🤒 What To Do When You Have a Fever: A Simple Guide
A fever is your body's natural response to infection, typically a sign that your immune system is fighting off illness. While it can feel uncomfortable, a mild to moderate fever isn’t usually dangerous. Here's what you should do when dealing with a fever.
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### 🌡️ Step 1: Check Your Temperature
Use a digital thermometer to confirm you have a fever:
* **Normal body temp:** \~98.6°F (37°C)
* **Mild fever:** 100.4°F–102°F (38°C–38.9°C)
* **High fever:** 103°F (39.4°C) or more
Seek medical help if:
* Fever is 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
* It lasts more than 3 days
* You have other serious symptoms (chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion)
### 💧 Step 2: Stay Hydrated
Fever causes fluid loss through sweating. Drink plenty of:
* Water
* Oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte)
* Herbal teas or clear broths
Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can dehydrate you further.
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### 🛌 Step 3: Rest and Recover
Let your body focus on healing:
* Get plenty of sleep
* Avoid strenuous activity
* Stay home to prevent spreading illness
### 🧊 Step 4: Stay Cool, Not Cold
* Wear light clothing
* Use a cool compress on your forehead
* Keep your room well-ventilated
* Don’t bundle up too much
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### 💊 Step 5: Use Medication if Needed
Over-the-counter meds can help reduce fever and pain:
* **Acetaminophen (Tylenol)**
* **Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)**
**Important:** Always follow dosing instructions. Avoid giving aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
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### 🚨 When to Call a Doctor:
* Fever in a baby under 3 months (even mild)
* Fever above 104°F (40°C)
* Lasting more than 72 hours
* Severe headache, rash, or neck stiffness
* Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine)
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### 🔚 Final Thoughts:
Fever is usually not dangerous on its own and often goes away in a few days. With proper care—rest, fluids, and safe symptom relief—you’ll likely recover quickly. If you're unsure or symptoms worsen, always consult a healthcare provider.
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