Treatment
Treating fever has two main aims, the first is to bring down the temperature to alleviate symptoms, and the second is to treat the underlying condition that caused the fever in the first place. In some mild viral infections, controlling symptoms is all that is needed, and the body takes care of the rest. That means that not all causes of fever are bacterial and not all causes of fever need antibiotics.
A) Symptomatic control:
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- Drink water: Drinking water may be the best method to bring down a fever. Your body uses its water to control your fever, so it is at risk of dehydration.
- Rest: Exerting yourself causes your muscles to contract and produce heat, which worsens your fever.
- Take a shower: Taking a bath or a shower helps reduce temperature rapidly. Do not take a warm shower nor a very cold one, rather aim at a tap water temperature shower or bath.
- Sponge bath: Sponge bath is another option that helps reduce the temperature. Soak sponges in tap water and apply them under your armpits, on your neck, and groin. These regions have large blood vessels which makes contact more direct with the blood and helps reduce temperature faster.
- Eat plenty of protein: There is a myth regarding fish and its negative effect on fever which is scientifically false. It is preferred that you eat all sources of protein to help your body produce antibodies. The fastest digestible protein is poultry.
- Over-the-counter medications: Some over-the-counter medications are useful including Paracetamol which is the safest. Avoid using other analgesics like Diclofenac or Ibuprofen without your doctor’s advice since they come with their share of side effects on the stomach and kidneys.