If you or someone you are caring for is running a high temperature, you can safely break the fever by:
Taking over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofenDrinking plenty of fluidsTaking a lukewarm bathPlacing cool packs under the armsGetting lots of rest
Other methods may sound like a good idea, but end up not reducing a temperature or even causing concerning side effects. This article details each of the recommendations for how to break a fever as fast as possible at home. It also covers what not to do when you have a fever and when to call a healthcare provider.
Try Fever Reducers
An antipyretic is a type of drug used to reduce fever. Antipyretics work quickly to reduce fever and can make you feel better for four to eight hours.
Many can be purchased over the counter, including Tylenol (acetaminophen) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen).
Most over-the-counter antipyretics can be used in adults and children, but doses will vary. If a child under 3 months of age has a fever, contact a pediatrician or a doctor who specializes in the care of children before using any fever medication.
Tylenol can be used in children as small as 24 lbs in weight, while Advil can be given to children 6 months or older.
Hydrate
Drinking plenty of fluids is necessary to avoid dehydration during a fever. The higher the fever, the higher the risk of dehydration. Vomiting and decreased appetite are common during infections and illnesses too—and this can further increase the risk of dehydration.
Severe dehydration during a fever can lead to:
Painful cramps Heat exhaustion A deadly drop in blood pressure Seizures, or a condition that involves changes in consciousness and involuntary movements
Drinking chilled fluids can also help bring down a fever. Water and sports drinks are good choices.
Take a Lukewarm Bath
A lukewarm, not hot, bath can help reduce a fever and relax you so you can sleep better.
Be sure to get out of the tub once the water starts to cool. A cold bath may sound like a good idea if you’re burning up, but it can cause shivering that can increase—rather than decrease—core body temperature. And shivering consumes calories, which can make you exhausted if you aren’t eating well due to illness.
Place Cool Packs Under the Arm
Placing a cooling cloth or cold pack on the forehead is a common way to bring down fever. But, if a fever is very high, a better approach may be to place a cold pack under the armpit or in the groin area where there are larger blood vessels.
Be sure to:
Wrap the cold pack in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin Leave it in place for no longer than 10 to 15 minutes Move the pack around constantly to avoid frostbite
Rest, Rest, Rest
If you or your child has a fever, it is important to rest. Any activity can raise your temperature.
A fever is a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. Not wasting energy on unnecessary activities allows the body to direct all of its efforts toward the task at hand.
What Not to Do When Treating a Fever
In addition to avoiding cold baths, there are other things you should never do when you have a high fever.
Alcohol Rubdowns
An alcohol rubdown involves rubbing the body in isopropyl alcohol (a.k.a. “rubbing alcohol”), which provides a cooling sensation as it evaporates.
This remedy actually does nothing to reduce fever and may cause shivers. Even worse, the practice can lead to alcohol poisoning as the alcohol is absorbed through the skin.
Overmedicate
Taking high doses of fever medications—or taking them more often than prescribed—does not make them more effective. But, it will increase the risk of side effects.
Taking high doses of NSAIDs can lead to stomach upset and gastric bleeding. Taking too much Tylenol can harm the liver.
In fact, Tylenol overdose is especially dangerous for kids.
Overlook Product Labels
Before using any medication, be sure to read the product label. This is especially true with multi-symptom cold and flu remedies that often contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Taking a separate dose of either of these drugs too close to the multi-symptom treatment can result in overdosing.
Also, check if the product contains salicylates, a class of drugs used to reduce inflammation. Aspirin is the most common example. Cold and flu remedies containing this type of drug should be used with extreme caution in children and teens due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
When Should I Worry About a Fever?
A fever can be concerning at any age, and a high fever can be particularly scary. You may be unsure if it’s time to get emergency medical attention or if it’s OK to wait and see how things progress. In the end, the rules vary by age group.
Regardless, though, seek medical treatment if a fever is accompanied by severe headache, difficulty breathing, or other concerning symptoms.
When Is a Fever Too High in Adults?
For adults, a fever of 103 degrees F that does not respond to medication should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Seek immediate care if you also have symptoms such as:
Severe headache Severe stomach pain Constant vomiting Trouble breathing Stiff neck Light sensitivity Chest pain Pain with urination Inability to urinate Unusual rash Mental confusion Seizures
Fever in Children Over Age 2
Fevers in children are common. There is usually no cause for alarm as long as the child’s behavior is normal.
A fever over 103 degrees F should prompt a call to their pediatrician.
You should seek immediate care if the:
Fever has lasted more than four or five days The child is less responsive than usual or has poor eye contact with you Fever is accompanied by severe headache, fatigue, vomiting, or other troubling symptoms The child has a fever after having been left in a hot car
Fever in Infants and Babies (Up to Age 2)
For infants and babies, an unexplained fever is always a concern. Seek immediate care if an infant younger than 3 months of age develops any fever, if the child is not acting like themselves, or if you are otherwise concerned.
A few guidelines:
In infants under 3 months old, a temperature over 100. 3 degrees F should be treated right away. In children under 2 years old, fever greater than 102. 2 degrees F warrants a call to the pediatrician.
Summary
Fever can be treated with over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol or Advil, lukewarm baths, and plenty of fluids. You can consider using cold packs if a fever is especially high.
Never use cold baths, alcohol rubdowns, or more than the prescribed dose of any fever medication. Aspirin should not be used for children or teens due to the risk of Reye syndrome.
Knowing when it is time to call a healthcare provider can be confusing since the rules vary by a person’s age. If in doubt, seek medical advice to be on the safe side.
