Home Remedies for High Fever That Actually Work

You’ve probably experienced it – you wake up in the morning feeling unusually hot and sweaty. Your body aches, you’re exhausted, and when you reach for the thermometer, it reads above the normal body temperature. It’s a fever, and you’re burning up.

“Fever is a symptom, not a disease. It’s the body’s response to an infection, inflammation, or other ailments,” explains Dr. Mayor Boss, Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences. “While it can be discomforting, remember that it’s a sign that your body is fighting something off.”

However, a high fever can be concerning, especially when it persists. Here are some home remedies that can help you manage the fever.

Home Remedies for High Fever

While medical intervention is necessary for persistently high fever or fever accompanied by other severe symptoms, certain home remedies may help in managing discomfort and lowering the temperature.

Hydrate

“Keeping yourself well-hydrated is crucial when you’re running a high temperature,” recommends Dr. Boss. Water, juice, clear broths, or warm lemon water with honey helps to replenish the fluids lost due to sweating, thereby preventing dehydration.

Rest

Your body needs energy to fight off the infection or illness causing the fever. “Make sure to get plenty of rest. Overexerting yourself could prolong the fever and make you feel worse,” suggests Dr. Boss.

Cool Down

Applying a lukewarm compress to the forehead or taking a lukewarm bath can help cool the body down. Just remember to avoid using cold water as it can lead to chills,” warns Dr. Boss.

Over-the-counter medication

For high fevers, over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be helpful in reducing body temperature. However, these should not be taken without a pharmacist or doctor’s direction, especially in children.

High Fever Remedies to Avoid

There are certain well-intentioned but potentially harmful methods that people often resort to when trying to bring down a high fever.

Ice baths

An ice bath might seem like a quick solution to high fever, but Dr. Boss advises against it. “It could lead to shivering, which may actually raise your body temperature,” he explains.

Excessive clothing

Piling on blankets or wearing extra layers in an attempt to ‘sweat out the fever’ can also cause harm. It could raise your body temperature even further, potentially leading to fever-induced complications.

Rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol wipes are also not recommended as they can cause body chills, leading to increased body temperature.

Can High Fever Go Away Overnight?

In some cases, a high fever can disappear within a day with proper rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medication. However, a fever is a symptom, not a disease. “While it can sometimes go away overnight, it’s crucial to address what’s causing the fever,” states Dr. Boss.

When to See a Doctor for High Fever

While home remedies can help manage symptoms of a high fever, there are situations where medical help is necessary. Persistent high fever, fever accompanied by severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe headache, chest pain, or confusion, are all reasons to seek immediate medical attention.

“There are also many other reasons for a fever,” adds Dr. Boss. “It could be due to a variety of illnesses ranging from a simple cold to something as serious as meningitis or pneumonia. That’s why, if your fever lasts for more than a few days or is accompanied by other severe symptoms, it’s crucial to see a doctor.