How to Bring Down a Fever: When It Is Needed, With What, and Whether You Should at All

A high temperature is frightening, and the first impulse is to bring it down as quickly as possible. But fever is a protective reaction of the body: when the temperature rises, the immune system works more actively. Let’s look at when an antipyretic is really needed, what an adult can take to bring down a fever, and what to do if the fever does not go down.

What Counts as a Raised Temperature, and Whether to Bring Down 37.5, 38, 38.5 and 39 °C

The norm is considered to be 36.0–37.0 °C. Anything higher is a raised temperature, but the number itself should not be treated: what matters is your overall well-being. As a rule, an antipyretic is not taken until 38–38.5 °C if the person tolerates the fever normally. The guidelines are in the table.

People with heart disease, lung disease, neurological conditions, pregnant women and the elderly need an antipyretic earlier — on a doctor’s recommendation.

What an Adult Can Take to Bring Down a Fever: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and Rules for Safe Use

The most common remedies are paracetamol and ibuprofen. Which is better to take at a high temperature depends on contraindications.

• Paracetamol: 500–1000 mg per dose, no more often than once every 4–6 hours, no more than 3–4 g per day. Caution is needed with liver disease and alcohol.
• Ibuprofen: 200–400 mg per dose, no more often than once every 6–8 hours, no more than 1200 mg per day without a doctor’s prescription. Take after food. Not suitable for ulcers, kidney disease or NSAID allergy.

You must not take several drugs with the same active ingredient at the same time — many combined “cold powders” already contain paracetamol. If a tablet does not help at 39 °C, you must not repeat the dose ahead of schedule. Aspirin is contraindicated for children and teenagers.

How to Lower a Temperature at Home Without Pills

If the temperature is below 38.5 °C, or you need to supplement medication, simple measures will help:

• drink warm fluids often and in small amounts: water, fruit drink, weak tea;
• dress lightly, do not bundle up or cover yourself with several blankets;
• keep the room at 20–22 °C and ventilate it;
• wipe the body with room-temperature water, not cold water.

You should not rub yourself with alcohol or vinegar: they are absorbed through the skin and cause blood vessels to constrict, which only makes the fever worse. A cold bath and ice are also contraindicated.

What to Do if a 38–39 °C Temperature Does Not Come Down or Rises Again

If after an antipyretic the temperature falls by 1–1.5 °C, that is a normal result — it may not go all the way down to 36.6 °C. A rise a few hours later is also normal: while the infection is active, the fever returns. Take the next dose no earlier than the prescribed interval.

You need to see a doctor if the temperature lasts more than 3 days, does not go down after medication, rose again after several days of normal temperature, or new symptoms have appeared: ear pain, cough with purulent phlegm, pain when urinating.

Dangerous Symptoms with Fever: When Emergency Medical Help Is Needed

Call a private ambulance in Dnipro if the fever is accompanied by:

• difficulty breathing or chest pain;
• severe headache, stiff neck muscles, sensitivity to light;
• a rash that does not fade under pressure;
• confusion, convulsions, fainting;
• repeated vomiting and being unable to drink;
• a temperature above 40 °C.

When You Need a Family Doctor, General Practitioner or Infectious Disease Specialist with a Fever

If your condition is serious but not life-threatening, it is more convenient to call a family doctor to your home. The doctor will examine you, order tests and select treatment. A consultation with a general practitioner is needed if the temperature lasts 3 days or more. You should see an infectious disease specialist if you suspect an intestinal infection, or if you have a fever after a trip or contact with a sick person. Appointments are available with the doctors of the Helyos medical center, who will select the tests and treatment approach.