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How can I Bring Down my Fever?

Diana Bocco
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 54,824
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A fever is the body's way of telling you that something is wrong. It can start for a variety of reasons, from simple problems such as the common cold and gastroenteritis, to serious conditions like HIV and Hodgkin's disease. Fevers can also be the body's response to drug discontinuation or internal infections.

The normal reaction is to try to bring down a fever as soon as it appears. Common sense dictates that you should do some research before taking any steps, however. Some medical experts even argue that a fever may be beneficial, since it can help the body deal with certain infections and illnesses.

If you decide to try and reduce a fever, you may want to start with home remedies. Some popular preparations that have proven valuable include teas made of coriander, ginger or cumin. Soups made with bitter gourd or snake gourd are also said to help relieve a fever. Drinking a lot of fluids to prevent dehydration and taking a lot of time to rest will help give your body the strength to fight the underlying problem better.

Most over-the-counter pain relievers, including acetaminophen (paracetamol) and ibuprofen can also help fight a fever. Children 12 and under should not take aspirin because it can potentially trigger Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition.

Fevers over 103°F (39.4°C) may indicate a bacterial infection and should be checked by a medical practitioner if they persist for more than 72 hours. Unusual behavior such as lethargy can indicate a serious problem in children, especially if his or her temperature doesn't go down over a period of a few hours.

Taking a warm shower or bath may also help. You shouldn't, however, stay in the water for longer than 10 minutes and you should make sure the water is not too cold, as this could cause shock if you have a very high temperature. Sponging the body with lukewarm water can also help, especially with small children. With rest and minimal care, you should be back on your feet in no time.

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Diana Bocco
By Diana Bocco
Diana Bocco, a versatile writer with a distinct voice, creates compelling long-form and short-form content for various businesses. With a data-focused approach and a talent for sharing engaging stories, Diana’s written work gets noticed and drives results.

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Discussion Comments
By anon266006 — On May 03, 2012

Can I continue to take paracetamol even if I don't have a fever anymore, just to make sure the fever doesn't come back. Is that right?

By anon134009 — On Dec 13, 2010

You do realize that 'Acetaminophen' *is* 'Paracetamol', it just goes by a different name in the US and a couple of other countries?

By anon121950 — On Oct 26, 2010

Since you're asking this question, you've probably already heard what may or may not happen when mixing the two. If you're needing paracetamol, then your best bet would be to drink it with water. Your body will thank you a whole lot more.

By anon90257 — On Jun 15, 2010

i am 14 years old but i can't lower my temperature. it doesn't go down more than 39.5 c. what can i do to reduce it? please help.

By bestcity — On Jun 17, 2008

Fever usually does not create a major medical problem for adults unless it climbs to 105 degrees F or above. One should ask for medical help, if the temperature can not be lowered.

One should also contact a doctor if the temperature persists, or if fever is accompanied by headache, stiff neck or confusion. Those might be signs of serious medical issues that should be treated by a doctor.

For children of course the rules are even stricter. Medical attention should be sought if a baby has fever of 100 degrees F or above, or for a child when fever lasts more then a full day.

Since dehydration is likely, drinking plenty of liquid is a must.

By anon10758 — On Apr 02, 2008

what happen if one drinks coca cola with paracetamol?

Diana Bocco
Diana Bocco
Diana Bocco, a versatile writer with a distinct voice, creates compelling long-form and short-form content for various...
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