How to Get Rid of a Fever Fast

When you were still a kid, your parents probably worry too much whenever they find out that you have a fever. They tell you to rest, take certain medications, and avoid doing this and that. They seem to do all that is possible to get rid of fever fast. But did you know that fever is actually a good thing? It is a clever defense mechanism of our body to combat infection. When a virus or bacteria invades your body, the brain protects you by increasing the body temperature. The hypothalamus, the body’s thermostat, heats up your body in an attempt to kill the cause of infection. Simply put, a fever is a sign that your body is working properly. Can you imagine how can one tell when their body has an infection without fever?

The normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). The body’s temperature usually goes up or down by a degree or two throughout the day. It is usually lower in the morning and goes higher in the evening. If your hypothalamus sets your body temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you have a fever. While fever is necessary to fight infection, it can make you feel uncomfortable and interfere with your daily activities including eating and sleeping. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways on how to get rid of a fever. There are even home remedies for fever that can be found right in your kitchen. Read on to learn all these important tips and information.

1. Keep your body hydrated.

If you consult your doctor when you have fever, this is probably one of the first things he will advise you. Fever can lead to dehydration especially if it is accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. The increase in body temperature also contributes to fluid loss. For adults, it is recommended to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day and 6-8 glasses for children. It can be difficult to convince children to drink plenty of water, but there is a simple solution to this: Give them popsicles or flavoured ices. These will satisfy their sweet tooth while keeping them hydrated at the same time.

2. Cool down.

Fevers and shivers seem to be inseparable. Shivering is the body’s way of creating heat. If you feel chilled, it is normal for you to cover up to make yourself comfortable. But if you are already feeling hot and continue to hide under a pile of blankets and thick clothing, the heat will not be released which will just make you feel more uncomfortable. You can’t sweat out a fever. If you are starting to feel hot, remove those covers and just use a light blanket or clothing.

You can also take a bath or sponge yourself with tepid water. Sitting in a tub of cool water also helps. This is not advisable for infants though, as their bodies cannot handle the sudden change in temperature. You can also try putting a cool, wet cloth on your forehead or an icepack on your head, groin, or armpits.

3. Undress.

This may sound odd for some people but removing your clothes when you have fever allows the sweat glands to release moisture more freely. If your fever is established and shivers are no longer a problem, strip down to your underpants and undershirt to make you feel more comfortable.

4. Take medications.

If you have fever that is high and makes you feel very uncomfortable, your doctor may advise you to take medicine. Three of the most common medicines recommended to get rid of fever are acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen. Remember, though, that you should not let a child less than 19 years of age to take aspirin. Doing so puts your child under the risk of a fatal condition known as Reye syndrome. Give acetaminophen to your child instead.

5. Just wait.

As mentioned above, fever is important in keeping your body less friendly to invaders. If your fever is not unusually high, do not panic and just let the fever run its course. Eventually, the cause of fever will be treated and rushing to bring down fever will be unnecessary.

Home Remedies for Fever

There are home remedies for fever that will help you feel more comfortable throughout your battle with infection.

• Pineapple. Fruits must be part of your daily diet and pineapple deserves a special mention when you have a fever. Pineapple is the most potent anti-inflammatory provided by nature and is very effective in treating fever naturally.
• Raisins. Extracts from raisins are used to cure fever. Put a cup of chopped raisins in 8 cups of water. Boil it, and then simmer until the water is reduced by one-third. Drink the raisin water to get rid of fever.
• Holy Basil or Tulsi. Boil Holy Basil leaves in two cups of water. You can add a small amount of sugar or honey to make the taste better. Drink it to lower your body temperature.
• Oregano. You can make an oregano tea by steeping 1 teaspoon of oregano in boiling water for 30 minutes. Strain, and drink the tea to help reduce fever.
• Garlic. Soak garlic in hot water then drink it. Garlic helps promote sweating and gets rid of toxins from the body.

Reducing Fever

Remember that fever is your body’s way of informing you that you are infected and that fever is essential to get rid of this infection. Rushing to bring down fever may not be the best way to handle the situation. This may interfere with the body’s function of eliminating harmful agents from the system. The remedies mentioned above are aimed at making you feel comfortable as much as possible during your battle with fever.

So relax and stay cool. Before you know it, the thermometer will tell you that your temperature is back to normal and your fever is gone!

You may also like..