How to Break A Fever

When you have elevated body temperature that is higher than the normal temperature of 98.6 Fahrenheit, you have what is called a fever. Fevers can be caused by a variety of conditions, including bacterial or viral infection, sunburn and heat exhaustion. Most fevers can be treated at home. See your doctor if a fever continues more than a few days, or if it rises above 102 F in a child or 103 F in an adult.

Instructions

• 1

  Drink plenty of fluids, including water and fruit juices diluted with water. When you're sick and you have a fever, there's a good chance you'll have no appetite. To continue to get the necessary nutrition to speed up the healing process, drink food-replacement supplements, if you can keep them down, to replace normal daily meals.

• 2

  Remove excess clothing to help reduce the fever. Excess clothing may keep you too warm and hinder the fever from lowering to a normal level. One layer of clothing, along with a cool environment, will make the fever symptoms more tolerable. If you start shivering, use a light blanket.

• 3

  Drink a cup of warm ginger tea. This may help reduce the effects of the fever and is a traditional remedy. Slice or grate fresh ginger and simmer it in a cup of water for two to three minutes. Add sugar or honey to sweeten. Not enough scientific evidence exists to determine the effectiveness of this method of fever reduction. Consult a physician before attempting to self-treat with herbs.

• 4

  Get plenty of rest. Take the needed time off from work or school. Moving around can heat up the body, and when you have a fever, you want to make it easy for your body to cool down.