How to Navigate a High Temperature: What to do if I am feeling a fever?

September 28, 2025 •

4 min read

An elevated body temperature is often a sign your immune system is actively fighting an infection, and it's a very common experience. Asking yourself, "What to do if I am feeling a fever?," is the first step toward effective self-care and managing the discomfort associated with a high temperature.

Quick Summary

When you have a fever, the most important actions include prioritizing rest, staying hydrated with fluids like water and broths, and considering over-the-counter fever reducers to ease discomfort. Monitoring your symptoms and understanding when to seek medical attention is crucial for a safe recovery.

Key Points

Prioritize Rest: Giving your body time to rest is one of the most effective ways to help it fight off an infection.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, broth, and electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration, which can worsen fever symptoms.
Consider OTC Meds: Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce your fever and alleviate discomfort like headaches and body aches.
Monitor for Severe Symptoms: Watch for warning signs such as a very high temperature, stiff neck, confusion, or breathing difficulty that indicate a need for immediate medical attention.
Know When to Call the Doctor: High-risk individuals, infants under three months, or those with a fever that lasts more than a few days should contact a healthcare provider.

Understanding the Basics of a Fever

A fever is not an illness in itself, but rather a symptom that your body is working hard to fight off an infection. Your body’s internal thermostat, located in the hypothalamus, increases your temperature setting in response to foreign invaders like viruses or bacteria. This elevated temperature creates an environment less hospitable for these pathogens and helps rally your immune response.

What Constitutes a Fever?

While a "normal" body temperature can fluctuate, a fever in adults is generally considered an oral temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. In infants and young children, this threshold can differ, and any fever in an infant under three months warrants immediate medical attention.

Immediate Actions: What to do if I am feeling a fever

When you first notice a fever, several steps can help you manage your symptoms and feel more comfortable. The primary goals are to support your body's natural defense mechanisms while alleviating the associated discomforts like aches and fatigue.

Prioritize Rest

Getting plenty of rest is one of the most effective strategies for fever management. Your body needs energy to fight the underlying infection, and resting allows it to focus its resources on recovery. Consider taking a sick day from work or school to prevent spreading germs and to give your body the time it needs to heal.

Focus on Hydration

A fever can lead to sweating, which increases your risk of dehydration. Maintaining your fluid intake is critical for overall recovery. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Other excellent hydrating options include clear broths, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich beverages.

Stay away from: Sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine, as these can contribute to dehydration.
Try small sips: If you feel nauseous, try taking small, frequent sips of fluid to prevent overwhelming your stomach.

Manage Your Temperature

Supporting your body's temperature regulation can improve comfort, but avoid extreme measures.

Wear lightweight clothing: Dress in loose, comfortable clothing to help your body stay cool and prevent overheating.
Use a light blanket: While you may feel cold with chills, covering up excessively can trap heat. Use a light blanket until the chills subside.
Try a lukewarm bath: A lukewarm bath or sponging down with tepid water can help gently cool your skin and provide temporary relief. Avoid cold baths or showers, as the shock can cause shivering that actually raises your core temperature.
Use a cool compress: A cool, wet washcloth on your forehead, wrists, or neck can also help provide temporary comfort.

Over-the-Counter Medication Options

For many adults and children over six months, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help reduce fever and alleviate body aches. However, the primary purpose of these medications is to improve comfort, not to completely eliminate the fever, which is a normal immune response.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol): An analgesic and antipyretic that reduces pain and fever by acting in the brain. It's generally processed by the liver.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain, fever, and inflammation throughout the body. It is processed by the kidneys.

Medication Comparison Table


Feature	Acetaminophen (Tylenol)	Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Mechanism	Acts in the brain to reduce pain and fever	NSAID; reduces pain, fever, and inflammation
Inflammation	Not an anti-inflammatory agent	Effective against inflammation
Organ Metabolism	Primarily processed by the liver	Primarily processed by the kidneys
Best For	General pain, headaches, fever reduction	Inflammation-related pain (e.g., muscle aches, menstrual cramps), fever
Children	Safe for children over 6 months; works well	Safe for children over 6 months; tends to work better for fever

Note: Always read the labels carefully and do not exceed the recommended dosage. Avoid giving aspirin to children under 16 due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. If you have underlying health conditions, consult your doctor before taking any medication.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most fevers resolve on their own within a few days, it’s crucial to recognize when a fever warrants professional medical evaluation. Seek medical help promptly if you have a fever accompanied by severe symptoms or if you belong to a high-risk group.

For Adults

Contact a healthcare provider if your fever is:

103°F (39.4°C) or higher.
Lasting longer than three days.
Accompanied by any of the following:
- Severe headache or stiff neck.
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain.
- Mental confusion or unusual sensitivity to light.
- A rash.
- Seizures or convulsions.
- Persistent vomiting.

For Infants and Children

Call a doctor immediately if:

An infant under three months has any fever.
A child has a fever of 102°F or higher that lasts more than two days.
The fever is accompanied by unusual sluggishness, a rash, or other severe symptoms.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Fever Safely

Knowing what to do if I am feeling a fever empowers you to take control of your recovery. By resting, staying hydrated, and using OTC medications wisely, you can effectively manage symptoms at home. However, never hesitate to seek medical advice if your fever is high, prolonged, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. Your health is the top priority, and responsible care ensures a quicker and safer return to wellness.

For more information on fever and other health topics, consult an authoritative source like the Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

While there is no single 'fastest' cure, effective steps include resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking an appropriate over-the-counter fever reducer like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage the temperature and discomfort. Avoid extreme measures like cold baths.

No, it is generally best to stay home. Resting allows your body to recover faster and prevents you from spreading any contagious illness to colleagues, especially since fevers often indicate an infection.

Focus on small, nutritious, and easy-to-digest meals. Broth-based soups, yogurt, fruits, and nutrient-rich vegetables are good choices. Stay well-hydrated and don't force yourself to eat if you have no appetite.

Most fevers related to common infections last between one and three days. If your fever persists for more than 72 hours (three days) or if it's over 103°F (39.4°C), you should consult a healthcare professional.

Both are effective fever reducers. Ibuprofen also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with muscle aches. The best choice can depend on your specific health profile, so read labels carefully and consult a doctor if you have underlying conditions.

Take a fever reducer when you are experiencing significant discomfort from the fever, such as body aches or a headache. You don't necessarily need to treat a low-grade fever if you are otherwise comfortable, as it is a natural immune response.

Yes, severe dehydration can sometimes lead to an elevated body temperature. This is why staying hydrated is a crucial part of managing and recovering from a fever, regardless of its cause.