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[Over the Counter](https://www.health.com/over-the-counter-products-8651366) - [Skincare](https://www.health.com/skincare-products-6951522) - [View All](https://www.health.com/what-to-buy-6951517) [About Us](https://www.health.com/about-us-8415145) - [Editorial Process](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-editorial-process-5224046) - [Medical Expert Board](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-medical-expert-board-5224047) - [Testing and Vetting Products](https://www.health.com/how-health-com-test-products-5224057) # 5 Ways To Break a Fever Safely By [Karen Pallarito](https://www.health.com/author/karen-pallarito) ![KP Headshot IMG\_1661]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/KP-Headshot-IMG_1661-0d48c6ea46f14ab19a91e7b121b49f59.jpg) [Karen Pallarito](https://www.health.com/author/karen-pallarito) Karen is a senior editor at Health, where she produces health condition “explainers” backed by current science. [health's editorial guidelines](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-editorial-process-5224046) Updated on December 9, 2025 Medically reviewed by [Steffini Stalos, DO](https://www.health.com/author/steffini-stalos-do) ![Steffini Stalos, DO]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/SteffiniStalosDO-a4c4b25f2dce470faaaffeb7f6afae0d.png) Medically reviewed by [Steffini Stalos, DO](https://www.health.com/author/steffini-stalos-do) Steffini Stalos, DO, FCAP, is a pathology and lab medicine physician. She is also the chief medical officer of the lab consultancy firm Blood Associates, LLC. [learn more](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-medical-expert-board-5224047) Close :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1142677901-f15380c5a5a5482288da118497e2fa92.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1142677901-f15380c5a5a5482288da118497e2fa92.jpg) ArtistGNDphotography / Getty Images - Drinking plenty of fluids keeps you cool and hydrated and helps ease a fever. - Take fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower a fever safely in children and adults. - Contact a doctor if your fever stays at or rises above 103 degrees Fahrenheit. You can break a fever by staying hydrated and taking fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen. Eat light foods and get rest to help lower your temperature. ## 1\. Stay Hydrated [Dehydration](https://www.health.com/dehydration-7376352) is a side effect of fevers. You may develop symptoms of dehydration, like:1 - Crying without tears (in infants and children) - Dark-colored urine - Decreased urination - Dry mouth or skin - Excessive thirst - Fatigue - Headache - Lightheadedness - Not having a wet diaper for three hours or more (in infants) - Sunken eyes (in infants and children) Drink plenty of fluids to prevent and treat dehydration. Sports drinks replenish your body's electrolytes to help you feel hydrated again. You may need intravenous (IV) fluids if you have severe dehydration.1 Younger children should not consume a lot of fruit juice, including apple juice, or any sports drinks.2 Dietary recommendations for children can vary, so discuss options with a healthcare provider. ## 2\. Eat Light Foods if You Can Tolerate Them You may have an [upset stomach](https://www.health.com/condition/digestive-health/foods-to-avoid-when-your-stomach-hurts) and lack of appetite if your body is feverish from an infection. It can be hard to keep food down or be unappealing to eat, so do not force yourself to do so. If you want to eat and can, opt for choices like crackers, toast, [soup, or gelatin](https://www.health.com/food/best-and-worst-foods-to-eat-when-youre-sick). These options can also help you stay hydrated.3 ## 3\. Stay Comfortably Cool The theory of "sweating out a fever" is not backed by evidence. Limit blanket layers and avoid trying to keep warm, especially if you have [chills](https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/chills-causes). You will probably feel better if you stay cool. Take a lukewarm shower or bath, or apply a cool compress to your neck, armpits, or forehead.3 These methods will not treat the underlying cause of the fever, but they can ease discomfort. Avoid alcohol rubs and ice-cold baths, which can cause shivering. Both of these methods can increase body temperature.3 ## 4\. Get Plenty of Rest Your immune system works overtime against whatever infection or disease makes you ill when you have a fever. Getting enough rest is important to recovering from a fever. Sleep boosts immune system function. One study found that sleep helps your body's infection-fighting T cells work more efficiently. Get plenty of sleep, and your body will do the rest.4 ## 5\. Take a Fever Reducer Tylenol (acetaminophen) and [Advil](https://www.health.com/advil-vs-aleve-8387626) (ibuprofen) can reduce a fever in children and adults. Typically, children should not consume ibuprofen until age 6 months. Aspirin is also an effective treatment in adults but should never be given to children or adolescents.3 Aspirin has been shown to cause a rare but severe condition called Reye's syndrome. It can affect the liver and brain in children and adolescents.5 Administer the correct dosage based on your child's age and weight. Be aware that acetaminophen may also be included in many over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu remedies. You do not want to take too much since it can cause [liver failure](https://www.health.com/condition/hepatitis-c/what-causes-cirrhosis-liver).6 ## What Temperature Is Considered a Fever? Fever temperatures vary by age and where you measure the temperature.378 The most common areas for measurement are the mouth and rectum. You might also measure temperatures using an ear, forehead, or armpit. Oral temperatures will be a bit higher than skin temperatures. They will also be about the same as rectal or ear temperatures.7 The following chart includes the temperatures that may require medical attention, based on age:39 | Temperatures That May Require Medical Attention | | |---|---| | Age | Temperature | | 3 months or younger | 100\.