Because a fever can indicate a serious illness in a young infant, especially two months of age or younger, your baby might be admitted to the hospital for testing and treatment. Show
Fever of unknown originWhen a fever lasts for more than three weeks — constantly or on several occasions — and there is no clear cause, it's usually called a fever of unknown origin. In these cases, you may need to see specialists in one or more medical fields for further evaluations and tests. More Information
TreatmentFor a low-grade fever, your care provider may not recommend taking medications to lower your body temperature. These minor fevers may be helpful in reducing the number of microbes causing your illness. Fevers above 102 F (38.9 C) tend to cause discomfort and often require treatment. Over-the-counter medicationsIn the case of a high fever or a fever that causes discomfort, your care provider may recommend nonprescription medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others). Use these medications according to the label instructions or as recommended by your health care provider. Be careful not to take too much. High doses or long-term use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen may cause liver or kidney damage, and acute overdoses can be fatal. Don't give aspirin to children, because it may trigger a rare, but potentially fatal, disorder known as Reye's syndrome. These medications will usually lower your temperature, but you may still have a mild fever. It may take 1 to 2 hours for the medication to work. Call your care provider if your fever doesn't improve, even after taking medication. Prescription medicationsYour health care provider may prescribe other medications based on the cause of your illness. Treating the underlying cause may lessen signs and symptoms, including fever. Treatment of infantsInfants, especially those younger than two months old, might need to be admitted to the hospital for testing and treatment. In babies this young, a fever could indicate a serious infection that requires intravenous (IV) medications and round-the-clock monitoring. More Information
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Lifestyle and home remediesYou can try a number of things to make yourself or your child more comfortable during a fever:
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Preparing for your appointmentYour appointment may be with your family doctor, pediatrician or other care provider. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your care provider. What you can do
For a fever, some basic questions to ask your provider include:
Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment as they occur to you. What to expect from your doctorBe prepared to answer questions, such as:
By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Symptoms & causesDoctors & departments May 07, 2022 Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references
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AdvertisementMayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. What helps break fevers in adults?Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. Call the doctor if the fever is accompanied by a severe headache, stiff neck, shortness of breath, or other unusual signs or symptoms. If you're uncomfortable, take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a fever?Self-treatment suggestions for fever. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen in appropriate doses to help bring your temperature down.. Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water.. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these drinks can cause slight dehydration.. Sponge exposed skin with tepid water. ... . Avoid taking cold baths or showers.. How do you break a fever fast in adults?You can break a fever by getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids, using blankets if you have shivers or an ice pack if you're too hot, and by taking medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
How long does it take for a fever to break in adults?Most fevers usually go away by themselves after 1 to 3 days. A persistent or recurrent fever may last or keep coming back for up to 14 days. A fever that lasts longer than normal may be serious even if it is only a slight fever.
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