How much fever should you take to reduce fever?

There are many different types of fever reducers on the market. Although it is a common drug that can be self-administered, special care should be taken when administering it to children and the elderly.

Fever is essentially an immune mechanism against the invasion of viruses and bacteria. When the body is attacked by agents such as viruses or bacteria, the immune system sends signals to the brain, regulating the increase in body temperature to block these agents. According to experts, in adults, fever is divided into three different levels, including:

Mild fever: The temperature ranges from 37 to 38°C.

Moderate fever: Body temperature about 39°C.

High fever: Body temperature up to 39 – 40°C.

Note, when the patient’s temperature rises suddenly from 40°C or more, the patient is considered to have a very high fever.

There are many different types of fever reducers on the market. The question is which one will we choose. There is another antipyretic on the market, aspirin, but this is more difficult to use and has some contraindications. Therefore, it is best to choose paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen). The advantage of this type is that it works quickly, is safe, has few complications, has strong antipyretic effect and is easy to use.

When to take fever reducer?

Usage is very simple but must follow strict rules. When an adult in the family has a fever of 39 degrees Celsius, fever-reducing drugs can be given. For children, parents should only use antipyretic drugs for children with fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius or higher because the child’s fever speed to 39 degrees Celsius, 40 degrees Celsius is very fast. These are two dangerous temperature thresholds.

What to do with low fever?

Drink more water

Maintaining fluid density in the body is essential, especially with fever. High body temperature will make the water loss process take place faster. Therefore, adding plenty of water to the body not only cools down the body temperature, but also compensates for the lost fluid.

Apply a cool towel to your forehead

One technique used to lower body temperature in a short time is to apply a cool washcloth to the forehead. This quick way to reduce fever is often applied when fever is caused by external factors, such as being in the sun for too long, heat shock due to sudden changes in ambient temperature, etc.

Vitamin C Supplement

It is recommended to add fruit juices rich in vitamin C such as grapefruit, tangerine … These are good drinks to help increase resistance, strengthen the immune system to be able to fight pathogens.

Shower with warm water

One of the ways to relieve pain and reduce fever quickly for adults is to take a bath. This not only cools the body, but also helps the body feel cleaner and more comfortable. However, it should be noted that you should shower with warm water, instead of cold water. The low temperature of the water risks making the fever worse.

Common mistakes when reducing fever quickly at home

Arbitrarily combining many antipyretic drugs together can lead to drug overdose and cause many side effects to health.

Covering warm blankets, wearing many clothes when having a high fever can easily cause body temperature to rise and become colder. Therefore, you should absolutely not cover yourself with a blanket when you have a fever, open the door to the room or use a fan (do not push the fan on) and take fever-reducing medicine to lower the temperature.

Medicines to reduce fever quickly by combining many ways to reduce fever at the same time such as taking drugs, taking drugs in combination, soaking in a warm bath… can cause body temperature to drop suddenly, which is very dangerous. Therefore, it is best for patients to only apply methods of reducing fever slowly.

Applying ice with an ice pack is a misconception many people have when looking for a way to quickly reduce fever in adults. This will cause vasoconstriction so that heat cannot escape through the pores. In addition, cold compresses also easily cause the patient to get cold burns, so it is absolutely not recommended to use this method to reduce fever.