Treating Fevers Without Medication
Fevers are a very common sign that you are sick; it's also how your body fights against infections. Some fevers are more dangerous than others, so keeping a watchful eye is very important when facing a fever.
Depending on a person's age, you may need to seek professional medical care. For many, if you experience a low-grade fever (around 99.6°F to 100.3°F), you won't have to take medication or go to the hospital. Below are ways to reduce your fever at home if you are experiencing a low-grade fever.
Disclaimer: Always reach out to your doctor if you are concerned about your help. These recommendations are for people who are generally healthy, not immunocompromised, taking chemotherapy medications, or have had recent surgery.
Tips on How to Take a Temperature:
Rectal temperatures are the most accurate (and helpful for children) but are rarely used on adults. The second-best area to take your temperature is holding the thermometer under your tongue or under your armpit. With new technology, the 'no-contact' digital infrared thermometer makes it easy to take your forehead temperature.
Several factors can affect your temperature to get an accurate reading:
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- Please don't take a bath or shower before taking your temperature, as it can affect the number.
- Wait 30 minutes after eating or drinking before you take your temperature.
Under the Tongue Temperature:
- Place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue and close your lips around the thermometer (try not to move, stay still).
- Wait for the beep before opening your mouth, and then read the number.
- This technique uses the artery in your forehead to capture your internal temperature.
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Gently sweep the 'non-contact digital infrared thermometer' across the forehead and read the number.
- Repeat this step to make sure you have an accurate reading.
- This is less accurate than taking it under the tongue, but it may be easier for children.
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Use the digital thermometer and place it under the armpit; make sure it touches skin, not clothing.
- Hold the arm tightly against the body until the thermometer beeps, then read.
Rectal Temperature (Infants):
- This is the most accurate temperature and is used a lot for infants.
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Designate a digital thermometer for rectal use only.
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Place the child on their tummy, and to prevent damage, help keep them still, so they don't wiggle too much.
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Put a small amount of petroleum jelly on the tip of the thermometer.
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Insert only the bulb (usually the silver part) into the rectum (any further could cause damage).
- Wait for a beep and then read.
When to call your doctor:
The following table can be used as a guide but is not a replacement for advice and recommendations provided by your medical provider.
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100.4 F (38 C) or higher taken rectally
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Call the doctor, even if your child does not have any other signs or symptoms
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Up to 102 F (38.9 C) taken rectally
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Encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. Call the doctor if your child seems unusually irritable, lethargic, or uncomfortable.
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Call the doctor; they may recommend that you bring your child in for an exam.
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Use non-medication methods to reduce fever first. (see below)
After consulting your pediatrician, you may use acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). If your child is 6 months or older, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) is OK, too. Only use medications labeled for this age group. Read the label carefully for proper dosage. Medications used improperly can cause permanent, life-threatening damage. Don't give aspirin to an infant or toddler. Call the doctor if the fever doesn't respond to the medication or lasts longer than one day.
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Above 102 F (38.9 C) taken rectally for children ages 2 – 3, or orally for children older than 3
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If your child seems uncomfortable, give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). Only use medications labeled for this age group. Read the label carefully for proper dosage and be careful not to give your child more than one medication containing acetaminophen, such as some cough and cold medicines. Medications used improperly can cause permanent, life-threatening damage. Avoid giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Call the doctor if the fever doesn't respond to the medication or lasts longer than three days.
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Up to 102 F (38.9 C) taken orally
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Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. (See disclaimer above.)* Call the doctor if the fever is accompanied by a severe headache, stiff neck, shortness of breath, or other unusual signs or symptoms.
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Above 102 F (38.9 C) taken orally
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If you're uncomfortable, take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin. Read the label carefully for proper dosage and be careful do not to take more than one medication containing acetaminophen, such as some cough and cold medicines. Call the doctor if the fever doesn't respond to the medication, is consistently 103 F (39.4 C) or higher or lasts longer than three days.
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Other ways to help manage fevers and be more comfortable:
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- Drink plenty of fluids. Fever can cause fluid loss and dehydration, so drink water, juices, or broth. You can also drink rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte.
- Rest. Rest is needed to recover, and activity can raise the body temperature. Please help your child rest by reading to them, playing games that don't require movement, or watching a favorite TV show together.
- Stay Cool. While experiencing a fever, you or your child may complain of feeling cold. Keep room temperatures cool. Avoid wrapping them in blankets and adding clothing that will trap the heat and increase the body temperature. Dress in light clothing that allows heat to escape from the body surface.
- Tepid Baths. If using a bath to reduce a fever, make sure the water is tepid (lukewarm 90°F- 95°F), not cold. It should feel close to normal body temperature. The use of alcohol sponge baths ARE NOT recommended as it may cause shivering, and the alcohol can be absorbed into the skin. However, a cool, wet cloth can be placed on the forehead, neck, armpits, or groin area.