
Fever is one of the most effective mechanisms that our body uses for fighting infections. The average body temperature is 98.6° Fahrenheit, but it may vary from person to person. During a fever, the body temperature rises to 100.4° Fahrenheit. Flu may be the most common cause of fever; however, there may be other causes, which include:
- Bacterial and viral infections
- Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Reactions to drug or vaccine
- Certain types of cancers
The best way to bring down a fever include:
- Get some extra fluids: Getting some extra fluids while having a fever helps the sick person a lot. Body fluids are lost through sweat during fever. It is essential to replenish these lost body fluids. Besides, fluids also help to cool the body temperature.
- Taking sufficient rest
- Removing extra clothing to allow heat loss through the skin
- Getting a sponge bath in lukewarm water (85° to 90° Fahrenheit)
- Eating bland and light foods that are easy to digest
The below tables have summaries of treating different types of fevers in different age groups.
Age | Temperatur | Treatment |
18 years and up | Up to 102° F (38.9° C) taken orally | Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. Call the doctor if the fever is accompanied by a severe headache, stiff neck, shortness of breath, or other unusual signs or symptoms. |
18 years and up | Above 102° F (38.9° C) taken orally | If you're uncomfortable, take Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil/Motrin IB (ibuprofen), or Aspirin. Read the label carefully for proper dosage, and be careful not to take more than one medication containing acetaminophens, such as 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 3 days. |
Age | Temperatur | Treatment |
2-17 year | Up to 102° F (38.9° C) taken rectally for children ages 2-3 years or taken orally for children older than 3 years | 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 complains of significant discomfort. |
2-17 year | Up to 102° F (38.9° C) taken rectally for children ages 2-3 years or taken orally for children older than 3 years | If your child seems uncomfortable, give your child take Tylenol (acetaminophen), or Advil/Motrin IB (ibuprofen). Read the label carefully for proper dosage, and be careful not to give your child more than one medication containing acetaminophens, such as cough and cold medicines. Avoid giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Call the doctor if the fever doesn't respond to the medication or lasts longer than 3 days. |
Age | Temperatur | Treatment |
0-3 months | 100.4° F (38° C) or higher taken rectally | Call the doctor, even if your child doesn't have any other signs or symptoms |
3-6 months | Up to 102° F (38.9° C) taken rectally | 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. |
3-6 months | Above 102° F (38.9° C) taken rectally | Call the doctor. The doctor may recommend that you bring your child in for an examination. |
6-24 month | Above 102° F (38.9° C) taken rectally | Give your child Tylenol (acetaminophen). If your child is of age 6 months or older, Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen) is OK too. Read the label carefully for proper dosage. 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 1 day. |
When to see a doctor?
Consult your doctor immediately if you have other symptoms along with a fever that includes:
- Seizure
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Stiff neck
- Trouble breathing
- Severe pain in the body
- Swelling or inflammation in any part of the body
- Foul-smelling or discolored vaginal discharge
- Dysuria (pain or burning while passing urine)

QUESTION
Which illness is known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection? See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
References
Mayo Clinic. Fever Treatment: Quick Guide to Treating a Fever. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/in-depth/fever/art-20050997
Harvard Health Publishing. Treating Fever in Adults. April 2015. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treating-fever-in-adults
Treating and Reducing a Fever. https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/OEPR_Treating-and-Reducing-a-Fever.pdf
Harvard Health Publishing. Treating Fever in Adults. April 2015. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treating-fever-in-adults
Treating and Reducing a Fever. https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/OEPR_Treating-and-Reducing-a-Fever.pdf
Complete List
Top How Do You Bring Down a Fever? Related Articles
acetaminophen rectal
Acetaminophen rectal is an analgesic and antipyretic suppository that is rectally administered to relieve pain and fever. The risk for liver damage is higher with chronic high doses or alcoholism. Common side effects of acetaminophen rectal include rectal discomfort, hypersensitivity reactions, increase in bilirubin or alkaline phosphatase levels, kidney disease, kidney toxicity with chronic overdose (nephrotoxicity), decrease in chloride, glucose, and uric acid; decrease in bicarbonate, sodium, calcium; and blood disorders.Fever
Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 F (37 C), in practice, a person is usually not considered to have a significant fever until the temperature is above 100.4 F (38 C). Fever is part of the body's own disease-fighting arsenal; rising body temperatures apparently are capable of killing off many disease-producing organisms.artesunate
