A range of thermometers is available for purchase online. It is important to catch fevers in infants and children early, before their temperatures become very high. A fever in a child is any temperature over Older children may show many of the same symptoms as adults. The treatment options for a fever usually involve addressing the underlying cause and controlling any symptoms.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can usually help reduce a fever and its accompanying symptoms, such as pain. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps combat the effects of the fever and prevent dehydration. It may also be helpful to drink soup broth. If a fever results from exertion or heatstroke, medications may not help. Instead, a person needs to cool down.
Sitting in a cool room may help, but avoid extreme temperatures. Do not cool off by taking a very cold bath or shower, for example. A cold bath or shower can cause a person to shiver, raising their body temperature even higher. However, sponging the body with lukewarm or cool water may help, as the water will evaporate and cool the skin.
A fever often requires no medical treatment. It will usually go down on its own in time. People can, however, focus on relieving their other symptoms. Children may need to see a doctor sooner than this.
Infants younger than 3 months old should receive medical attention if they have a rectal fever of over Also, anyone who has had a fever for more than 48 hours should see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
If a person has any of these symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommend that they stay at home and, as much as possible, stay away from other people. If they also start to experience the following symptoms, they or someone nearby should call the emergency services and let the operator know that they may have COVID A thermometer is the most accurate tool for diagnosing a fever, but other techniques can also help a person tell.
A fever usually resolves on its own. However, a person should see a doctor if a fever is very high or does not go down after 48 hours. Flu is a respiratory illness that a virus causes. It is highly contagious and can be life threatening for some people. Learn more about how to…. What causes a fever, when does a fever need treatment, and what are the different ways to break a fever?
Learn when a doctor should be called. Normal body temperature is around In this article, we look at normal body temperature ranges in…. Are you clammy? The symptoms of a fever can get even more tricky in infants and toddlers. The most common symptoms of fever include:. Keep reading to learn the different ways to check your temperature, plus tips on how to bring a fever down and more.
Other common symptoms of COVID include shortness of breath and a dry cough that gradually becomes more severe. For most people, these symptoms will resolve on their own, and no medical attention is needed. However, you should contact emergency services if you experience difficulty breathing, confusion, blue lips, or persistent chest pain.
Oral thermometers are used to take a temperature in the mouth. They usually have a digital readout, beep when the reading is complete, and may even alert you if the temperature is high enough to be considered a fever. Taking a temperature by mouth is a better option for adults than for children and babies. This can be difficult for children and babies to do. Ear-based thermometers measure the temperature of the tympanic membrane.
This is known as the eardrum. Although medical professionals often use them, you can use an ear-based thermometer at home too. An ear-based thermometer uses a digital readout and delivers results in seconds. Babies older than 6 months, children, and adults can use one. A study found that this type of thermometer is as effective as a mercury-in-glass thermometer.
Because it uses infrared radiation, the thermometer can get a reading if the sensor is pointing toward the ear canal. You can get a rectal temperature by gently inserting a thermometer into your rectum. You can also purchase online a rectal thermometer with a small tip to use for a baby.
It can reduce the risk of injuring your baby. A study found that a rectal temperature reading is more accurate than an oral or ear-based one. Rectal thermometers are the best choice for young children, especially those under the age of 6 months.
In fact, many pediatricians will request you take a rectal temperature before seeing them for a fever in a baby. A fever is usually when your body temperature is You may feel warm, cold or shivery. Most fevers aren't in themselves life-threatening, however there are certain times where you may need to seek medical advice. If any of the following apply to you and you have a fever, please contact your GP practice immediately:. If you have a fever and any of the following medical conditions you should contact your GP practice immediately.
If you're concerned about coronavirus COVID , be mindful of our ibuprofen advice on the coronavius page. Most fevers will improve of their own accord in a few days. However, there are a number of things you can do to help the uncomfortable feelings associated with a fever. Fever affects people of all ages, however it often affects babies and younger children in response to minor illnesses such as:. Find out more about fever in children.
Return to Symptoms. Next Review Date:. Home Illnesses and conditions Infections and poisoning Fever in adults. Fever in adults. Only phone if your symptoms are severe. You can find out if you have a fever by using a thermometer to take your temperature.
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