Treat Fever
Caring for Someone Sick at Home
About Fever
Bringing down a fever will make the person feel better and help patients rest.
Treating a fever without medicine
- Put a cool, damp washcloth on their forehead.
- Wash their arms and body with a cool cloth.
- Give the person a slightly warm bath.
Treating a high fever with medicine
- Look for the ingredients “acetaminophen” or “ibuprofen” on labels.
- These medicines may take 30 to 45 minutes to start working. They may not bring fevers down to normal temperature.
When a fever causes a seizure
A seizure makes you have jerky spasms and can also make you pass out. In rare cases, a fever can bring on a seizure, called a “febrile seizure.” Seizures brought on by fever are more common in young children. Call the doctor or get medical help for seizures.
Any child younger than 3 months who has a fever should see a doctor.
- Page last reviewed: August 13, 2010
- Page last updated: August 13, 2010
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