Category: Illness management

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a temperature of 100.4°F or higher is officially classified as a fever. So, should I stay home with a 100.3 fever? The nuanced answer depends on your overall symptoms, not just the thermometer reading.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most fevers are a natural, harmless part of the body's immune response to infection. However, the answer to **how long can you leave a fever untreated?** is not the same for everyone and depends heavily on factors like age, temperature, and accompanying symptoms.

Most fevers, particularly those caused by viral infections, last for one to three days. The timing of when a fever usually breaks is often tied to your body's natural processes, including its circadian rhythm, which causes your temperature to fluctuate throughout the day and night.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a fever is your body's natural defense against infection, deliberately raising its core temperature to fight pathogens. When dealing with this common symptom, many people wonder: **Is it better to be cold or hot with a fever?** The answer depends on which stage of the fever you are in and is often best dictated by how you feel.

When your immune system detects an infection, it sends signals to your brain to increase your body's core temperature. This shift often leads to the dilemma of whether it is better to be cold or warm when you're sick, a question with different answers depending on your body's current state and symptoms.

According to research from Yale University, a warmer core body temperature can boost the immune system's defense mechanisms against the common cold, which provides valuable context for the question: **what temperature should your house be when you are sick**?. The right indoor temperature can significantly aid in your comfort and recovery process, whether you're experiencing fever, chills, or a stuffy nose.

According to the Mayo Clinic, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common side effect of many medications used to treat colds and flu, as well as a symptom of dehydration. This guide provides actionable steps on **how to keep mouth moist when sick**, helping you find comfort during recovery.

Rest is one of the most powerful tools your body has for recovery. When you feel yourself coming down with an illness, prioritizing rest, hydration, and proper nourishment is essential for helping your body get over being sick asap.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual absence rate was 2.1% in 2023, but this doesn't tell the whole story. Determining what is an acceptable level of sickness is a complex decision that involves personal judgment, public health considerations, and ethical responsibility.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of people suffer from a severe illness each year, and knowing the proper course of action is crucial for a safe recovery. This guide will walk you through exactly **what to do when extremely sick?** to manage your symptoms effectively and when to seek emergency help.