A fever can come on fast and make life very uncomfortable. For the 83 million millennials now comprising the largest part of the workforce, a fever can be a big setback when a deadline needs to be met or a project needs guidance. Here are some tips to get that fever under control and back to health.
Test and Rest
The first thing to do if you feel feverish is to grab the thermometer and check your temperature. A fever can range between 100.4 F and 104 F. For very high fevers, over 102.2 F, let your doctor know immediately. 40% of millennials have said that telemedicine is extremely important, and your family provider might see you on Zoom right away. Generally, a low-grade fever is considered to be between 100.4 F and 102.2 F degrees. In this range, a fever doesn’t normally need to be treated with medication, and treatment isn’t required. However, if the fever is occurring in a very young infant or accompanied by other symptoms that are worrisome (confusion, inability to eat or drink), treatment should be sought immediately. High and sustained fever might require having a family member or friend take you to the closest urgent care center for treatment. Fortunately, you won’t have to wait long for care. Almost 85% of urgent care patients are taken care of in under an hour.
Drink Plenty of Water
Sweating is how your body deals with being overheated. While sweating can help cool your body, it also depletes it of water. As a result, you will definitely get dehydrated quickly if you don’t pay attention to your water intake. Staying hydrated is key to helping your body function and rid itself of the infection that’s causing your fever. If you want something with a little bit more substance than water, try drinking some bone broth or chicken stock to get some much-needed nutrients and hydration.
Eat Healthy
Your immune system is working overtime when you have a fever. It’s important to keep well-fed with healthy foods. Nutrients and fluids will boost the immune system and help it better fight what ails you. The healthier you are when sick, the quicker you’ll recover.
Cool Down
Staying cool can be a big help in reducing a fever. Dressing lightly or minimally helps keep the body cooler. A lukewarm or cool bath can make a big difference in bringing down body temperature. Placing a cool towel or ice pack on the forehead is another great way to keep cool. Staying cool also helps prevent dehydration and makes dealing with a fever far more comfortable.
Invest in Over-the-Counter Medications
Regular ibuprofen and acetaminophen are probably already in your medicine cabinet. If not, they are certainly in the pharmacy department of your local store. Both are great at reducing fever and safe to take. When using medication to reduce a fever, it is important to take it as instructed. While it can be tempting to take more than is recommended on the bottle, it can be unsafe for many. Also, pay attention to the time medication is taken to align with the recommended time between doses.
A fever can be an inconvenience or a serious health problem. Identifying it early and treating it right away can help the healing process happen much faster. Stay cool and hydrated. If your fever persists for several days or becomes very high, a visit to the urgent care clinic is essential.
