When we run a fever, it is our body’s way of eliminating a problem. Usually, the best and most normal way to treat a fever is to simply wait it out. However, sometimes a fever can be uncomfortable and quite painful, so it’s good to understand a few things that can help lower a temperature and make the person suffering, a bit more comfortable. This is important because fevers make a body feel achy and exhausted. If you can offer some relief, the patient will rest better and be on the road to recovery much quicker.

Usually when someone has a fever, it is accompanied by any number of other ailments. The most common are: headache, chills, no appetite, vomiting, nausea, digestion issues, to name just a few. The reason for this is that the fever itself is usually not the problem. It’s merely one symptom of a larger ailment, and the symptoms that accompany the fever will present themselves dependent on what the larger problem is.

Usually a fever is a pretty good indication of an infection. However, fevers are also caused by too much sun, an allergy, reaction to an immunization, or because of extremely hot weather. Always keep a close eye on anyone who has a fever. Be sure to take their temperature often to be sure the fever isn’t getting higher.

Also, it’s very important to keep the person hydrated. Chances are the patient won’t want to drink anything due to the fact their stomach is upset. But keeping fluids in their system will assist the body and help it to work more efficiently regulate body temperature so the person will begin to recover quicker.

Extra support is needed if the patient is vomiting or has diarrhea. It is extremely important in those cases to replace fluids to be sure the patient doesn’t dehydrate. Sometimes, a person that can’t drink or keep down water will be able to tolerate flattened soda such as Sprite or 7Up.

In most cases, administering acetaminophen will help to reduce the fever as well as take away some of the aches and pains. Remember - Never give aspirin to anyone with a fever; especially children.

Keep the patient as cool as possible. Although people with a fever usually feel chilled and ask for blankets to keep warm, it will actually have the opposite effect. Blankets keep in the heat, and trap it near the body which prevents the temperature from dropping, and can also raise it. You can offer them a cool room with light clothing or offer them a lukewarm sponge bath or regular bath if they feel up to it.

Most fevers respond well to treatment at home, however, there are cases that sometimes require trained medical help. Always see a doctor for a fever higher than 104 degrees, or one which has sustained for several days.

Also, if the patient is confused, has a rash, convulsions, a stiff neck, difficulty breathing, severe vomiting or diarrhea, or finds it painful to urinate, it’s vital to consult with or see a doctor as soon as possible.