1.Cool yourself down with water.
Dampening your skin is a great way to lower your body temperature, but you should make sure that you are careful not to make yourself too cold. Apply a damp towel to your forehead and extremities or sponge yourself down with some warm water. The water should always be lukewarm to prevent your body from shivering in response.
- Sponge baths are ideal for children who have a fever.
- You may have read that applying rubbing alcohol to the skin can help reduce a fever, but the alcohol can be absorbed into the skin, leading to alcohol poisoning, so stick with water!
If your fever is making you uncomfortable, you can take over-the-counter fever reducers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Make sure to follow dosing instructions carefully.
- Acetaminophen can help reduce fever as well as the aches and other side effects in the body. If you have any liver problems, do not take acetaminophen without talking to your doctor first.
- Aspirin can also be used to reduce fevers in adults, but it should never be given to children, as it has been linked to a serious disease called Reye's syndrome.
- Keep in mind that these medications might make you feel better, but they will not treat the underlying cause of your fever. If you suspect that you have some kind of bacterial infection, it is extremely important that you see your doctor and take all of your prescribed medications.