What to do for adults with fever and chills: how to reduce fever

Nov 23, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Shuwen

Introduction

For adults with fever and chills, if body temperature does not exceed 38.5°C, use lukewarm water to wipe the soles of the feet, palms, or apply fever-reducing patches. If body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, antipyretic medications such as ibuprofen capsules or acetaminophen tablets may be used. For bacterial infections, add antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules or cefixime dispersible tablets. For viral infections, add antiviral medications such as ribavirin tablets or oseltamivir granules.

Fever usually refers to an elevated body temperature. Methods for managing fever, chills, and promoting defervescence in adults include physical therapy, medication, and treatment targeting the underlying cause.

1. Physical Therapy

If body temperature does not exceed 38.5°C, wipe the patient's palms, soles, armpits, and groin areas with lukewarm water, or use cooling patches to reduce fever.

2. Medication

If body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, non-steroidal antipyretic drugs may be used under medical guidance. Commonly used medications include ibuprofen capsules and acetaminophen tablets.

3. Treatment Targeting the Underlying Cause

If the fever is caused by bacterial infection, antibiotics can be used to control the infection. Commonly prescribed medications include amoxicillin capsules and cefixime dispersible tablets. If it is due to viral infection, antiviral medications such as ribavirin tablets or oseltamivir granules may be used.

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Is a fever of 38.5°C serious for an adult?

Fever generally refers to an elevated body temperature. For adults, a fever reaching 38.5°C may not be serious, but it could also indicate a more severe condition; the severity depends on the underlying cause. If the fever is caused by inflammation in the body, a temperature of 38.5°C is usually not serious and can typically be treated under medical guidance with oral antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules or cefixime tablets.

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Adult fever above 38°C lasting for one week

An adult with a fever above 38°C lasting for one week may have respiratory system diseases such as viral influenza or acute suppurative tonsillitis, or possibly malignant tumors. The aforementioned symptoms could also be caused by hematological disorders such as pernicious anemia or leukemia. Under a doctor's guidance, vitamin B12 and folic acid may be administered via intravenous injection for conditions like anemia; leukemia requires treatments including molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

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Can adults with a fever wash their hair?

Fever usually refers to an elevated body temperature. Whether adults with fever can wash their hair depends on various factors. If the adult has a low-grade fever and is in a comfortable environment without excessive coldness, washing hair is generally acceptable. However, if the adult has a high fever causing significant discomfort, such as headache, or is in a cold environment, washing hair is typically not recommended.

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What antipyretic medication should an adult take for a fever of 39°C?

Ibuprofen capsules are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with antipyretic and analgesic effects. Patients experiencing discomfort due to fever may take this medication. Acetaminophen tablets are also suitable for adults with a fever of 39°C, as this drug possesses antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. A fever of 39°C in adults is considered high-grade fever; to prevent worsening of symptoms, indomethacin capsules may be taken.