Three things to do to break a fever and three things you shouldn’t
Has the sight of someone around you coughing and sneezing become common?
If yes, know it’s officially the season of cold and flu. And the rise
in body’s temperature can make one feel even more uncomfortable. But the
good news is there is nothing to worry about it. Here we tell you four
easy ways to reduce a fever associated with cold and flu and feel better
fast.
Drink a lot of fluids
This is the first thing that
doctors tell us when we complain of cold and flu. This is because higher
body temperature can lead to dehydration quickly. You can have warm
water, juices, coconut water, teas and more. If you have flu, aim for at
least 8 to 12 glasses in a day. Drinking more liquids also helps your
body get rid of toxins.
Rest rest and restStaying active can actually raise
your body temperature. Resting will help reduce the temperature and
will help in faster recovery. Though medication is not always needed,
you must consult a doctor if your body temperature is more than 102 F.
Consult your doctor if your fever is accompanied with unbearable body
ache, headache, stiff neck, shortness of breath, vomiting or any other
unusual signs and symptoms.
Take a bathYou can ask someone to place a damp
towel on your forehead and the back of your neck to lower your fever.
You can also try taking a sponge bath with water to reduce the fever
quickly. Do not try a cold bath without your doctor’s permission as that
might lead to shivering, which might further increase your body
temperature. Water should be of comfortable temperature as that will
help you relax and will bring down your body's temperature.
What you shouldn’t do when you have a fever
Rubbing the body with alcoholThis is a very old technique to reduce fever, which is not at all safe. The technique is not only ineffective but can also lead to alcohol poisoning.
Take an ice bathAs we explained earlier that taking a bath might help in reducing the temperature but an ice-cold bath can lead to shivering of the body and rise in the body temperature.
What you shouldn’t do when you have a fever
Rubbing the body with alcoholThis is a very old technique to reduce fever, which is not at all safe. The technique is not only ineffective but can also lead to alcohol poisoning.
Take an ice bathAs we explained earlier that taking a bath might help in reducing the temperature but an ice-cold bath can lead to shivering of the body and rise in the body temperature.
Double up the medicationsDoubling up the medication
or taking two different types at one time is not only ineffective but
can be dangerous too. It won’t bring down your body temperature quickly
and might even harm your body organs.
When to see the doctor for kids
Children between 0 to 3 months – If the temperature is 100.4 F or higher.
Children between 3 to 6 months – If the temperature is above 102 F and they are sleepy or irritable. Children between 6 to 24 months – If the temperature is above 102F and lasts for more than a day. If they have any other symptoms like rash, vomiting or diarrhoea, you can check with the doctor sooner.
When to see the doctor for kids
Children between 0 to 3 months – If the temperature is 100.4 F or higher.
Children between 3 to 6 months – If the temperature is above 102 F and they are sleepy or irritable. Children between 6 to 24 months – If the temperature is above 102F and lasts for more than a day. If they have any other symptoms like rash, vomiting or diarrhoea, you can check with the doctor sooner.