Knock down your Fever
We all know how bad it can feel to have a fever. With the winter upon us it seems that this is a problem that all of us will have to deal with on a more frequent, or probable, basis, and that said it will do us good to look into some of the ways we can fight a fever at home. The Mayo clinic offers the following suggestions for fighting a fever:
- Drink plenty of fluids. Fever can cause fluid loss and dehydration, so drink water, juices or broth. For a child under age 1, use an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte. These solutions contain water and salts proportioned to replenish fluids and electrolytes. Pedialyte ice pops also are available.
- Rest. It’s necessary for recovery, and activity can raise your body temperature.
- Stay cool. Dress in light clothing, keep the room temperature cool and sleep with only a sheet or light blanket.
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Use according to the label instructions or as recommended by your doctor, and be careful to avoid taking too much. High doses or long-term use of acetaminophen may cause liver or kidney damage, and acute overdoses can be fatal. If you’re not able to get your child’s fever down, don’t give more medication; call your doctor instead. For temperatures below 102 F (38.9 C), don’t use fever-lowering drugs unless advised by your doctor.
- Soak in lukewarm water. Especially for high temperatures, a lukewarm five- to 10-minute soak or giving your child a sponge bath can be cooling. Do not use alcohol. And if the bath causes shivering, stop the bath and dry your child. Shivering raises the body’s internal temperature — shaking muscles generate heat.
These methods are a great first step towards combating illness, but if you need to see a doctor because of a fever you will be thankful that you have North Carolina health insurance through blue cross blue shield of North Carolina on your side!
