Can I take anti-inflammatory drugs when I have a fever?

If a fever is caused by a bacterial infection, it is usually appropriate to take anti-inflammatory drugs. However, if the fever is caused by a viral infection, anti-inflammatory drugs are typically not indicated.

If a fever is caused by a bacterial infection, anti-inflammatory drugs are usually required. Examples include bacterial respiratory infections causing tonsillitis, bronchitis, and others, bacterial urinary tract infections causing pyelonephritis and cystitis, as well as bacterial skin and soft tissue infections causing boils or abscesses. In these cases, anti-inflammatory drugs can effectively kill bacteria, control the infection, and thereby alleviate fever symptoms.

If a fever is caused by a viral infection, anti-inflammatory drugs generally are not necessary. Common illnesses such as viral colds, influenza, viral pharyngitis, and hand-foot-and-mouth disease are caused by viral infections, and anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective against viruses because they neither inhibit nor kill viruses. Additionally, some non-infectious causes of fever, such as autoimmune diseases or heatstroke, cannot be effectively treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, which may instead cause side effects.

When using anti-inflammatory drugs, patients should strictly follow their doctor's instructions and pay attention to changes in symptoms.