Feeling the onset of a fever can be distressing, but it’s important to understand that fever serves a purpose in fighting infections.
Learn how to relieve a fever effectively while supporting your body’s immune response with these natural remedies and tips.
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Learn to manage fever naturally with effective remedies and immune support strategies. Find out when medical attention is necessary for a speedy recovery.
Understanding fever and its benefits
Fever, a natural defense mechanism, aids in combating infections by stimulating the immune system and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses.
While the normal body temperature is around 37°C (98.6°F), a temperature above 38°C (100.4°F) is considered feverish.
Discover the significance of fever in fighting infections and why managing it appropriately is crucial.
When to seek medical attention for children
Recognize when to consult a doctor if your child has a fever:
- Infants under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
- Babies aged 3 to 6 months with a temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) or more
- Fever lasting more than 5 days in children
- Observable health deterioration
- Signs of dehydration or refusal to feed
- Unusual symptoms like seizures, persistent drowsiness, or difficulty breathing
Fever symptoms and management tips
Learn how to recognize fever symptoms and manage them effectively:
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Headaches, loss of appetite, and weakness
- Chills and nausea Explore natural methods to alleviate fever discomfort and strengthen your body’s response:
- Proper hydration to prevent dehydration
- Adequate rest and sleep for immune support
- Nutrient-rich foods for energy during illness
- Temperature regulation with appropriate clothing and room temperature
Is fever dangerous for a child?
Fever is always positive because its role is to wake up the immune system and help it fight infection.
It is therefore not dangerous for the child.
It can be complicated, however, when insufficient fluid intake leads to dehydration, often with diarrhea or vomiting.
It can sometimes be accompanied by very impressive convulsions which particularly affect children from 9 months to 5 years old.
They are however brief (10 to 15 minutes) and have no consequences.
Can a fever over 40°C (104°F) cause brain damage?
Only fever above 42°C (107.6°F) can cause brain damage.
But such a situation is very rare and often occurs in an environment where the temperature is extreme.
The fever caused by infection is never so excessive and cannot cause such damage depending on the heat generated.
Are thermometers correct?
In any case, it doesn’t matter if they are approximate.
Their accuracy is only useful for infants under 4 weeks of age when determining if the temperature is above 38°C (100.4°F).
Above this age, it’s not the thermometer that counts but your child’s general condition.
How to relieve a fever at home
– Warm sponge
The lukewarm sponge is no longer recommended.
This is because blood vessels constrict when water is deposited on the skin.
Thus, the heat has difficulty dissipating and certain areas of the body retain it deeply, which is counterproductive.
– Fever and dehydration
You should try to drink 2 liters of water or 8 to 10 glasses per day to prevent dehydration.
If you are having difficulty, consider electrolyte solutions (ad) or very diluted fruit juices.
– How to rest during fever
Rest is mandatory during a feverish period.
It allows your body to perform better and strengthens the immune system.
But be careful not to cover up too much and don’t turn up the temperature in the room even if you have chills.
Otherwise, you will not be able to lower the fever and may even increase it.
– Food
Although lacking in appetite, try to consume very nutritious foods because your body needs calories and therefore energy to fight infection.
– How to sleep with a fever
Lack of sleep damages your immune system while increasing stress hormones, making you more vulnerable to chronic disease.
So take care of your sleep, avoid staying up too late and give yourself at least 7-8 hours of rest.
How to cure the fever?
The treatment for fever for the child consists of the administration of paracetamol child or ibuprofen child but only if he is depressed.
Of course, we choose one or the other but not both.
Check the recommended age as well as the contraindications mentioned in the leaflet before administering any medication.
You can also ask your pharmacist to give you an oral syringe (ad) to make it easier to administer the medicine to your child.
Adults, on the other hand, can take paracetamol and ibuprofen for fever.
Note however that ibuprofen is contraindicated in asthma.
These drugs are available over the counter in pharmacies but can also be prescribed by your physician.
Covid19 fever
Fever is always the body’s immune response to infection.
Contrary to popular belief, it is beneficial but it generates a lot of anxiety for the patient.
The doctor is more concerned about the underlying causes, the viruses or bacteria involved.
Covid19 has raised an alert regarding Ibuprofen for the treatment of his fever.
Indeed, some studies have highlighted the possibility that this substance could worsen Covid 19.
When does it make sense to take antipyretics to lower fever and treat symptoms of Covid?
If you think you have contracted this disease and have a growing fever, you can take it, with paracetamol instead.
