Feed a Fever?

Q:  What are some tactics for coping with a fever?

A:  Surprisingly, fever is caused by a substance made by our own cells. This chemical then acts on the temperature regulating center in the brain to raise body temperature, presumably to make the environment of germs less hospitable and hastening their departure.

Despite being uncomfortable, fever is generally not harmful unless temperatures higher than 105 degrees are sustained.

To cope with a fever:

1. Replace the fluids lost through perspiration by drinking lots of water.

2. Make sure that you continue to eat to meet increased energy requirements (assuming vomiting is not a part of your illness).

3. Take medications to reduce the temperature such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen for children with the inclusion of aspirin for adults only.

4. Buy a thermometer and measuring your temperature every three to four hours.

5. Take a sponge bath in lukewarm water.

If the fever is moderate (below 104 degrees), the steps outlined are reasonable for the first 24 hours. Your doctor should be called for any rise in temperature in children less than 3 months of age, in anyone experiencing confusion or in the case of a severe illness accompanying the fever.

"Your Health" provides easy-to-understand information about common health conditions.