Fever is the body’s natural defence against infection. Most fevers caused by viral infections resolve on their own with rest and fluids. However, very high fever or fever with certain symptoms needs medical attention.
Common Causes
- Viral infections — cold, flu, COVID, dengue, viral fever
- Bacterial infections — UTI, throat infection, pneumonia
- Vaccinations — mild fever for 24–48 hours is normal
- Heat exhaustion
- Teething in infants — may cause mild temperature rise
- Inflammatory conditions
Home Care and Relief
Paracetamol
Adults: 500–1000mg every 4–6 hours. Children: weight-based dosing per package insert. Do not give aspirin to children under 16. is an alternative for adults and children over 3 months.
Stay hydrated
Fever causes rapid fluid loss. Drink water, coconut water, ORS, or diluted juice throughout the day. Dehydration makes fever more dangerous.
Rest
The body needs energy to fight infection. Rest reduces metabolic demand and lets the immune system work effectively.
Cool damp cloth
Apply to forehead, armpits, and groin. Change frequently. Draws heat away without causing shivering.
Dress lightly
Wear light, breathable clothing. Avoid heavy blankets. Keep the room ventilated.
Light foods
Offer light, easily digestible food — khichdi, dal, rice water, banana, or toast. Soups maintain hydration and electrolytes.
Tepid sponging for children
Lukewarm sponge bath helps reduce high . Never use cold water or alcohol rubs.
Clinical guidance from Mayo Clinic[1] stresses matching home care to symptom severity and seeking urgent review when red-flag signs appear.
When to See a Doctor
- Any fever in a baby under 3 months old — hospital immediately
- Fever above 39.4°C not responding to paracetamol
- Fever lasting more than 3 days in adults or 2 days in children
- Fever with stiff neck
- Fever with a rash that does not fade when pressed
- Fever with difficulty breathing
- Fever with severe or extreme drowsiness
- Child having a seizure with fever
Related Guides
For verification and deeper reading, CDC[2] offers independent, evidence-based information you can cross-check with your own clinician.
References & further reading
Sources cited in this guide. DIMH links to independent medical institutions for verification — not as a substitute for personal medical advice.
- Mayo Clinic — Feverhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759
- CDC — Fluhttps://www.cdc.gov/flu/
- NHS — High temperature (fever) in adultshttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fever-in-adults/
- CDC — Flu symptoms & carehttps://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/index.html
- MedlinePlus — trusted health information (NIH)https://medlineplus.gov/
- World Health Organization — health topicshttps://www.who.int/health-topics
When home care is not enough: chest pain, trouble breathing, confusion, or symptoms that worsen quickly need urgent medical attention.