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Fevers are not necessarily a bad thing for our bodies, it’s a way for the body to spike the internal temperature and help cure itself.
If you or your child has a slight fever (below 100.4 F) and it isn’t accompanied by any lethargy, limpness, stiff neck or unusual rash, then this generally means that your body is fighting an infection. Germs cannot thrive in hot spaces. That’s why your body’s natural way to fight off infections is to spike your internal temp to kill the bacteria or virus that you’re housing.
Medicating to bring your fever down will make things more comfortable, or bearable, but it also slows your own body’s healing process down.
As long as there are no other serious symptoms (lethargy, limpness, stiff neck, unusual rash, or anything else your doctor says to look out for) let your body do the work! Resting and drinking fluids, while the fever takes its course, is usually the best and fastest way to heal.
Taking a dose of medicine to bring a fever down can actually cause you to not rest as much because you feel better and try to get things done. The same goes for children, but rest benefits their little bodies even more.
If your child has a fever, pay more attention to how they are acting rather than how high the number on the thermometer is. If your child is laughing and walking around (with no other serious symptoms), but has a spiked temperature, it’s usually fine to wait and see if their body can fight off the sickness on its own. Trust your instincts though – your gut is important! If you think your child should be seen by a doctor, then take them in to be seen and give yourself some peace of mind.
Fevers are uncomfortable and if you’re wanting some relief then there are holistic ways to gently bring a fever down in order to make you or your child more comfortable.
Here are some natural remedies for a fever:
1. Cool Compress
Put a small wet towel on your forehead & wrists while resting or watching a movie.
2. Lukewarm Bath
Make sure you don’t run the water too hot or too cold.
Try adding 1-2 cups of epsom salt to help relieve any aches you might have.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Soak a cloth in water mixed with ACV and put it on your forehead and feet.
You can also add some to a bath to help “draw out” the fever.
4. Cold Drinks
Water should always be the go-to, but you can also try coconut water for added electrolytes.
Be sure to drink as much as you can throughout the day. Fluids are so important to avoid dehydration.
5. Essential Oils
Peppermint, lavender, chamomile and lemongrass are favorites. Be sure you are only using tested therapeutic grade essential oils.
You can dilute any of these with coconut oil and rub on your forehead and/or feet.
6. Minimize Clothing
As long as it’s a cool day or cool night you can stand outside for a short time to chill out and get some fresh air.
7. Cucumber Juice
Drinking 12-20 oz a day is ideal since cucumber juice has anti-fever compounds and agents that will naturally relieve fever symptoms.
8. Wet Sock Method
Take some thin socks and soak them in ice cold water, put these on, then cover the wet socks with dry wool socks. Sleep with these on overnight or for 1-2 hours during the day while relaxing.
Hopefully you or your child find some quick relief with these remedies!
Remember that children younger than 2 months old should always be seen by a doctor at the first sign of a fever. And anyone with a fever lasting 5-7 days should be seen by a doctor – even if there are no other symptoms.
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