A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature, a natural immune response that helps combat infections. While it can cause discomfort, it signals the body is actively fighting illness.
Understanding Fever and Body Temperature
The human body maintains its core temperature through thermoregulation, controlled by the hypothalamus, the body’s thermostat. During a fever, the hypothalamus resets this temperature set point higher. This causes the body to perceive its current temperature as too low, leading to chills and shivering to generate heat and reach the new set point.
Why Extreme Temperatures Are Not Recommended
Using very hot water during a fever is not advised. It can further increase core body temperature, worsening symptoms like excessive sweating and dizziness, and contributing to dehydration. Adding external heat can be counterproductive.
Conversely, very cold showers or ice baths are also problematic. The sudden shock of cold water can cause the body to shiver intensely. Shivering is a physiological response designed to generate heat through muscle contractions, which can paradoxically raise the body’s internal temperature, defeating the purpose of cooling down. Cold exposure also leads to vasoconstriction, where blood vessels near the skin surface narrow, trapping heat in the core and hindering effective heat dissipation.
Effective Strategies for Fever Relief
To alleviate fever discomfort, a lukewarm shower or sponge bath is often recommended. Water between 85–95°F (29.5–35°C) allows for gradual cooling through evaporation from the skin, without inducing shivering. This method helps the body release heat gently and can provide significant relief from feeling overheated.
Beyond bathing, other measures can support comfort during a fever. Remaining well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids like water, juices, or broth is important, as fever can lead to fluid loss and dehydration. Resting adequately allows the body to conserve energy and focus on recovery, as physical activity can increase body temperature. Wearing light clothing and maintaining a cool room temperature can also help the body dissipate heat. Over-the-counter fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can also be used to manage symptoms and lower temperature as directed.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
While many fevers resolve with home care, certain situations warrant medical attention. For infants younger than three months, any fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher should prompt an immediate medical evaluation. For older children and adults, a fever exceeding 103°F (39.4°C) or one that persists for more than three days, despite home treatment, should be assessed by a doctor. Additionally, seek prompt medical care if a fever is accompanied by severe symptoms like a stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, difficulty breathing, a rash, persistent vomiting, or seizures.