How to cure body pain in fever? Effective Remedies and Relief

October 2, 2025 •

3 min read

As many as 90% of adults experience body aches when fighting a fever, a common symptom of the body's inflammatory response. Understanding how to cure body pain in fever effectively is key to a more comfortable and faster recovery.

Quick Summary

Managing body pain during a fever involves combining rest, proper hydration, over-the-counter pain relief, and applying gentle heat or cool compresses. These strategies support your immune system and help reduce the discomfort of aches and muscle soreness.

Key Points

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of clear fluids like water, broth, and herbal tea to combat dehydration, which can worsen body pain.
Get Ample Rest: Give your body the time and energy it needs to fight the infection and repair itself by resting and getting enough sleep.
Consider OTC Pain Relievers: Use medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to dosage instructions to reduce both fever and body aches.
Use Warm or Cool Compresses: Apply warm compresses to sore muscles for relaxation or cool compresses to the forehead for comfort and to reduce fever sensation.
Know Your Medications: Understand the differences between acetaminophen and NSAIDs like ibuprofen, especially regarding their anti-inflammatory properties and potential side effects.
Seek Medical Advice When Needed: Consult a doctor if your fever is very high, lasts more than three days, or is accompanied by severe, worsening pain or other concerning symptoms.

Understanding the Connection: Why Fever Causes Body Pain

When your body fights an infection, your immune system releases chemicals called prostaglandins. These compounds cause the body's temperature to rise, resulting in a fever. They also trigger inflammation, which can lead to widespread body aches and muscle soreness. Dehydration, another common symptom of fever, can exacerbate this pain as muscles lack the necessary fluids to function optimally.

At-Home Remedies for Easing Body Aches

Stay Hydrated

Staying well-hydrated is one of the most important steps you can take. Fever and sweating can quickly lead to dehydration, intensifying body pain. Focus on clear fluids to help your body fight the infection and replenish lost liquids.

Water: The most basic and essential fluid for hydration.
Herbal Tea: Chamomile or ginger tea can be soothing and anti-inflammatory.
Broth or Soup: Replenishes fluids and electrolytes lost through sweating.
Oral Rehydration Solutions: Consider these if you're unable to keep fluids down.

Prioritize Rest

Your body needs energy to fight off the illness. Pushing yourself too hard will only prolong your recovery and worsen muscle aches. Dedicate time to rest, and allow your body the chance to heal.

Get Plenty of Sleep: Sleep is essential for immune function and tissue repair.
Avoid Strenuous Activity: Rest in bed or on the couch to conserve energy.

Use Temperature to Your Advantage

Applying gentle, localized temperature changes can help soothe sore muscles.

Lukewarm Bath: A lukewarm bath (not cold, as that can cause shivering and raise your body temperature further) can be very relaxing for achy muscles.
Warm Compresses: Place a warm, damp cloth or a heating pad on specific sore spots for temporary relief.
Cool Compresses: A cool, damp washcloth on your forehead or neck can help reduce the feeling of fever and provide comfort.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication Options

Over-the-counter medications can be highly effective in managing both fever and body pain. It's crucial to follow dosage instructions carefully and consult a doctor if you have underlying health conditions.

Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol)

This medication is effective for reducing both fever and pain. It works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the brain. It is generally safe for most people when taken as directed but can be hard on the liver with excessive use.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (e.g., Aleve) work by reducing inflammation throughout the body, making them particularly effective for inflammation-related body pain. NSAIDs should be used cautiously by individuals with kidney or stomach problems.

Medication Comparison: Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen


Feature	Acetaminophen	Ibuprofen (NSAID)
Primary Action	Reduces fever and pain; not anti-inflammatory	Reduces fever, pain, and inflammation
How It Works	Blocks pain signals in the brain	Blocks enzymes that cause inflammation
Use with Fever	Yes, effective fever reducer	Yes, effective fever reducer
Effect on Pain	Good for general body aches	Excellent for inflammation-related pain
Primary Cautions	Liver toxicity with overuse	Kidney and stomach issues; use with food
Use with Kids	Yes, in child-specific formulations	Yes, in child-specific formulations

When to Seek Professional Medical Advice

While many fevers resolve on their own with home care, there are times when medical intervention is necessary. You should contact a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:

Fever that persists for more than three days.
A very high fever (over 103°F or 39.4°C).
Body pain that is severe or localized and doesn't improve with medication.
Difficulty breathing or chest pain.
Stiff neck, severe headache, or sensitivity to light.
Confusion or altered mental state.
New or unexplained rash.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Recovery

Learning how to cure body pain in fever effectively involves a combination of supportive home care and, when necessary, over-the-counter medication. Remember to rest, hydrate, and use gentle temperature therapies to soothe your discomfort. For more detailed information on specific medication guidelines, you can visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website. By taking these steps and knowing when to consult a medical professional, you can navigate your fever with more comfort and get back to feeling like yourself again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Body pain during a fever is primarily caused by your immune system's response to an infection. It releases inflammatory chemicals, such as prostaglandins, which can cause muscle aches and soreness. Dehydration can also contribute to the discomfort.

For localized muscle aches, a warm compress can be soothing. For overall comfort and to help cool the body, a cool compress on the forehead or neck can be beneficial. Avoid extremely cold compresses, as they can cause shivering and raise your body temperature.

Yes, dehydration can significantly worsen body pain. Sweating due to a fever depletes your body's fluid and electrolyte levels. Without sufficient fluids, muscles can cramp and ache more intensely, which is why staying hydrated is so important.

Focus on easily digestible foods and fluids. Broths, soups, and nourishing liquids help keep you hydrated and provide electrolytes. Bland foods like toast, bananas, and rice can also be gentle on your stomach while providing energy for recovery.

The duration of body aches depends on the underlying illness. For common viral infections like the flu, body aches often peak in the first few days and then gradually subside as your body fights off the infection. If they persist for more than a few days, consult a doctor.

Besides staying hydrated and resting, some people find relief from natural remedies. Herbal teas like ginger or chamomile are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. A lukewarm bath with Epsom salts can also help relax sore muscles.

While common, you should see a doctor if you experience a very high fever (above 103°F), persistent fever for more than three days, severe or localized pain, stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, or a rash.