Fever and chills are common symptoms signaling the body’s response to infection or illness. While uncomfortable, they are often manageable at home. Understanding these symptoms, home care strategies, and appropriate use of over-the-counter medications can provide relief. It is also important to recognize signs indicating a need for professional medical evaluation.
What Are Fever and Chills
A fever indicates an elevated body temperature, typically 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. This temperature rise is the body’s immune system combating pathogens. The hypothalamus, in the brain, acts as the body’s thermostat, resetting to a higher temperature when infection is detected. This elevated temperature creates an environment less hospitable for viruses and bacteria, hindering their growth.
Chills are the body’s attempt to generate heat to reach this new, higher temperature set point. They manifest as involuntary rapid muscle contractions and relaxation, often with shivering and goosebumps. This muscular activity produces warmth, helping the body’s core temperature rise. Common causes include viral and bacterial infections, such as the common cold or flu.
Practical Home Care Measures
Rest is important when experiencing fever and chills, allowing the body to conserve energy and direct resources towards recovery. Staying home from work or school helps the immune system function effectively. Adequate rest supports the body’s natural healing processes.
Maintaining proper hydration is important, especially since fever can lead to increased fluid loss through sweating. Drinking plenty of fluids like water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions helps prevent dehydration. Avoid alcohol, tea, and coffee, as these can contribute to dehydration.
Comfort measures can help alleviate discomfort. Wearing light clothing and using light blankets can prevent overheating, while still providing warmth if chills are present. Keeping the room temperature comfortable, neither too hot nor too cold, supports the body’s temperature regulation.
Applying cool compresses to areas like the forehead or neck, or taking a lukewarm bath, can provide temporary relief and help lower body temperature. Evaporation of water from the skin helps cool the body. Avoid ice baths or very cold water, as this can cause shivering, which paradoxically increases body temperature and discomfort.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can effectively reduce fever and alleviate associated symptoms like body aches. Acetaminophen, found in products like Tylenol, works as a pain reliever and fever reducer, helping to lower the body’s temperature set point and reduce discomfort.
Ibuprofen, an NSAID available under brand names like Advil and Motrin, also reduces fever, pain, and inflammation. Follow label instructions for acetaminophen and ibuprofen dosages, considering age and weight. Always be aware of active ingredients in combination cold and flu medications to prevent accidental overdose.
Aspirin can reduce fever in adults, but never give it to children or teenagers. Aspirin use in children and adolescents with viral illnesses, such as the flu or chickenpox, is linked to Reye’s Syndrome, a rare but serious condition causing swelling in the liver and brain. For individuals under 18, acetaminophen or ibuprofen are generally safer choices for fever and pain relief.
Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention
While many fevers resolve with home care, certain signs indicate a need for professional medical evaluation. For adults, a fever reaching or exceeding 103°F (39.4°C) requires medical attention. In infants under three months, any rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher requires immediate medical attention, as it can signal a serious infection. For children between three months and three years, a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher should prompt a call to the doctor.
Seek medical attention if fever is paired with a severe headache, stiff neck, rash, difficulty breathing, or chest pain. Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, seizures, or unusual behavior are urgent warning signs.
If a fever lasts more than two to three days without improvement in adults or children, seek medical advice. For infants under two years, a fever lasting over 24 hours should be evaluated.
Specific populations, including infants, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems, should consult a healthcare provider for fever. Signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination, dry mouth, dizziness, or a lack of tears, also require medical attention. If symptoms worsen or new, concerning symptoms appear despite home care, seek medical advice.