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher | | 3 months to 3 years old | 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius)or higher | | Children of any age | 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius)or higher | | 18 years and older | 99-99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2-37.5 degrees Celsius)or higher | | Any age | 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.6 degrees Celsius)or higher | ## When To Seek Care Not all fevers warrant a visit to a healthcare provider. There are some instances when you or your child may need medical attention. A fever can be more serious for people who have a weak immune system or conditions like [diabetes](https://www.health.com/diabetes-7566897), chronic lung problems, and sickle cell anemia.3 Remember that many things can cause a fever. Keep track of your or your child's symptoms to get an accurate diagnosis. ### Infants and Children See a healthcare provider if your infant's fever is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Any fever that rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit repeatedly in a child of any age warrants medical attention.10 Newborns and young infants will often need further evaluation in a hospital setting. Use a digital thermometer to take a rectal temperature for accuracy. Signs to see a healthcare provider include:10 - Ear pain - Fussiness - Repeated vomiting or diarrhea - [Seizures](https://www.health.com/mind-body/6-things-that-can-trigger-a-seizure-even-if-you-dont-have-epilepsy) - Severe headache - Sore throat - Stiff neck - Unexplained rash - Unusual drowsiness ### Adults Contact a healthcare provider if you have a fever that stays at or rises above 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius). It's important to seek medical attention if your fever keeps increasing, despite using fever-reducing medications and other measures, with no sign of coming down. Prolonged fevers, fevers that come and go, or new rashes or bruises also warrant medical attention.3 ## When To Get Immediate Medical Attention Head directly to the emergency room if a fever is accompanied by:3 - Blue lips, tongue, or nails - Confusion - Difficulty breathing - Inconsolable crying (in infants and children) - Inability to walk, wake up, or wake up easily - Refusal to move arms and legs (in infants and children) - Seizures, especially a first seizure or one that does not go away after five minutes (in infants and children) - Severe headache or stiff neck ## Frequently Asked Questions - What causes a fever? Causes of a fever include infections, autoimmune or inflammatory disorders, some medications, and [blood clots](https://www.health.com/blood-clot-causes-8410162). Some people might also develop low-grade fevers after immunizations.3 - How long do fevers last? A fever can last anywhere from 24-48 hours to more than three or four days. See a healthcare provider if you experience fever for long periods, even if there are no other symptoms.7 - Are fevers dangerous? A fever can be dangerous if they get as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit. You may be at risk for organ malfunction and failure if your body temperature rises this high.7 Read more: - [Health Conditions A-Z](https://www.health.com/diseases-conditions) - [Infectious Diseases](https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases) Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback\! Tell us why\! Other 10 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-editorial-process-5224046) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 1. MedlinePlus. [Dehydration](https://medlineplus.gov/dehydration.html). 2. Heyman MB, Abrams SA; Section on Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition; Committee on Nutrition. [Fruit juice in infants, children, and adolescents: Current recommendations](https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-0967). *Pediatrics*. 2017;139(6):e20170967. doi:10.1542/peds.2017-0967 3. MedlinePlus. [Fever](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003090.htm). 4. Dimitrov S, Lange T, Gouttefangeas C, et al. [Gαs-coupled receptor signaling and sleep regulate integrin activation of human antigen-specific T cells](https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20181169). *J Exp Med*. 2019;216(3):517-526. doi:10.1084/jem.20181169 5. MedlinePlus. [Aspirin](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682878.html). 6. MedlinePlus. [Acetaminophen](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681004.html). 7. Merck Manual Consumer Version. [Fever in adults](https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/biology-of-infectious-disease/fever-in-adults). 8. National Institute on Aging. [Flu and older adults](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/flu-and-older-adults). 9. Ward MA. [Patient education: Fever in children (beyond the basics)](https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fever-in-children-beyond-the-basics). In: Edwards MS, Blake D, eds. *UpToDate*. UpToDate; 2024. 10. American Academy of Pediatrics. [Fever: When to call the pediatrician](https://healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/When-to-Call-the-Pediatrician.aspx). ## Related Articles [:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Health-GettyImages-1398962944-07f86795621f475687074116a13e0c38.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Health-GettyImages-1398962944-07f86795621f475687074116a13e0c38.jpg) 'Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever': Fact or Fiction?](https://www.health.com/condition/cold/feed-a-cold-starve-a-fever) [:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Health-Stocksy_txp9ae66355nHd300_Medium_766115-ca7498faf2204f7d80be5cefe3c83b10.