How to Recover From Fever Fast?

How to Recover From Fever Fast? Fevers can be uncomfortable, whether you’re feeling ill or caring for a sick child. While you should always listen to your body and let a fever run its course, there are ways to help it break faster.

Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen can significantly lower a fever. It’s also important to get plenty of rest and drink fluids, especially an electrolyte beverage such as Pedialyte.

Get Plenty of Rest: How to Recover From Fever Fast?

A fever is a sign that your immune system is working hard to fight off an infection. While this process can be uncomfortable, there are many things you can do to help break your fever and speed up your recovery.

The first and most important thing to do is to get plenty of rest. Fever-induced fatigue can make you feel worse, but getting enough sleep can help your body fight off the infection more quickly.

In addition, staying hydrated is key. Drinking lots of fluids can prevent dehydration and lower your body temperature, says Gale Maleskey, M.S., R.D. She recommends a mixture of thyme (antibacterial), linden flowers (promotes sweating) and chamomile flowers (reduces inflammation). Steep 1 teaspoon of the herbs in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes, then strain and drink warm several times a day.

You should also try to avoid activities that require a lot of physical exertion while you have a fever. Exercise can increase your metabolism and cause you to overheat, which can raise your temperature. It’s important to be careful, especially if you have kids, because your fever may lead to febrile seizures in some children.

Drink Plenty of Fluids: How to Recover From Fever Fast?

Over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and aspirin can help bring down your temperature. Just make sure you read the label and follow all directions, especially for children. Never give aspirin to kids under 12; it can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.

Drink plenty of fluids during a fever, especially water and clear broths, says Medline Plus. This prevents dehydration, which can worsen your symptoms and prolong the duration of your fever. You can also add a bit of fruit juice or a low-sugar electrolyte beverage, such as Gatorade or Powerade, to your water if desired.

Herbal teas are good for fluids, too. Try a mixture of thyme and linden flowers, which promote sweating to break a fever, recommends Gale Maleskey, M.S., R.D. Steep 1 teaspoon of the mixture in a cup of warm water for 5 minutes, then drink several times a day. A cool sponge bath may also help reduce your fever. However, don’t use ice-cold water, as it can cause your skin to constrict and trap heat, raising your core temperature even further.

Eat a Light Snack:

Fever can be exhausting, but getting plenty of sleep will help your body fight the infection. Taking an over-the-counter fever reducer like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also help relieve body aches and make you feel better. Avoid giving aspirin to children, though, because it can increase their risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

You may lose your appetite while you have a fever, but it’s important to eat something. Your body burns more calories when you’re sick, and you need nutrients and energy to combat the infection, explains NorthShore University Health System. A bowl of chicken soup can provide both fluids and calories, while smoothies made with fruit and vegetables are a great way to get your vitamins and minerals in.

You should also try to include foods that are rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful immune booster. Eating foods that are high in antioxidants can also help prevent a fever. Vitamin C can be found in fruits, vegetables and berries, as well as tomatoes and citrus fruits. Eggs are another good source of protein and vitamin B6, which helps the body produce red blood cells, a critical component of the immune system.

Take a Hot Bath:

It’s important to get plenty of rest, especially if you have a fever. Fever makes the body ache and causes fatigue, which can make it hard to sleep. Sleeping will help the body fight the infection and lower the temperature, says Shengyi Mao, M.D., an internist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

You should also drink lots of fluids, such as water or juice. Avoid caffeinated drinks, such as soda, tea or coffee, because they can dehydrate you. Your body will sweat more while you have a fever, and you need to replenish the lost fluids.

Avoid bundling up in heavy clothes or blankets. Wearing too many layers can increase your body temperature, and shivering may raise it even further. Take a lukewarm bath or shower to cool down. Sponging exposed skin, like the forehead, with tepid water can also help lower your body’s temperature. Try adding some herbal remedies, such as moringa or kudzu root, to the bath or shower for additional relief. They’ve been shown to reduce fever in animal studies, says Stephen N. Rosenberg, M.D., author of The Johnson & Johnson First-Aid Book.

Take a Cold Shower:

While a cold shower might not be the most pleasant way to treat a fever, it’s very effective. It stimulates the production of infection-fighting white blood cells, which can help ward off illness, Charles University researchers discovered. People who take cold showers report being 29 per cent less likely to call in sick with a fever or cold.

A cool or tepid bath, on the other hand, may cause shivering and raise body temperature. It’s also recommended to apply a damp washcloth to the forehead and wrists as this can lower body temperature as well.

Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water or an electrolyte replacement drink. Avoid caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee, however, since they can cause dehydration. Drinking herbal teas containing herbs such as thyme, linden flowers or chamomile can help relieve nasal congestion and induce sweating to break the fever. One recommendation is to steep a teaspoon of thyme, linden and chamomile flowers in a cup of hot water for five minutes, strain and drink the liquid several times a day.