Let’s talk about fevers. It’s that one sign we all think of when we want to know if we are sick. While a fever is a good indicator of some bug or something more serious lurking, it’s not the end all be all. But let’s dig into the fever because there are a lot of myths about what a fever is, what it means, and how you treat it.
While the normal human temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, that can fluctuate depending on many factors. We don’t call a high temperature a fever until it reaches 100.4°F (38°C).
The most common cause of a fever is viral or bacterial infections. Some of the infections we look for when a patient presents with a true fever are UTIs, pneumonia, COVID-19, Flu, RSV, and Strep.
The first-line treatments for fevers are acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids and to get plenty of rest so your immune system can work more efficiently to fight off whatever bug is causing the fever. You can also use a cool, damp washcloth on your forehead, or take a lukewarm bath to help bring down your temperature. Make sure to avoid ice-cold baths as they can cause shivering, which may raise body temperature. Wear light clothing and use a light blanket. Avoid heavy blankets as they can cause overheating.
Without question, if your baby is younger than one month old and has a fever, they need to be taken to the Emergency Room.
Some other notes:
Avoid using Aspirin with kids as there is a risk of Reye’s Syndrome.
You can alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen every three hours.
When to go to the ER:
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Severe headache or neck stiffness
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Rash, especially if it’s painful or spreading
- Confusion or disorientation
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Fever Myths:
There are several myths about fever that are important to clear up:
- Myth 1: “You should always treat a fever to make it go away.”
- Fact: Fever is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection. It’s important to manage it if it’s uncomfortable or very high, but not all fevers need to be completely eliminated.
- Myth 2: “Cold baths or ice will help bring a fever down.”
- Fact: Very cold water can cause shivering, which raises body temperature. Lukewarm water is best for cooling.
- Myth 3: “Fever is harmful and can cause brain damage.”
- Fact: While very high temperatures (above 105°F or 40.5°C) can be dangerous, most fevers below this level are not harmful and are part of the body’s normal response to infection.
If you have a fever and would like us to visit you in the comfort of your home to give you a thorough examination and help you figure out what is causing the fever, call us today at 786-577-9302