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Fever — what to take?

Fever (>37.5°C axillary or >38°C rectal) is a natural immune response to infection. It is not a disease but a symptom - the important thing is to find the cause and reduce fever only when it bothers the patient.

3 recommended OTC drugs
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OTC — no prescription

What you can take for fever

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How to measure temperature correctly

The digital axillary thermometer (under the arm) is the most common - normal 36-37°C, fever above 37.5°C. The rectal thermometer (standard in infants) reads 0.3-0.5°C higher. Infrared thermometers for the ear and forehead are convenient but less accurate.

Do not measure immediately after exercise, a hot bath or a hot meal - results will be falsely elevated. Wait 20-30 minutes.

When to treat fever

In healthy adults, fever up to 38.5°C usually does not need treatment - it is useful, it speeds up the immune response. Treat when discomfort is large, in children under 3 months with any fever (medical emergency), in patients with chronic heart or lung disease.

OTC antipyretics

Paracetamol is first choice - 500-1000 mg every 4-6h, maximum 4 g/day in adults. In children, 10-15 mg/kg/dose every 4-6h. It is safe in pregnancy too.

Ibuprofen 200-400 mg every 6-8h reduces both fever and inflammation. In children, 5-10 mg/kg/dose. Avoid in severe dehydration, kidney failure, ulcer.

You can alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen every 3h if fever is high and persistent - a validated strategy in children over 6 months.

Non-pharmacological measures

  • Generous hydration (water, soups, electrolytes).
  • Light clothing, room temperature 20-22°C.
  • Cool compresses on the forehead and under the arms (NOT ice-cold - they induce shivering and raise fever).
  • Avoid wiping with alcohol - contraindicated in children.

Common causes

Viral infections (cold, flu, COVID, gastroenteritis) are the most common. Bacterial infections (tonsillitis, pneumonia, urinary, otitis) usually produce higher fever. Other causes: post-vaccination reactions, autoimmune diseases, thyroiditis, malignancies.

Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a physician or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a healthcare professional.

When to see a doctor

If any of these signs appear, consult a doctor — OTC treatment is not enough:

  • Any fever in an infant under 3 months
  • Fever above 39.5°C not responding to antipyretics
  • Fever over 3 days with no clear cause
  • Fever with neck stiffness, confusion, convulsions
  • Fever with skin rash
  • Fever in an immunocompromised patient (oncology, transplant, HIV)

Frequently asked

Common questions

At what temperature do we speak of fever?
Above 37.5°C axillary or 38°C rectal. Sub-febrile: 37-37.5°C. High fever: above 39°C. Hyperpyrexia: above 41°C (emergency).
Do I need to reduce every fever?
No. Fever is useful. In healthy adults, you can tolerate up to 38.5°C without an antipyretic. In small children and certain chronic diseases, treatment is started earlier for comfort.
Can I alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen in a child?
Yes, in children over 6 months you can alternate every 3h if fever is persistent. Write down the times so you do not exceed the daily doses for each molecule.
What do I do if fever lasts more than 3 days?
See a doctor - prolonged fever may indicate a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics, or rarer causes needing investigation.

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