Is Rest Enough for a Fever?

Rest is usually enough for a fever. However, it’s also crucial to drink fluids to prevent dehydration and to recognize when you need treatment.

Our Michigan Avenue Primary Care team is here to provide prompt treatment for a fever when you need acute care. In this blog, we explain why fevers are beneficial, talk about self-care steps, and let you know the warning signs for when it’s time to seek medical attention.

Why you have a fever

Fevers develop when your body is fighting an illness, inflammation, or, most often, a bacterial or viral infection.

Your body’s temperature increases as part of its natural healing response. The high temperature activates the immune system and makes it harder for viruses and bacteria to survive.

Some of the most common causes of fevers include:

• Seasonal flu
• Ear infections
• Strep throat
• Sinusitis
• Pneumonia
• COVID-19
• RSV viral infection
• Urinary tract infection (that spreads to kidneys)
• Vaccinations and certain medications

A fever isn’t usually a health concern. It’ll go down as your body eliminates the problem. However, a high fever or a fever with other symptoms may need medical attention to lower the fever and treat the underlying condition. (See the section about when to seek medical care.)

How to care for a fever

You can usually let a fever run its course. The following five guidelines support your body while waiting for the fever to improve:

1. Rest

Rest is essential to ensure you don’t add stress to your body while it’s fighting an infection or illness. You must save energy and get enough sleep to support the immune system. Stay home from work or school and rest as much as possible if you have a fever.

2. Drink fluids

You can dehydrate quickly when you have a fever. The fever may make you sweat, causing you to lose fluids. Additionally, your immune system (and the rest of your body) needs fluids to function and heal.

While men should aim for at least 15 cups of water and women for 11, it’s best to take frequent small sips. The amount of fluids to rehydrate young children depends on their body weight, so check with us, and we’ll help with recommendations.

Nearly any fluid works, except you should not drink caffeinated products or alcohol. Additionally, some of a child’s hydration should come from an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte®.

3. Cool down

Though fevers are beneficial, you can cool down if you’re burning up and uncomfortable. Try eating ice chips (slowly), placing a wet washcloth on your forehead, or taking a room-temperature bath. Then, rest again.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says don’t ever put your child in a cold bath, or give them a cold sponge bath, or use rubbing alcohol to cool them down. Cool or cold water may cause shivering, which raises their body temperature.

4. Get warm carefully

If you’re shivering with chills, cuddle under a sheet or blanket to warm up. However, don’t pile on extra blankets because they’ll raise your body temperature and trigger sweating.

5. Don’t break a fever

As mentioned, fevers have vital jobs supporting your immune system and making the body less inviting for microbes. It’s safe and preferable to let the fever run its course.

However, if you or your child are too uncomfortable, you can bring the fever down with acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen.

Though aspirin is an NSAID, children under 18 should never take it. Aspirin can cause Reye’s syndrome, a condition leading to brain swelling and liver damage.

When to seek medical care

Call us right away if you or your child meet any of the following guidelines:

• Younger than three months with a fever of 100.4°F
• Three to twelve months with a fever of 102°F
• Ages three through adult with a fever of 103°F
• Fever lasts more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2
• Fever lasts more than 3 days in a child 2 or older
• Fever of 105°F or higher (unless it comes down with medication)
• Fevers come and go for a week (even if the fever isn’t high)
• Have a serious medical condition (heart disease, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and others)

It’s also time to schedule an appointment if you or your child have a fever accompanied by any of these symptoms:

• Stiff neck
• Headache
• Lethargy
• Seizures
• Confusion
• Skin rash
• Trouble swallowing (in children)
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain

Call Michigan Avenue Primary Care if you have any questions or concerns, or book an appointment online to get help for a fever.