Not all fevers mean you have a serious illness or need medicine. Children often have high temperatures, even with minor viral infections. On the other hand, older adults may have a serious infection and not have a fever. For low-grade fevers below 102 degrees F, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids, especially water. Dress in light, comfortable clothing. Do not bundle in heavy clothes or blankets. Keep the room cool but not uncomfortable. Bathing or sponging in lukewarm water may also help. Medicines are not needed for a low-grade fever unless your doctor recommends them.

Use nonprescription medicines to reduce fever if the temperature is 102 degrees F (38.9 degrees C) or higher and you are feeling uncomfortable. Adults can use acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. Children under 18 years of age should not take aspirin or Pepto-Bismol because of the risk of Reye's syndrome unless recommended by a doctor. Take the medicine according to the directions on the package or follow your doctor's instructions.

Some precautions you should follow are:

• Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver or kidney disease.
• If you have asthma, ask your doctor if it is OK to take NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
• Take NSAIDs with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.
• Do not give ibuprofen to infants under 6 months of age.
• Do not drink alcohol.

Medicines should reduce fever within 1 to 2 hours. Recheck your temperature to see if the medicine is working. You may need to repeat doses according to the directions until the illness runs its course. To keep track of doses, write down the name of the medicine and when each dose is taken, especially if you are taking more than 1 medicine.

When should I call my doctor?
Adults should contact their doctor if they have:

• a fever of 103 degrees F (39.5 degrees C) or higher
• a fever of 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C) or higher that lasts longer than 2 days
• fever and any of the following symptoms:
• shortness of breath
• severe headache or a headache that does not go away
• a very stiff neck and pain when bending the head forward
• sensitivity to bright lights
• confusion or drowsiness
• seizure or convulsion
• moderate to severe pain
• redness, swelling, tenderness, or other signs of infection on their skin.

If you are pregnant, call your doctor if you have:

• a fever of 100.5 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher, or
• a temperature of 100 degrees F (37.8 C) for 3 days.

Also call your doctor if a fever is getting worse or not getting better after 2 to 3 days of treatment.

Call your child's doctor right away if:

• Your child is less than 3 months old.
• Your child's fever is over 105° F (40.6° C).
• Your child has a seizure.
• Your child looks or acts very sick.

Call your child's doctor within 24 hours if:

• Your child is 3 to 6 months old (unless the fever is due to a DTaP shot).
• The fever is between 104 and 105° F (40 to 40.6° C).
• Your child has had a fever more than 24 hours and you don't know what is causing it.
• Your child has had a fever for more than 3 days.
• The fever went away for over 24 hours and then came back.
• You have other concerns or questions.