Artesunate is a medication administered intravenously to treat serious malaria, a disease with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness, in adults and children. Common side effects of artesunate in patients with severe malaria include low red blood cell count (anemia), low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), high count of leukocyte immune cells (leukocytosis), low count of neutrophil immune cells (neutropenia), low count of lymphocyte immune cells (lymphopenia), elevation of liver enzymes (transaminases), high bilirubin levels in blood (hyperbilirubinemia), jaundice, acute renal failure requiring dialysis, and others. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.Cold, Fever and Flu Symptoms in Children: Medications and Home Remedies
How long does a cold last? How long is a cold contagious? Colds and fevers are some of the most common ailments in children. Learn common cold symptoms, treatment options, over the counter (OTC) medicines for cold and fever, home remedies, and how to relieve a sore throat.Cold and Flu: Finding Fast Cough Relief
Remedies for coughing to relieve symptoms, thin mucus, and clear phlegm include cough syrup and honey in hot water. Use suppressants to treat a dry cough. See a doctor when home remedies are not enough. Bronchitis or another condition may be to blame.Common Cold
The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) is a contagious illness that may be caused by various viruses. Symptoms include a stuffy nose, headache, cough, sore throat, and maybe a fever. Antibiotics have no effect upon the common cold, and there is no evidence that zinc and vitamin C are effective treatments.Fever and Headache
Illnesses, diseases, conditions, and infections like cancer, RA, bacterial and fungal infections, encephalitis, meningitis, flu, and colds can cause a headache and fever. Associated symptoms and signs include rash, nausea and vomiting, cough, sweating, neck stiffness, seizure, decreased appetite, and joint pain and swelling. Treatment depends upon the cause but may include antibiotics, antifungal or antiviral drugs, pain-control drugs, decongestants, and cough suppressants.feverfew
Feverfew is a medicinal plant traditionally used to prevent migraine headaches, and in the treatment of fevers, rheumatoid arthritis, skin disorders, and other conditions. Common side effects of feverfew include allergic reaction, mouth ulcers, loss of taste, swelling of lips/tongue/mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion, heartburn, gas (flatulence) and bloating, diarrhea, and menstrual changes. Do not use feverfew if pregnant or breastfeeding, or have ragweed allergies.How Do I Bring My Baby's Fever Down?
A baby with a fever always makes parents anxious, but fever is actually a defense mechanism of the body. It prepares the body to fight infection. Most fevers do not need antibiotic therapy and may resolve on their own in 5-7 days. There are a few things a parent may try to manage the child's fever and make them feel more comfortable.How to Get Rid of a Cold: Natural Remedies
What home remedies work to get rid of a cold fast? Many claim cold symptoms and flu symptoms can be relieved with Echinacea, zinc, neti pots, garlic, vitamin C, saltwater gargles, nasal strips, or bed rest. Find out what cold and flu treatments work the natural way, and what doesn't.quinine
Quinine is a natural compound (alkaloid) used to treat malaria, a disease with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. The most common side effects of quinine are a cluster of symptoms known as cinchonism. Symptoms of mild cinchonism include headache, dilation of blood vessels (vasodilation), sweating, nausea, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing impairment, dizziness, vertigo, blurred vision, double vision (diplopia), visual disturbances, diminished visual fields, and disturbance in color perception. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is an illness caused by the Salmonella typhi bacteria. The illness is contracted by ingesting the bacteria in contaminated water or food. Symptoms include headaches, fever, diarrhea, lethargy, aches and pains, and poor appetite. Treatment focuses on killing the Salmonella bacteria with antibiotics.Weber-Christian Disease
Weber-Christian disease is a rare inflammatory disease that affects the body's fat tissues. The disorder appears on the skin as red or purple tender, raised lumps usually on the thighs and lower legs. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, joint pain, and abdominal pain. There is no cure for the disease, but anti-inflammatory medications may help with inflammation.What Are the 5 Types of Fever?
Fever is a sign that your body is fighting an infection or illness. Learn the five types of fever, signs, what causes fever, how doctors diagnose fever, and what you can do to treat fever.When Should I Be Concerned About My Sick Baby?
There are several serious symptoms and signs, like fever and vomiting, you should never ignore in your baby. Although there may be no cause for alarm, it is better to be on the lookout.Why Do I Have the Chills? Reasons Other Than Fever
Chills and fever often come as a combo, but sometimes chills happen with a normal temperature. Find out what could be behind these types of shivers.