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.