Can anti-inflammatory drugs be taken when having a fever?

Do not take anti-inflammatory medications indiscriminately when experiencing a fever. Anti-inflammatory drugs are effective only for fevers caused by bacterial infections. They offer no benefit—and may even disrupt normal physiological function—for fevers resulting from viral infections, systemic inflammatory responses, or environmental factors. If fever persists or symptoms worsen, seek prompt medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

Most common fevers in daily life stem from viral infections; respiratory viruses (e.g., rhinovirus, influenza virus) and enteroviruses frequently cause elevated body temperature, often accompanied by sore throat, fatigue, and rhinorrhea. Such fevers typically resolve spontaneously as the body’s immune system mounts an effective response—anti-inflammatory medications are unnecessary. Indiscriminate use of these drugs can disturb the body’s natural microbial flora, increase metabolic burden, and raise the risk of antimicrobial resistance, thereby hindering recovery.

For fevers confirmed to be caused by bacterial infection, anti-inflammatory (i.e., antibacterial/antibiotic) therapy may be initiated after definitive diagnosis. These agents inhibit bacterial proliferation and eliminate pathogenic bacteria, thereby resolving the infectious focus at its source and facilitating normalization of body temperature. Clinically, infection type is determined through laboratory tests—including complete blood count—and appropriate antimicrobial agents and treatment duration are selected accordingly to ensure standardized, evidence-based anti-infective therapy.

During fever, maintain adequate hydration, consume light and easily digestible foods, and ensure sufficient rest. These supportive measures help sustain optimal immune system function, accelerate metabolic clearance, and promote rapid restoration of normal body temperature and physiological function.