What to do about a fever?
 

I've been trying to kick the beginnings of a cold but I'm afraid it's got me. 102 this evening. I know that a fevers is one of our worst enemies but should I go so far as to get in a cold tub? Any other hints appreciated. One of the drawbacks of never having my own kids, I don't automatically know this stuff! :D

Two in my family only respond to Acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) and one only responds to Ibuprofen (i.e. Advil) . . . but most people can probably take either to bring down a fever.

If it gets up to 99, that's when you want to treat it. Don't let it get to 100 because it can escalate too quickly at that point.

Try one or the other (probably need 2 tablets, depending on strength of the dosage, read the bottle), and check again in about 30 min. If it has not gone down to "normal", you CAN combine both Tylenol and Ibuprofen if necessary to get the fever in check.

Next time try the other, if the first one didn't work that well.

Check your fever every 4 - 6 hrs, even when sleeping. You don't want it to get over 100 and sometimes you don't notice until it's too high.

Note the "max" daily limit on the med. If you need to alternate Tylenol and Advil (to the max of each daily limit), that's ok too.

If you start to vomit, you might have to resort to suppositories. I've never had to do that personally, but have had to with the kids.

You can get in a luke-warm bath to bring down your temp in a hurry . . . but if I recall that is not recommended because it causes you to shiver and bring your temp back up (or something to that effect). You need fever reducers, as indicated above.

If the fever doesn't break in a 2 - 3 days, I'd be getting checked for infection.

Hope you get it in check quickly!! :hug:

Cherie

Thank you! Just the sort of common sense answer I was hoping for. I'll rest easier tonight for knowing so it's a bigger deal than you might think. :Bow:

Hi Keith

That's how this crud I've got started. Cold for a couple of days, then spiked a 102 fever for a couple of days. Ibuprofen every 4 hours and lots and lots of fluids! Stay in bed and if the fever doesn't break, call the doc. In my case, I called the doc! Sinus infection! Yep, that would be me!!!

I hope you feel better soon! :hug:

Or, my old cure for all...Asprin...((((Keith))))

Feel better soon, Keith!

How are you feeling today, Keith? Hope you're better!!

l. LOTS of Fluids,
2. Tylenol or like Advil
3. If vomiting, use suppositories. (Used for one of my kids, no big deal)
4. I do recommend luke-warm baths (But don't shiver) if temp. spikes. In a bath or not, be aware of your temperature. What's best for you?
5. Easy to digest foods if need to eat. Doctor for kids always recommended BRAT diet - Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast. I did cracers, broth soups, my mom gave crackers with peanut butter as I got well.
5. Lots of bad TV, repeats of old shows, Movies you know - if you can find them.

Having kids is good training. Never lost one

Thanks for all the concern peeps! Much appreciated. Slept about 12 hours last night (I admit I didn't set the alarm and check my temp :eek:) and woke up sans the fever TG. Lot's of liquids today and a trip the doc at 1:30. I'm pretty sure it's a sinus infection due to the really gross stuff coming out of my nose. Bad part is the numbness in the right side of my body. I knew that fever wasn't gonna result in anything good. I hope it goes away before it qualifies as a relapse. I don't think I could take the roids right now.

THANK THE LORD that I'm not puking. :D

I'll second the thank God you aren't puking sentiment, lol. Unless you have issues that would contraindicate this you can also alternate tylenol and ibuprofen if they aren't keeping the fever at bay until the next dose. Hang in there!