Fever treatment available online today

A fever means your body has an elevated temperature that is not caused by heat stroke or certain medications, autoimmune or metabolic disorder. In adults, a normal body temperature is 97.9F (36.7C) but it can fluctuate throughout the day For this reason, medical professionals now diagnose a fever for an adult when your temperature is above 100.9F (38.3 C)

For children 3 months of age and older, it is harder to define a fever, but most medical professionals will use the same guidelines as for adults.

For infants 3 months of age (90 days) and younger, fever is defined as a rectal temperature of 100.4 (38.0) or higher. Rectal temperature is the only truly accurate way to measure temperature in an infant.

When you or your child's temperature rises a few degrees, this may be a sign that your body is fighting an infection.

A short-term increase in body temperature can help your body fight off viral and bacterial infections. However, a very high fever or a fever that lasts for several days may be a sign of a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Fever treatment depends on the severity of your fever and any related symptoms. For example, a low-grade fever between 99.5 °F (37.5 °C) and 100.3 °F (38.3 °C) with no other symptoms usually doesn't require medical treatment.

If you're experiencing mild symptoms, such as muscle weakness or dehydration, home treatment can help you manage symptoms. You can minimize discomfort with home remedies:

• Take a lukewarm bath.

• Take fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). People living with chronic liver disease or chronic kidney disease may need to avoid these common fever-reducing medications. Speak to your board-certified primary care doctor online to discuss safe fever treatment options for you.

• Rest as soon as you recognize your fever and drink plenty of fluids to stay well hydrated.

• Never give your child aspirin, as it has been linked to a serious condition called Reye's syndrome. So-called “baby aspirin” refers to a low dose and is not meant to be given to babies or children. In recent years, medical professionals have moved away from using the term baby aspirin, and instead use the term “low dose aspirin” to refer to aspirin less than 325 mg per dose.

In most cases, mild fevers can be treated with simple home remedies. However, a severe fever can be a symptom of a serious condition that requires immediate medical care. You should talk to your doctor if you have:

• A body temperature exceeding 103 °F (39.4 °C)

• A fever that lasts for more than three days

• A serious medical condition such as AIDS, active cancer, or organ or bone marrow transplant (these people should contact their local specialists right away for further instructions)

• Chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, or compromised immune system

• Fever during pregnancy or shortly after delivery

During your appointment, you can get a fever evaluation to determine the cause of your fever. If needed, your doctor can discuss medication to help manage your symptoms.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• A severe headache unlike any you’ve had before 

• Throat swelling making it difficult to speak or swallow 

• A painful blistering or peeling skin rash, especially if the rash quickly worsens 

• Sensitivity to bright light

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Difficulty breathing

• Confusion or disorientation