Fever

In a fever, body temperature is raised persistently above the normal level of 98.6˚F. Fever is a symptom, not a disease. Fever is the body’s reaction to infection and other illnesses. It is likely to result from bacterial or viral illness such as flu, or a throat, chest, or bladder infection. It can also be due to other diseases, heatstroke, sunburn, or reactions to drugs. If a fever persists, a person may become dehydrated. You usually can treat the fever at home if you are in good health and do not have any medical problems or significant symptoms with the fever.

Fever Symptoms

• Raised body temperature (above 100°F).
• Sweating.
• Muscle aches, Headache.
• Loss of appetite.
• Shivering.
• General weakness.

High fevers above 103°F

• Confusion.
• Irritability.
• Dehydration.
• Convulsions.

Home Remedies for Fever

• Cilantro: Take 2 teaspoon of cilantro juice 3 times a day to help lower the fever. Put a handful of cilantro leaves in a blender with about 1/3 cup water, and blend thoroughly. Strain out the pulp and take the juice.
• Cumin, coriander and fennel seeds: Mix cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds in equal proportions. Add one teaspoon of this mixture in a cup of boiling water; steep for 10 minutes, strain, and drink.
• Ginger and raisins: Crush 10 grams of raisins and ginger. Boil them in 200 ml of water till it reduces to 50 ml. Strain and drink this solution warm.
• Fenugreek: Boil powder of 2 to 3 tsp dry roasted fenugreek seeds. Strain the water and add a drop of ghee to it and drink.
• Basil: For chronic fever, drink basil (tulsi) tea. Take 1 teaspoon holy basil steeped in 1 cup hot water. Add 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoon honey. Take this 3 times a day before meal.

Do’s for Fever

• Take rest. You don’t have to stay in bed, but don’t overexert yourself.
• Sponge with warm water.
• Stay hydrated by sipping on water throughout the day. Drink at least 8 glasses of water or diluted fruit juice to help prevent dehydration. This will also expel toxins and keep the respiratory tract from drying out.
• Stay cool, but avoid getting cold. Wear light and loose clothes.
• Prefer liquid food over solid food.

Don’ts for Fever

• Try to avoid eating when having high temperature. The exertion involved in digesting food can cause the body temperature to rise even further.
• Avoid tea, coffee, which has a diuretic properties that encourage the body fluid to eliminate.
• Avoid sugar, processed foods, dairy, and junk foods, which suppress your immune system.
• Don’t go to work. You need rest to recover, and activity can raise your body temperature.

See Doctor

• Temperature is above 102˚F.
• Fever accompanied by a severe headache and a stiff neck.
• Have difficulty in breathing.
• Are drowsy or confused.
• Temperature keeps rising despite attempts to bring it down.
• Fever has not subsided within 2 days or developed other symptoms.

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