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Key Points
- Fevers are typically caused by infections, heat exhaustion, dehydration, or certain medications, and can be identified by symptoms such as sweating, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
- Accurate temperature measurement can be done in various ways, with normal temperature ranges varying slightly depending on several factors like age, time of day, and activity level.
- Home remedies for fevers include over-the-counter medications, hydration, rest, wearing light clothing, drinking cool liquids, and taking lukewarm sponge baths.
- Certain groups, including infants, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with weakened immune systems, should closely monitor their fevers and seek medical attention if it persists or worsens.
- Fever prevention involves frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, not touching the face, and staying updated with vaccines.
A fever is a temperature that is above normal body temperature, according to the Mayo Clinic. They note that fevers are usually caused by an infection, such as a virus or bacteria—but can also be caused by things like heat exhaustion, dehydration, or certain medications.
Symptoms of a fever can include sweating, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although these symptoms are fairly accurate, the only way you can know for sure that you have a fever is by taking your temperature with a thermometer.
How to Take Your Temperature
A normal body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C), but it can vary slightly depending on factors such as age, time of day, and activity level, according to Healthline. There are thermometers that can accurately measure your temperature in your ear, rectum, armpit, and mouth (oral). Below is a chart from Healthline that shows what a normal temperature is for each of these methods:
Age | Oral Temp | Rectal/Ear Temp | Armpit Temp |
0–12 months | 95.8–99.3°F (36.7–37.3°C) | 96.8–100.3°F (37–37.9°C) | 94.8–98.3°F (36.4–37.3°C) |
Children | 97.6–99.3°F (36.4–37.4°C) | 98.6–100.3°F (37–37.9°C) | 96.6–98.3°F (35.9–36.83°C) |
Adults | 96–98°F (35.6–36.7°C) | 97–99°F (36.1–37.2°C) | 95–97°F (35–36.1°C) |
Adults over age 65 | 93–98.6°F (33.9–37°C) |
94–99.6°F (34.4–37.6°C) | 92–97.6°F (33.3–36.4°C) |
*Table information from Healthline
Home Remedies for a Fever
Fevers can be uncomfortable—fortunately, there are several things you can do at home to lower your temperature and relieve your symptoms. Here are a few options that can often be effective:
1. Over-The-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce a fever and relieve the pain of body aches, according to the Mayo Clinic. They note that it is important to follow the recommended dosage on the label to avoid overdose or overuse. For children, the Mayo Clinic notes that fever-reducing medication isn’t necessary if the child is acting normally.
2. Hydration
Staying hydrated is important when you have a fever, according to Healthline. They suggest that you drink plenty of water, clear broth, and other fluids to help replenish lost fluids and prevent dehydration.
3. Rest
Rest is very important when you have a fever, according to Healthline. You’ll probably not feel like doing much anyway, but Healthline recommends that you make sure to get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activities until after your fever subsides.
4. Wear Light Clothing
Wearing light clothing can help prevent overheating, according to the Mayo Clinic. They note that you should opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from light materials if you have a fever.
5. Drink Cool Liquids
Drinking cool liquids like water, juice, or popsicles can help bring down your body temperature and provide relief from fever symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
6. Lukewarm Sponge Bath
Taking a lukewarm sponge bath can help reduce your body temperature and provide relief from fever symptoms, according to Healthline. They note that you should make sure the water is not too cold or too hot, and avoid using alcohol or ice.
When to See a Doctor for a Fever
The Mayo Clinic notes that certain populations of people are at higher risk of developing infections and are vulnerable to complications from those infections, including:
- Infants and young children
- Pregnant women
- Elderly adults
- People with weakened immune systems
If you fall into one of these categories, it's important to monitor your fever closely and seek medical attention if it persists or worsens, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
Additionally, infants who are 12 weeks or younger should be seen by a doctor if they have a fever greater than 100.4, according to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
Prolonged Fevers
Most fevers resolve as your body fights off an infection, however, if your fever lasts for an extended period of time, it's important to consider seeking urgent care. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Fever without other symptoms, lasting more than 24 hours in children under 2 years old (according to Seattle Children’s Hospital).
- Fever lasting more than 3 days in adults (according to the Mayo Clinic).
- Anyone with a compromised immune system should seek medical attention if the fever lasts longer than two days (according to the Cleveland Clinic).
Accompanying Severe Symptoms
If your fever is accompanied by severe symptoms, you may need to seek medical attention for testing and treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Confusion or disorientation
The Mayo Clinic also notes that if you're ever unsure about whether to seek medical attention for a fever, it's always better to err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare professional.
How to Prevent Fevers
The best way to prevent a fever is to avoid an illness or infection that will cause one, according to the Mayo Clinic. They recommend the following steps to prevent illness:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay up-to-date with recommended vaccines, especially if traveling
Recap of How to Take Care of a Fever at Home
Most fevers can be controlled at home, according to the Mayo Clinic. Here's what to remember:
- Understand how to take and monitor your temperature properly
- Take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you need to
- Rest
- Stay hydrated
- Wear light clothing
- Drink cool liquids
- Go to the doctor if these home care steps don’t work or if you have any severe symptoms
Babies under 12 weeks of age should always be evaluated by a doctor if they develop a fever, as recommended by CHOP.
Frequently asked questions
What are the common causes of a fever?
The common causes of a fever are infections, heat exhaustion, dehydration, or certain medications.How can I accurately measure my body temperature?
You can accurately measure your body temperature orally, rectally, in the armpit, or in the ear.What are some home remedies for managing a fever?
Home remedies for managing a fever include taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, staying hydrated, resting, wearing light clothing, drinking cool liquids, and taking lukewarm sponge baths.When should I seek medical attention for a fever?
You should seek medical attention for a fever if it persists or worsens, especially if you are an infant, pregnant, elderly, or have a weakened immune system. Also, if home care steps don't work or severe symptoms occur, medical attention should be sought.How can I prevent getting a fever?
Fever prevention involves frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, not touching your face, and staying updated with vaccines.Are fevers dangerous for certain groups of people?
Yes, fevers can be dangerous for certain groups of people, including infants, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with weakened immune systems.What should I do if my infant develops a fever?
If your infant under 12 weeks develops a fever, they should always be evaluated by a doctor.Are there specific times of the day when body temperature is normally higher or lower?
Yes, body temperature can vary slightly depending on the time of day and your activity level.
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