Fever Appointments in Laramie, WY

Fever is commonly treated with over-the-counter medication. A fever is your body’s natural response to an infection and does not always require treatment; however, the below medications help reduce discomfort and treat health conditions causing the fever, not the fever itself.

- Over-the-counter medication: If your fever is coupled with discomfort, like body aches or headaches, OTC medication (such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen) can help reduce your symptoms. Follow dosage guidelines on the medication’s packaging. Overuse of these medications can cause damage to your internal organs. Do not give a child under 17 aspirin, as it can cause a rare, but possibly fatal, illness known as Reyes Syndrome.

- Prescription antibiotics: Bacterial infections can cause fever along with other symptoms, such as productive cough or significant stomach pain. Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics, which a doctor or health care provider may prescribe to you. The fever should subside within a few days of starting antibiotic treatment.

Low-grade fevers may not require medical attention or medication. If the fever is being caused by a viral infection, there is very little that medication can do to help. You can, however, take a few simple steps to speed up your body’s response to the infection and make yourself more comfortable. Common self-care remedies for fever include:

- Drink lots of water. Fever and illness can cause you to be dehydrated. Drink lots of water, while supplementing hydration with electrolytes. Broths and electrolyte drinks can help restore your body’s electrolyte balance. Children can be given Pedialyte to help restore hydration.

- Rest. Avoid strenuous activity, and get plenty of rest to help speed up recovery. Avoid strenuous activities and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

- Cool down. Suck on ice cubes and use cool, wet compresses to help regulate your body’s temperature. Wear lightweight clothing and keep your home’s temperature low to avoid temperature spikes.