On the other hand, if you have a mild fever, it may be better not to treat it to let your body fight the infection…
Fever: what not to do
- not use ice
- do not take a cold shower or bath
- do not throw yourself on the drugs, increasing the doses will not lower the fever faster and can be dangerous
- overlook the physician, some fevers do not require treatment but if they persist should receive medical advice
How to relieve a fever: Natural remedies to assist recovery
Discover natural remedies to assist your body’s recovery and immune system:
– Lukewarm baths
A barely lukewarm bath can be considered as much for adults as for children.
You can sit the child in the tub and bathe him in lukewarm water, not much cooler than his body temperature while letting him relax or play with him.
To improve the immune response to a viral attack, you can also take a hot bath for about 20 minutes and conclude with a minute or two of cold or slightly warm water.
If you are unwell, perform several such baths per day, then cover very warmly and lie down to sleep and sweat immediately afterward.
This somewhat archaic method compared to our modern medicine was practiced in sanatoriums at the beginning of the 20th century and was widely used during the epidemic of Spanish flu in 1918.
– Cool washcloths
Place a cool, not cold washcloth on the wrist, under the arm, and on the forehead.
This coolness brought to these three precise areas will slowly lower body temperature.
– Chamomile tea
We know that hydration is important during fever, do not hesitate to add herbal teas and favor chamomile.
Indeed, this plant has very interesting properties and in particular that of having a febrifuge action (which lowers fever).
It can also be very useful for fighting infection since chamomile (ad) also has analgesic (against pain) and sudorific action (it makes you sweat).
– Garlic’s antibacterial benefits
Garlic has antibacterial properties.
So it may be a good idea to add some to your diet or get yourself some odorless garlic (ad) if you can’t stand the taste and smell.
– Coriander tea
Coriander seeds contain vitamins and phytonutrients that boost the immune system.
In addition, due to the presence of antibiotic compounds and volatile oils, coriander acts as a natural support to fight viral infection.
You can make an herbal tea by adding a tablespoon of coriander seeds (ad) to a cup of water.
Bring to a boil, let steep then filter and add a little honey.
– Ginger tea
Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving properties that help manage symptoms of fever.
If you consume ginger powder (ad) mixed with honey, you will relieve your discomfort.
You can also make an herbal tea by dipping two slices of ginger in a cup of water.
Bring to a boil and let steep and cool.
Consume two to three times a day.
– Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties
The curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties (which reduces fever).
You can make turmeric tea by diluting a teaspoonful in a glass of milk before drinking it lukewarm twice a day.
For convenience, you can also use a turmeric supplement (ad) which will help you reduce your symptoms.
– Apple cider vinegar’s cooling effects
Well known to help with weight loss, and lower cholesterol or blood sugar levels, apple cider vinegar also helps you fight fever.
Its natural acidity produces a cooling effect.
Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with honey 3-4 times a day.
– Vitamin C-rich foods
Fill up on vitamin C, it plays a crucial role in the body.
It significantly strengthens the immune system.
You will find it in abundance in lemons, oranges, grapefruit, leafy green vegetables…
Adding fresh lemon juice to an herbal tea with honey will help reduce phlegm.
Vitamin C can also relieve respiratory infections.
– Probiotics to bolster immune function
Probiotics are of course essential for the digestive system but they also strengthen the immune system.
Did you know that 70% of your immune system is in the digestive tract?
When you have a feverish episode, your immunity is compromised.
Probiotics (ad) help reduce the risk of certain infectious diseases by boosting immune function.
The best essential oils for a fever
Certain essential oils can help you sweat.
These are the oils of peppermint, ginger, and cinnamon bark which speed up blood circulation and thus cause sweating.
Lavender, thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, and sage can also give you relief.
Pour a few drops of lavender essential oil (ad) into cool water and then dampen a cotton cloth with this mixture.
Then apply it to the forehead for a cooling and relaxing effect.
You can also mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with coconut oil and apply it on the plant of your feet, neck, and back to reduce fever.
Balancing medical treatment and natural methods
Understand the balance between medical treatment and natural remedies:
- When to consider antipyretic drugs like paracetamol
- Allowing fever to serve its purpose while supporting recovery
- Exploring a combination of natural remedies and immunity-boosting techniques
Explore 78 Natural Remedies for Common Ailments
How to relieve a fever?
Effectively managing fever involves understanding its role in fighting infections and utilizing a combination of natural remedies and medical guidance.
By supporting your body’s immune system and adopting these strategies, you can ensure a faster recovery while prioritizing your overall well-being.
Excellent blog right here!
Thanks for the great tips to treat fever.