Fever

Self Care for Fever

A fever is a symptom which is defined as an oral temperature above 100°F(37.8°C).

What is the Best Way to Take Your Oral Temperature?

• Wait at least 30 minutes after you eat or drink anything hot or cold
• Place the thermometer under your tongue toward the back
• Keep your lips closed around the thermometer

What Can Cause a Fever?

• Viral infections, such as cold, flu, upper airway or stomach
• Bacterial infections, such as strep throat
• Dehydration

Seek Medical Help Immediately If:

• Recent travel to Africa, Asia, Latin America or the Middle East
• Recent hospital admission, or surgery/medical procedures
• If taking medications that affect the immune symptoms such as steroids, organ transplant rejection medications, etc.
• A fever that lasts for several days or keeps returning
• Recent insect bite such as a tick
• Medical conditions such as: pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, chemotherapy, lupus or sickle cell anemia
• If fever, plus, any of the following: rash, severe headache or neck pain, trouble breathing, seizure or confusion, severe vomiting or diarrhea, severe abdominal or back pain, or other unusual symptoms

Treatment for Fever:

Rest, increase fluids, Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin/Advil (ibuprofen) as directed