Most fevers break on their own within a few days, but you can bring your temperature down faster with over-the-counter medication, fluids, and rest. A fever in adults starts at an oral temperature of 100°F (37.8°C). Anything at or above 103°F (39.4°C) warrants a call to your doctor, and a fever over 104°F (40°C) needs prompt medical attention.
Take a Fever Reducer
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are the two most effective options for lowering a fever. Both start working within 30 to 60 minutes and typically reach their peak effect within about an hour. Acetaminophen can be taken every four to six hours, while ibuprofen works on a longer cycle of every six to eight hours. The standard adult dose of ibuprofen is 400 mg per dose.
Some people alternate between the two medications to keep the fever suppressed more consistently. A study of 464 children published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that alternating the two drugs lowered fever more effectively than either one alone, likely because the overlap keeps a steadier level of fever-fighting medication in the bloodstream. That said, the safety of long-term alternating hasn’t been fully established. If you try this approach, keep a written log of what you took and when so you don’t accidentally double up on the same medication.
Aspirin is another option for adults, but it should never be given to children or teenagers due to the risk of a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
Stay Hydrated
A fever increases the rate your body loses water through sweat and faster breathing. Even mild dehydration can make you feel significantly worse, causing headaches, dizziness, and fatigue on top of the fever itself. Replacing lost fluids is one of the simplest and most important things you can do.
Water is fine for mild fevers, but if you’re also dealing with vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating, drinks with electrolytes (like Gatorade or Pedialyte) help replace the sodium and potassium you’re losing. Soup broth works well too, especially if you don’t have much appetite. Popsicles, flavored ices, and gelatin all count toward your fluid intake and can feel soothing when you’re not up for drinking large amounts. Avoid alcohol, which dehydrates you further.
Use Physical Cooling Carefully
A lukewarm (not cold) bath or damp washcloths on your forehead and the back of your neck can offer some relief. The key word is lukewarm. Ice baths or very cold water can trigger shivering, which actually raises your core temperature because your muscles generate heat as they contract. For the same reason, skip rubbing alcohol on the skin, an old home remedy that cools too aggressively and can be absorbed through the skin.
Dress in light, breathable clothing and use a single light sheet or blanket. Bundling up in heavy layers traps heat and can push your temperature higher. If you start sweating as the fever breaks, change into dry clothes so you stay comfortable.
Rest and Let the Fever Work
Fever is your immune system’s deliberate response to infection. The elevated temperature makes it harder for viruses and bacteria to replicate and helps your white blood cells work more efficiently. A low-grade fever (under 102°F) that isn’t causing much discomfort doesn’t necessarily need to be treated at all. Resting and letting your body do its job can actually shorten some illnesses.
That said, if a fever is making you miserable, preventing sleep, or causing muscle aches and chills, there’s no benefit to toughing it out. Treat the discomfort so you can rest, eat, and recover.
Fever in Babies and Young Children
The rules change significantly for infants. A baby younger than 3 months with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher needs immediate medical evaluation, even if the baby looks fine. At that age, a fever can signal a serious infection, and doctors follow specific protocols involving blood work and urine tests to rule out bacterial causes. Don’t give fever-reducing medication to a baby this young and wait to see what happens. Go straight to your pediatrician or emergency room.
For babies between 3 and 6 months, a rectal temperature above 102°F (38.9°C) calls for a doctor’s visit, as does a lower fever if the baby seems unusually sleepy, fussy, or uncomfortable. Between 7 and 24 months, a temperature above 102°F that persists for more than a day without other symptoms also needs medical attention. Ibuprofen should not be used in children under 6 months old. Acetaminophen is the go-to for younger infants, but only with your pediatrician’s guidance on dosing by weight.
When a Fever Needs Emergency Care
Most fevers are caused by common viral infections and resolve in two to three days. But certain warning signs paired with a fever signal something more serious. Seek immediate medical help if a fever comes with any of the following:
- Seizure or loss of consciousness
- Confusion or difficulty staying alert
- Stiff neck (a hallmark of meningitis)
- Trouble breathing
- Severe pain anywhere in the body
- Swelling or inflammation in any body part
- Painful urination or foul-smelling urine
A fever that keeps returning after it seemed to clear, or one that persists beyond three days without improvement, also deserves a doctor’s evaluation. This pattern can point to a bacterial infection that needs targeted treatment rather than just symptom management at home.