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Health-Stocksy_txp9ae66355nHd300_Medium_766115-ca7498faf2204f7d80be5cefe3c83b10.jpg) What Causes Chills Without Fever?](https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/chills-causes) [:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/flu-GettyImages-1421116841-bba3baea56c74a19b232b7f5d3306ccc.jpg) 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You can break a fever by staying hydrated and taking fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen. Eat light foods and get rest to help lower your temperature. [Dehydration](https://www.health.com/dehydration-7376352) is a side effect of fevers. You may develop symptoms of dehydration, like:1 - Crying without tears (in infants and children) - Dark-colored urine - Decreased urination - Dry mouth or skin - Excessive thirst - Fatigue - Headache - Lightheadedness - Not having a wet diaper for three hours or more (in infants) - Sunken eyes (in infants and children) Drink plenty of fluids to prevent and treat dehydration. Sports drinks replenish your body's electrolytes to help you feel hydrated again. You may need intravenous (IV) fluids if you have severe dehydration.1 Younger children should not consume a lot of fruit juice, including apple juice, or any sports drinks.2 Dietary recommendations for children can vary, so discuss options with a healthcare provider. You may have an [upset stomach](https://www.health.com/condition/digestive-health/foods-to-avoid-when-your-stomach-hurts) and lack of appetite if your body is feverish from an infection. It can be hard to keep food down or be unappealing to eat, so do not force yourself to do so. If you want to eat and can, opt for choices like crackers, toast, [soup, or gelatin](https://www.health.com/food/best-and-worst-foods-to-eat-when-youre-sick). These options can also help you stay hydrated.3 The theory of "sweating out a fever" is not backed by evidence. Limit blanket layers and avoid trying to keep warm, especially if you have [chills](https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/chills-causes). You will probably feel better if you stay cool. Take a lukewarm shower or bath, or apply a cool compress to your neck, armpits, or forehead.3 These methods will not treat the underlying cause of the fever, but they can ease discomfort. Avoid alcohol rubs and ice-cold baths, which can cause shivering. Both of these methods can increase body temperature.3 Your immune system works overtime against whatever infection or disease makes you ill when you have a fever. Getting enough rest is important to recovering from a fever. Sleep boosts immune system function. One study found that sleep helps your body's infection-fighting T cells work more efficiently. Get plenty of sleep, and your body will do the rest.4 Tylenol (acetaminophen) and [Advil](https://www.health.com/advil-vs-aleve-8387626) (ibuprofen) can reduce a fever in children and adults. Typically, children should not consume ibuprofen until age 6 months. Aspirin is also an effective treatment in adults but should never be given to children or adolescents.3 Aspirin has been shown to cause a rare but severe condition called Reye's syndrome. It can affect the liver and brain in children and adolescents.5 Administer the correct dosage based on your child's age and weight. Be aware that acetaminophen may also be included in many over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu remedies. You do not want to take too much since it can cause [liver failure](https://www.health.com/condition/hepatitis-c/what-causes-cirrhosis-liver).6 Fever temperatures vary by age and where you measure the temperature.378 The most common areas for measurement are the mouth and rectum. You might also measure temperatures using an ear, forehead, or armpit. Oral temperatures will be a bit higher than skin temperatures. They will also be about the same as rectal or ear temperatures.7 The following chart includes the temperatures that may require medical attention, based on age:39 | Temperatures That May Require Medical Attention | | |---|---| | Age | Temperature | | 3 months or younger | 100\.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher | | 3 months to 3 years old | 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius)or higher | | Children of any age | 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius)or higher | | 18 years and older | 99-99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2-37.5 degrees Celsius)or higher | | Any age | 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.6 degrees Celsius)or higher | Not all fevers warrant a visit to a healthcare provider. There are some instances when you or your child may need medical attention. A fever can be more serious for people who have a weak immune system or conditions like [diabetes](https://www.health.com/diabetes-7566897), chronic lung problems, and sickle cell anemia.3 Remember that many things can cause a fever. Keep track of your or your child's symptoms to get an accurate diagnosis. ### Infants and Children See a healthcare provider if your infant's fever is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Any fever that rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit repeatedly in a child of any age warrants medical attention.10 Newborns and young infants will often need further evaluation in a hospital setting. Use a digital thermometer to take a rectal temperature for accuracy. Signs to see a healthcare provider include:10 - Ear pain - Fussiness - Repeated vomiting or diarrhea - [Seizures](https://www.health.com/mind-body/6-things-that-can-trigger-a-seizure-even-if-you-dont-have-epilepsy) - Severe headache - Sore throat - Stiff neck - Unexplained rash - Unusual drowsiness ### Adults Contact a healthcare provider if you have a fever that stays at or rises above 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius). It's important to seek medical attention if your fever keeps increasing, despite using fever-reducing medications and other measures, with no sign of coming down. Prolonged fevers, fevers that come and go, or new rashes or bruises also warrant medical attention.3 Head directly to the emergency room if a fever is accompanied by:3 - Blue lips, tongue, or nails - Confusion - Difficulty breathing - Inconsolable crying (in infants and children) - Inability to walk, wake up, or wake up easily - Refusal to move arms and legs (in infants and children) - Seizures, especially a first seizure or one that does not go away after five minutes (in infants and children) - Severe headache or stiff neck