Category: Health & Safety

⚡ Managing A Fever Safely

A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature, usually caused by the body responding to an infection or illness. A temperature of 100.4°F, or 38°C, or higher is generally considered a fever.

The temperature number is only part of the picture. How the person looks, breathes, responds, drinks, urinates, and behaves can be more important than the exact reading.

Call 911 If the Person Has

Severe difficulty breathing
Blue, gray, or extremely pale lips or skin
Loss of consciousness
A seizure lasting five minutes or longer
Severe confusion
A stiff neck with severe headache or altered awareness
A purple or red rash that does not fade when pressed
Signs of shock
Severe weakness or inability to wake normally
A temperature of 103°F or higher with confusion, collapse, or possible heat stroke
Fever after a dangerous chemical exposure or overdose

A dangerously high body temperature caused by heat exposure is not the same as a fever from infection. Suspected heat stroke requires immediate cooling and a 911 call.

Take the Temperature Correctly

Use a digital thermometer and follow its instructions.

Possible measurement locations include:

Mouth
Armpit
Rectum
Ear
Forehead

Temperatures can vary depending on where and how they are measured. Tell the healthcare professional which method you used.

Do not use a glass mercury thermometer. Do not rely only on touching the forehead.

Clean the thermometer before and after use according to its instructions.

Helpful Resources: Browse Temperature & Basic Health Monitoring for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Caring for a Fever at Home

If the person is alert and does not have emergency symptoms:

Encourage rest.
Offer fluids regularly.
Dress them in lightweight clothing.
Keep the room comfortably cool.
Use a light blanket if they have chills.
Monitor temperature and symptoms.
Encourage small amounts of food as tolerated.
Follow medication instructions carefully.

Do not bundle the person in heavy clothing or blankets in an attempt to “sweat out” the fever.

Prevent Dehydration

Offer fluids according to the person’s health needs.

Possible options include:

Water
Oral rehydration solution
Clear broth
Ice chips
Other appropriate fluids

Watch for:

Dry mouth
Dark urine
Reduced urination
Dizziness
Weakness
Lack of tears in a child
Fewer wet diapers
Confusion

People with heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, or a prescribed fluid restriction should follow their healthcare plan. Ask for professional guidance rather than encouraging large amounts of fluid.

Using Fever-Reducing Medication

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may reduce fever and discomfort when appropriate.

Read the entire label.
Use the correct dose for the person’s age and weight.
Use the measuring device supplied with liquid medication.
Record the dose and time.
Check whether other medicines contain the same ingredient.
Ask a pharmacist about medication interactions.
Follow the person’s healthcare instructions.

Do not give more medication because the fever has not returned to normal. The goal is comfort and safe treatment, not necessarily eliminating every degree of fever.

Medication Warnings

Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers with a fever or possible viral illness.
Do not give ibuprofen to an infant under six months unless a healthcare professional directs you.
Ask before using ibuprofen in someone with kidney disease, stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, severe dehydration, or certain other conditions.
Ask before using acetaminophen in someone with liver disease or significant alcohol use.
Do not alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen unless a healthcare professional provides a clear schedule.
Do not use adult medication doses for children.
Do not combine cold, flu, and fever products without checking the active ingredients.

Medication errors can cause poisoning. If too much medication may have been given, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Do Not Use Dangerous Cooling Methods

Do not:

Use ice baths.
Apply ice directly to the skin.
Use rubbing alcohol on the skin.
Force the person into very cold water.
Use cold-water sponging that causes shivering.
Wrap the person in heavy blankets.

If a healthcare professional recommends bathing or sponging, use lukewarm water. Stop if the person begins shivering.

Fever in a Baby

Contact a healthcare professional immediately for a rectal temperature of 100.4°F, or 38°C, or higher in a baby younger than three months.

Do not give fever medication to a young infant unless a healthcare professional directs you.

Seek immediate care if a baby:

Is difficult to wake
Is not feeding
Has difficulty breathing
Has a seizure
Has fewer wet diapers
Has a bulging soft spot
Has a concerning rash
Appears very weak, limp, or unusually irritable

Young infants can become seriously ill without developing a very high temperature.

Fever in Children

Contact a pediatric healthcare professional if:

The child is younger than two and the fever persists.
The fever lasts several days.
The child is not drinking.
Urination decreases.
Vomiting or diarrhea is persistent.
Severe pain develops.
The child has a weakened immune system or significant medical condition.
The child improves and then becomes worse.
You are concerned about the child’s appearance or behavior.

A child who is playing, drinking, urinating, and interacting normally may be less concerning than a child with a lower temperature who is difficult to wake or breathe.

If a Febrile Seizure Occurs

Some young children have seizures triggered by fever.

Place the child on a safe surface.
Move nearby objects away.
Protect the head.
Do not restrain the child.
Do not put anything in the mouth.
Time the seizure.
Place the child on their side after the movements stop.
Check breathing.
Seek medical evaluation.

Call 911 if the seizure lasts five minutes or longer, breathing is abnormal, another seizure begins, the child is injured, or this is the first known seizure.

Contact a Healthcare Professional Promptly If

Fever lasts longer than expected.
Symptoms are worsening.
Severe headache or significant neck pain develops.
Breathing becomes difficult.
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea occurs.
The person cannot keep fluids down.
Urination becomes limited.
A new rash appears.
Pain is severe.
The person has a weakened immune system.
The person recently had surgery or a medical procedure.
Fever develops after international travel.
Fever occurs during pregnancy.
The person takes medication that suppresses the immune system.
An older adult develops sudden confusion or weakness.
The person improves and then becomes worse.

Follow any condition-specific instructions provided by the person’s healthcare professional.

Prevent Spreading Illness

Wash hands with soap and water.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Avoid sharing drinks, utensils, and towels.
Clean frequently touched surfaces.
Stay home while actively ill.
Wear a mask when appropriate.
Follow healthcare instructions about testing and returning to school or work.
Avoid preparing food for others while vomiting or having diarrhea.

The appropriate precautions depend on what is causing the fever.

Quick Fever-Safety Checklist

Measure the temperature with a digital thermometer.
Pay attention to behavior, breathing, drinking, and urination.
Encourage rest and appropriate fluids.
Use lightweight clothing.
Give medication only when appropriate.
Check every medication’s active ingredients.
Never give aspirin to a child or teenager with a viral illness.
Do not use ice baths or rubbing alcohol.
Contact a professional immediately for a fever in a baby under three months.
Call 911 for serious breathing problems, severe confusion, unconsciousness, or a prolonged seizure.
Call Poison Control after a possible medication overdose.

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Important Health & Safety Notice

The information in this guide is provided for general educational purposes only. Independence Answers is not a medical provider, and this content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or supervision. Always follow the instructions of your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have a medical condition, take medication, or are unsure whether an action is safe for you.

Do not ignore or delay seeking professional care because of something you read here. If you believe someone may be experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.