Should i take something for my fever

Elsevier; Accessed March 25, Kliegman RM, et al. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Schmitt BD. American Academy of Pediatrics; Ward MA. Fever in infants and children: Pathophysiology and management. Infant fever older than age 90 days.

Mayo Clinic; Infant fever age 90 days or younger. Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed April 8, Dinarello CA, et al. Pathophysiology and treatment of fever in adults. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Legal Conditions and Terms Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below.

Advertising Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. It also changes during the day, rising a bit after you eat or exercise.

Body temperature is often higher in the afternoon than it is when you wake up in the morning. Fever means a body temperature of An infection, such as the flu , is the most common cause of fever. Other conditions can also cause a fever. These include diseases that produce inflammation , such as rheumatoid arthritis ; reactions to drugs or vaccines; and even certain types of cancers.

Fever is part of your body's defense against infection-causing germs. By itself, fever is usually harmless, though a high fever can be miserable. These steps may help you feel better:. Call your doctor right away if you have a fever along with any of these symptoms:.

You take ibuprofen by mouth. Common brand-name products that contain ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin. Shop for ibuprofen on Amazon. You take any of these forms by mouth. Aspirin also comes as a rectal suppository. Common brand-name products that contain aspirin include Bayer Aspirin and Ecotrin. Purchase aspirin here. Find naproxen online. To help prevent stomach upset, take ibuprofen or naproxen with food or milk.

You can take aspirin with food or a full glass of water. NSAIDs can also have more serious side effects. The more serious side effects of ibuprofen or naproxen can include:. If you have a history of heart disease, you have increased risk of heart attack or stroke when taking ibuprofen or naproxen. The risk is still higher if you take more of these medications than directed or if you take them for a long time.

If this applies to you, you have an increased risk of ulcers or bleeding when taking ibuprofen or naproxen. The risk is still higher if you:. Stop taking the drug and call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. These effects could be signs of a more serious condition. Avoid using aspirin in children and adolescents who are younger than 12 years and are recovering from chickenpox or flu symptoms. These include aggressive behavior, confusion, or loss of energy.

NSAIDs can interact with other medications you may be taking. Fever reducers can affect people of different ages differently. Follow these age guidelines to help determine which fever reducer is best for you or your child. Fever and sweat tend to go together anyway. People often associate night sweats with cancer, but a number of other things can cause them. Learn more about the causes and treatments. Night sweats are usually more of an annoyance than a sign of a serious health problem.

Learn how to tell the difference and when to be concerned. Familial Mediterranean fever is an inherited condition that causes episodes of high fever and other symptoms like stomach, chest, and joint pain…. If you're feeling feverish, but not running a temperature, several factors could be at play.

Mental confusion and hallucinations sometimes happen when people have a fever, which can be an uncomfortable experience for them and their caregivers….

Fever symptoms may include more than just an increase in body temperature. In adults and children, a temperature of Although the average body temperature is A fever is the body's way of battling an illness.

Here's how to tell if you have a fever, plus what you should do and when you should seek help. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.