quickly), it is time to moisten it again with cold water and apply it again. This should be repeated until the body temperature has been reduced (take a measurement with a thermometer after apply the cool compress). It is a treatment especially recommended for babies and children, as it helps reduce their fever considerably in many cases
- Increase fluid intake - it is recommended to drink more water and fruit juice to help rehydrate the body and in doing so, help lower body temperature. Babies and children with fever should be given diluted juices
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- Monitor temperature - it is important to monitor body temperature to ensure the fever has reduces and temperature steadily falls back to normal, but if it continues to increase, seek medical attention. In babies and children with fever, their temperature must be regularly monitored as they are more vulnerable to the effects of increased body temperature. Use a digital (or electronic) thermometer, as it is more precise and does not contain any toxic mercury
- Paracetemol or ibuprofen - the function of these medications is to work on lowering body temperature and reducing fever. These are the only medications that should be used for reducing fever, especially in babies and children. Do not use aspirin in babies and children to treat fever
- Rest - the doctor will recommend that you have plenty of rest to help your body heal from the infection and lower the fever. Try to keep babies and children cool enough so that they can sleep comfortably
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< 8: diagnosis 10: alternative treatment > Last reviewed: 8 September 2007 || Last updated: 17 February 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
