--- title: "Treating Fever in Adults" description: "Call 911 if: busy wheezing or shortness of breath Looks blue on lips Have seizures or seizures Speak mixed or modified See a doctor immediately if you" author: "Niyati Thole" published: 2022-07-08 canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/blog/300544/treating-fever-in-adults category: "health care" tags: ["health"] reading_time: 3 minutes --- # Treating Fever in Adults Call 911 if: - busy - wheezing or shortness of breath - Looks blue on lips - Have seizures or seizures - Speak mixed or modified See a doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms: - [fever with stiff shoulders](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/12854/can-cold-sore-affect-a-baby) and headache. - [temperature](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/300335/what-is-normal-body-temperature) above 105F fever with a sudden rash ### 1. Measuring body temperature Body temperature can be measured by mouth, rectum, or armpit. A person is generally considered to be febrile if the temperature of the mouth exceeds 37.8 °C or the temperature of the rectum exceeds 37.5 °C. Temperatures measured under the armpit are not considered accurate and can be as low as 1 degree Fahrenheit from oral measurements. . Temperatures above normal but below 38 C can be considered a mild or low-grade fever. This may mean that the body is responding to an infection. ### 2. Treat fever as needed [Treatment](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/54992/hair-fall-treatment-from-the-experts) of low-grade fever is not necessary unless the person is sick. If you have a fever of 102 or higher: Label for applying [over-the-counter medications](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/279911/allergy-medications-for-seasonal-allergies) such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). If you have a [medical condition](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/36444/what-s-the-weirdest-medical-condition-you-ve-ever-heard-of) or are taking other medications, talk to your doctor first. WARNING: Do not give aspirin to anyone under the age of 18 unless directed by a doctor. Bathing with warm water or a sponge can lower the temperature. Do not use [cold water](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/view/83207/is-drinking-cold-water-bad-for-your-health) or alcohol. Ask them to wear light clothing and use light blankets and sheets. Too much clothing can raise [your body](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/story/4491/10-reasons-why-your-body-desperately-needs-vitamin-b12) temperature. If a person is cold, use an extra blanket until they get away. ### 3. Give the liquid Drink plenty of water to rehydrate. ### 4. When should the doctor be contacted? Seek immediate medical attention if: - have a history of serious illness such as AIDS, [heart disease](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/114582/heart-disease-risk-and-its-diagnosed), cancer, diabetes, or are taking immunosuppressive drugs - High fever that does not react with antipyretics - It is exposed to very hot weather, it feels warm but not sweaty - Stiff shoulders, confusion, or problems with what's going on - Severe pain in the lower abdomen. - Severe abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting, or severe diarrhea - Rash, blisters, or red streaks on the arms and legs - severe [sore throat](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/300781/sore-throat-symptoms-and-causes), swelling of the throat, or persistent earache - Painful urination, [lower back pain](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/story/3830/yoga-asanas-to-cure-lower-back-pain), or chills - Severe cough, hemoptysis, or dyspnea ### 5. Monitoring Talk to your doctor if your body temperature lasts more than 3 days or gets worse. --- Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/blog/300544/treating-fever-in-adults Copyright © MindStick Software Pvt. Ltd. This Markdown version is provided for developers, AI systems, and offline reading.