Unlike bacteria, viruses do not respond to antibiotics. In most cases, viral illnesses simply have to run their course. Staying hydrated or using over-the-counter fever-reducing medications

can help until the virus resolves. A viral fever is any fever that happens as a result of a viral infection. Viruses are tiny germs that spread easily from person to person. When you

contract a viral condition, such as a cold or flu, your immune system responds by going into overdrive. Part of this response often involves raising your body’s temperature to make it less

hospitable to the virus and other germs. Most people’s usual body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C). Anything 1 degree Celsius or more above this is considered a fever. Depending on the

high fever can be more dangerous for a young child than an adult. Here’s when to call a doctor: * CHILDREN AGES 0 TO 3 MONTHS: Rectal temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. * CHILDREN AGES

3 TO 6 MONTHS: Rectal temperature is above 101°F (38°C) and they’re irritable or sleepy. * CHILDREN AGES 6 TO 24 MONTHS: Rectal temperature is above 101°F (38°C) that lasts for more than a

day. If they have other symptoms, such as a rash, cough, or diarrhea, you may want to call sooner. For children 2 and older, call a doctor if they have a fever that repeatedly rises above

100.4°F (38°C). Also, seek medical advice if your child has a fever and: * they seem unusually lethargic and irritable or have other severe symptoms * the fever lasts longer than 3 days *

the fever doesn’t respond to medication * they don’t maintain eye contact with you * they can’t keep fluids down FOR ADULTS Fevers can also be risky for adults in some cases. See a doctor

for a fever that’s 100.4°F (38°C) or higher that isn’t responding to medication or lasts longer than 3 days. You should also seek treatment if a fever is accompanied by symptoms such as: *

severe headache * rash * sensitivity to bright light * stiff neck * frequent vomiting * chest or abdominal pain * convulsions or seizures In some instances, a severe fever can result in

convulsions, seizures, or difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical support. Drink fluids A viral fever makes your body much warmer than

usual. This causes your body to sweat in an effort to cool down. However, this leads to fluid loss, which can cause dehydration. Try to drink as much as you can when you have a viral fever

to replenish lost fluids. It doesn’t have to be just water, either. Any of the following can provide hydration: * juice * sports drinks * broths * soups * decaffeinated tea Babies and

toddlers may benefit from a specially formulated drink with electrolytes, such as Pedialyte. You can purchase these drinks at a local grocery store or online. Get plenty of rest A viral

fever is a sign that your body is working hard to fight off an infection. Cut yourself some slack by resting as much as possible. Even if you can’t spend the day in bed, try to avoid as much

physical activity as possible. Aim for 7 hours or more of sleep per night. During the day, take it easy. It’s also best to put your exercise routine on a temporary hold. Exerting yourself

can further raise your temperature. Take an over-the-counter medication Over-the-counter (OTC) fever reducers are the easiest way to manage a fever. In addition to temporarily reducing your

fever, they’ll help you feel a little less uncomfortable and more like yourself. Just make sure you keep getting plenty of rest, even if you feel better for a few hours after taking an OTC

drug. Common OTC fever reducers include: * acetaminophen (Tylenol, Children’s Tylenol) * ibuprofen (Advil, Children’s Advil, Motrin) * aspirin * naproxen (Aleve) Before taking OTC fever

reducers, it’s important to keep the following safety information in mind: * Never give aspirin to children. It can greatly increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but very serious

condition. * Don’t take more than what’s recommended by the manufacturer. Doing so can lead to stomach bleeding, liver damage, or kidney problems. * Jot down the time when you take an OTC

medication so you can make sure you don’t take too much in a 24-hour period. WHEN ARE PRESCRIPTION ANTIVIRALS NEEDED? In some instances, a viral fever may benefit from prescription

medication. This typically includes conditions such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A doctor will typically prescribe medication based on the severity of

the illness and a person’s risk factors. Try herbal remedies People sometimes try herbal remedies to treat a fever. Keep in mind that these supplements have been shown to improve fever in

animals. There’s no reliable evidence that they work in humans. Their safety in children is also often unclear or unknown, which why it is best to avoid these remedies in children. It’s also

important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t monitor the quality of supplements like they do for drugs. You should speak with a doctor before trying any supplements

and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. MORINGA Moringa is a tropical plant that has a variety of nutritional and medicinal benefits. Almost all parts of the plant contain vitamins,

minerals, antioxidants, and antibacterial agents. An older 2014 study found that moringa bark reduced fevers in rabbits. More research is needed to determine how this plant can reduce fevers

in humans. You should avoid using moringa if you: * are pregnant * take medications that are substrates of cytochrome P450, such as lovastatin (Altoprev), fexofenadine (Allegra), or

ketoconazole (Nizoral) KUDZU ROOT Kudzu root is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce pain. Research suggests that it may be

effective in treating fever, diarrhea, and inflammatory diseases. However, further research is still needed. You should avoid using kudzu root if you: * take tamoxifen * have

hormonal-sensitive cancer, such as ER-positive breast cancer * take methotrexate (Rasuvo) If you take diabetes medications, you should talk with a doctor before trying kudzu root. It may

lead to low blood sugar, requiring a change in medication. You can find kudzu root in the form a powder, capsule, or liquid extract online. Stay cool You can help cool down your body by

surrounding it with cooler temperatures. Make sure you don’t overdo it. If you start to shiver, stop immediately. Shivering can cause your fever to rise. Things you can do to safely cool off

include the following: * Sit in a bath of lukewarm water, which will feel cool when you have a fever. (Cold water will actually cause your body to warm up instead of cool down.) * give

yourself a sponge bath with lukewarm water * wear light pajamas or clothing * try to avoid using too many extra blankets when you have chills * drink plenty of cool or room-temperature water

* eat popsicles * use a fan to keep air circulating Frequently Asked Questions DOES A WET TOWEL HELP FEVER? Placing a wet towel on your forehead or on the back of your neck may help to cool

you down and reduce symptoms. WHAT SHOULD YOU EAT WITH A COLD OR FEVER? If you have a cold or fever, it can be helpful to eat foods with high water content, such as broths, soups, and

fruits and vegetables. WHAT WORSENS A FEVER? Wearing too many layers of clothing, sitting in a warm room, and doing physical activity can all worsen a fever. The bottom line A viral fever is

usually nothing to worry about. In both children and adults, most viruses resolve on their own and are part of the healing process. Some home remedies can help to speed up the healing

process, such as: * staying hydrated * getting plenty of rest * keeping cool However, if you notice unusual symptoms or a fever doesn’t go away after a day or so, it’s best to speak with a

doctor. Read this article in Spanish.