Management of Fevers
So you found that you or your child has a fever. Now what?
So often, our first response is to panic. Seattle Children’s Hospital published THIS article clearing up common myths when it comes to fevers and some of these things may surprise you! When you start to understand how and why fevers are present, it allows reassurance that all as well and that you have the tools to manage it in your own home. Remember, fevers are a natural process to overcome an illness. Sometimes it is best to put your efforts towards making yourself as comfortable as possible while you let your body do its thing. Other times, steps should be taken to manage the fever.
In THIS article, we outlined more information about evaluating fevers and when action should be taken. However here is a quick reminder of the highlights as to when to take action:
In infants under the age of 3 months, a fever greater than 100.4°F should trigger a call to your doctor due to the immature nature of the immune system at that age and a higher change of bacterial infection.
Other age groups, in an otherwise healthy body, the brain has a natural fever shut off point of 105°F. However, if a fever is 104°F or greater, it is recommended to start taking steps to try to lower a fever or contact your healthcare provider.
Any symptoms that seems to progress or become worrisome (especially dehydration) warrants medical intervention.
How to Support Your Body During a Fever
As stated above, our goal isn’t always to lower a fever, but to support our body and give it the best chance possible to overcome an illness. Here are a few steps to take when this happens:
1. Rest: Ensure that the person with the fever gets plenty of rest to help the body recover. This is the first thing on our list because it is one of the most important things (and one of the hardest things!) when it comes to supporting your body while it fights the good fight!
2. Hydration: Encourage fluid intake, such as water, clear broths, electrolytes, and herbal teas, to prevent dehydration. Nursing babies should nurse freely. Older children should be encouraged to drink fluids, but if they are refusing, it may be time to get creative and bring in something like an ice pop. In a pinch, the store bought options are better than nothing and can provide 4 ounces of fluids. If you are into making your own, there are tons of recipes online for electrolyte ice pops. Dehydration can be very dangerous, and once it sets in you would want to call your doctor as it may require medical intervention with IV fluids. Signs of dehydration include: reduced or absent urination, dry tongue, lack of tone in the skin, sunken eyes, pasty appearance to the mouth.
4. Easy to digest foods: Provide nourishing foods like soups, broths, and easily digestible meals. Never force food, but do ensure adequate fluid intake!
5. Supplements to support immune system health: Vitamin C, Zinc, Probiotics, Vitamin D, and NAC can be used if tolerated when illness strikes in an effort to lower the severity and duration of illness. Continuing these for 7-10 days after illness is also helpful in recovery. Dosing is based on age and weight, so talk to your healthcare provider for dosing instructions.
6. The Warming Sock Treatment: I like this title better than “Cold Wet Socks” as they are commonly referred to. This sounds like a crazy idea, but I have tried it on myself when I came down with a nasty bug while on vacation and it worked! Read more about this technique HERE. For purchasing wool socks, THIS page has great options.
How to Reduce a Fever:
So, here you are. Your child (who is older than 3 months) or yourself is at 104°F and you are feeling a little bit nervous. The fever is the only thing concerning you, you have hydration on point, and all other symptoms are in check. A call to your doctor may help to calm your anxiety so now may be a good time to do that. Here are some other steps you can take to try to reduce a fever at home:
1. Lukewarm sponge bath: Gently sponge the body with lukewarm water to help reduce fever. Do not use cold water, ice, or rubbing alcohol as this can lower the body temperature too quickly. Avoid getting chilled when coming out of the bath.
2. Herbal teas: Chamomile, peppermint, and ginger teas may help with tummy trouble, relaxation, and fever reduction. THIS is where I like to purchase my tea from. Aviva Romm has great ideas for utilizing tea. She recommends under the age of 1, you can give tea in 1-2 dropperful at a time up to 1/4 cup. Over the age of 1, you can use 1/4-1 cup every few hours. For children over 1, you can sweeten tea with maple syrup or honey. Just do not use honey in children under the age of 1 due to the potential for infant botulism.
3. Natural Fever reducers such as:
Homeopathic Belladonna 200c which is safe for all ages. Start with 3 pellets every 15 minutes for 3 rounds. If this does not improve symptoms after 3 rounds, this is not an effective remedy at this time. If it does improve symptoms, then continue as needed.
Spearmint leaf Tea: This tea can slightly reduce a fever by causing sweating. Be sure to bump up liquids if sweating occurs to replace fluid loss.
4. Over-the-counter medication: Sometimes the symptoms of a fever such as the body aches and headaches can be too much for people to tolerate. Using anti inflammatories can reduce these symptoms as well as reduce a fever. As my MD father always said, “use these sparingly so that they work when you really need them”. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can be used to lower fever and relieve discomfort. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage for age and weight. The use of these should not be taken lightly as overuse of these options can result in damage to the liver (acetaminophen) or gastritis (ibuprofen).
More often than not, a fever will pass on its own with little you need to do except to rest, hydrate, and nourish. Change favors the prepared mind, so if you have the tools to go toe to toe with illness, hopefully you won’t ever have to use them!
To read more about fevers, check out our other articles:
Read more about managing a fever.