Treatment

The main goal of treatment is to improve comfort and help you or your child rest.

Infant and child

Children with fevers may not look or act sick. Treating a fever depends on how uncomfortable they are. If your child is uncomfortable or restless, these home care strategies may help:

• Have your child drink fluids.
• Dress your child in light clothing.
• Use a light blanket if your child feels chilled, until the chills end.
• If your child is 6 months old or older, give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). Read the label carefully for proper dosing. If your child has other health problems or takes medicine for them, check with your healthcare professional before using fever medicines.

Adult

Adults with fevers of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher will most often look and act sick. To treat a fever:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Dress in light clothing.
• Use a light blanket if you feel chilled, until the chills end.
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others). Follow the directions on the label. If you have other health problems or take medicine for them, check with your healthcare professional before using fever medicines.