Self Care for Fever
A fever is a symptom which is defined as an oral temperature above 100°F(37.8°C).
What is the Best Way to Take Your Oral Temperature?
- Wait at least 30 minutes after you eat or drink anything hot or cold
- Place the thermometer under your tongue toward the back
- Keep your lips closed around the thermometer
What Can Cause a Fever?
- Viral infections, such as cold, flu, upper airway or stomach
- Bacterial infections, such as strep throat
- Dehydration
Seek Medical Help Immediately If:
- Recent travel to Africa, Asia, Latin America or the Middle East
- Recent hospital admission, or surgery/medical procedures
- If taking medications that affect the immune symptoms such as steroids, organ transplant rejection medications, etc.
- A fever that lasts for several days or keeps returning
- Recent insect bite such as a tick
- Medical conditions such as: pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, chemotherapy, lupus or sickle cell anemia
- If fever, plus, any of the following: rash, severe headache or neck pain, trouble breathing, seizure or confusion, severe vomiting or diarrhea, severe abdominal or back pain, or other unusual symptoms
Treatment for Fever:
Rest, increase fluids, Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin/Advil (ibuprofen) as directed