Treating Fever With Over-The-Counter Pain Medications

Fever is a sign that your immune system is working to fight infection. But it can also cause discomfort and other symptoms. The best way to treat it is with over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

It’s important to drink enough fluids, and a lukewarm bath may help bring your temperature down. You should also rest and stay cool.

Causes

Fever is an important part of the body’s natural defense system. It makes it harder for viruses and bacteria to reproduce by making them more sensitive to temperature. The elevated body temperature also supports the immune response by causing involuntary muscle contractions (rigors) and by increasing sweating, which helps to expel toxins from the body.

In the past, fever was feared as punishment by evil spirits or a marker of impending death, but it is now known that a fever has a beneficial role. It is a normal and useful adaptive response to infection and can be treated with antipyretics. Infections that cause a fever are generally more serious than those without one, and they are likely to be more dangerous if left untreated.

During your visit with the health care provider, be sure to describe how long the fever has been present and when you or your child first started feeling sick. Your health care provider may ask for a detailed history and physical exam. This includes an examination of the skin, ears, eyes, nose, mouth, throat, chest and abdomen. The provider will take a sample of blood or tissue for laboratory testing if the cause isn’t obvious, or if you have certain symptoms such as severe abdominal pain or shortness of breath.

For adults, the most common causes of fever are bacterial infections of the sinuses, urinary tract or skin, respiratory viral infections such as influenza and COVID-19 or seasonal allergies. Infections of the heart valves, joints and connective tissue, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can also produce fever. Fever in children may be caused by cancer or a variety of other conditions, including ear infections, sinusitis and tonsillitis, gastroenteritis and viral diarrhea.

The most effective treatment for a fever is to treat the underlying condition. Infected sinuses, ear infections or tonsillitis can usually be treated with over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 12 because it can lead to a rare but potentially fatal illness called Reye’s syndrome.

Symptoms

If your body temperature rises, it makes it harder for bacteria and viruses that cause infections to survive. This helps your immune system fight the infection. Fevers may cause other symptoms, too. For example, your temperature might go up and down (bounce). You might feel tired and achy. Your mouth might be dry or sour. You might have a sore throat, headache or stomach upset.

Some children with a fever have chills or shivering. They might sweat or urinate more than usual. They might lose weight or have a weak appetite. They might have a sore throat or cough, and a runny nose.

Most fevers in kids caused by viruses are nothing to worry about. But if your child has other serious symptoms or has a weakened immune system, call your healthdirect advice line or 999 or go to A&E.

You might have a fever if you have a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu. You might also have a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, or a typical childhood disease, like chickenpox, measles, mumps or German measles (rubella).

If your fever is very high or doesn’t go away, see your doctor. They might need to test you for a more serious illness, such as shingles or mono.

A fever can also be a side effect of some drugs. If it happens, your doctor will give you medicine to stop the fever.

Fever can also be a sign of a chronic condition, such as arthritis, lupus or fibromyalgia. Your doctor might want to test you for one of these conditions if your fever goes on for more than two weeks. It’s very important to take your temperature often and keep a record. This will help your doctor find the best treatment for you. Usually, the best treatment is rest and lots of fluids. Over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can ease the discomfort of a fever. But don’t give children aspirin, because it can cause a dangerous reaction. They should only use over-the-counter painkillers if their doctor says it’s safe.

Treatment

If a fever doesn’t cause any other symptoms, it is usually best to let it run its course. However, a person with a fever should seek medical attention when the illness is severe or if they experience other signs and symptoms that require immediate care. In addition, lower-dose fever-reducing medications are available over the counter and by prescription to relieve discomfort.

To diagnose a fever, doctors start by asking about the person’s symptoms and health history. They also do a physical examination. The pattern of the fever – whether it is constant, intermittent, or comes and goes – can give clues as to the cause. For example, a fever that returns every other day or every third day is often a sign of malaria. Doctors may also consider recent travel, exposure to infections or disease-causing agents (such as coccidioidomycosis or a fungal infection), and vaccinations.

Fever-reducing medicines include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and aspirin. Children under the age of two should not take aspirin because of a rare but serious side effect called Reye’s syndrome. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications based on the diagnosis.

In addition to fever-reducing medicines, it is important to drink plenty of fluids. This improves hydration and replaces the water lost from sweating. Cold drinks and clear broth are good choices. Keeping the child comfortable by putting non-frozen cold packs on the neck, armpits, and wrists can help to reduce the fever as well.

Fevers are very common in children, but most of the time they don’t need any extra care because their immune systems can fight off viruses on their own. If a child’s temperature is above 100 degrees Fahrenheit or they have other symptoms that are concerning, parents should call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse can answer questions about fevers and other illnesses over the phone or online 24 hours a day. A nurse can also refer you to a doctor if necessary. This service is free of charge for all Australians.

Prevention

A fever is usually a sign that the immune system is fighting infection. In most cases, the germs that cause the fever will clear up on their own. The fever itself is not dangerous and does not hurt the person. However, the illness that is causing the fever can be dangerous and may lead to complications such as dehydration or the spread of infection. A person should call their 24 hour advice line or depending on symptoms 999 or go to A&E if they think they are unwell and have a fever, especially if they have any other severe symptoms.

Fevers are often the first sign of an infection, such as a cold, flu or ear, throat or sinus infection. They can also be a sign of a more serious condition such as pneumonia, tuberculosis or typhoid fever. A fever can also be a side effect of some medications such as antibiotics and some vaccinations. Some chronic autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus can also lead to a fever.

A fever can be very uncomfortable for a person but there are some things that can be done to help ease the discomfort. It is important to drink plenty of fluids – water, tea and ice pops are best – and take medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and help bring down the temperature. It is also important to try and rest as much as possible and keep warm.

The doctor will take the person’s temperature and examine them. They will ask about any other symptoms and past illnesses. They will also check if there are any medications the person is taking and if they have had any recent blood transfusions or surgeries. The doctor will consider a person’s age, any other signs and symptoms of the illness and their general health to determine what treatment they will need. They may need to order a blood test or other tests such as imaging, depending on what they suspect is the cause of the fever.