Wellness Minneapolis
  • Home
  • Appointments
  • Dr. Barrett
    • About Dr. Barrett
    • Holistic Hashimoto's Group
    • Mentoring
    • Dr. Barrett's Blog
  • Dr. Aidanne
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Functional Medicine Bloodwork
    • Supplements
    • Recipe Box
    • Trusted Resources
    • Book List
  • Newsletter Signup
  • About
    • Naturopathic Medicine
    • Forms
    • Testimonials
    • FAQs >
      • Charm FAQ
  • Contact
  • Shop

How to Safely Manage and Encourage a Fever

6/22/2020

 
Authored by Dr. Barrett
Picture

There is a common misconception that a fever is something that needs to be treated and controlled. Fever is a brilliantly designed mechanism for our body to fight infections. The fever induces a whole host of beneficial changes to our immune system. 

There is a trend of using fever reducers (antipyretics) in the case of viral infections and unfortunately the evidence shows this is not a beneficial practice. 

“There is mounting evidence that the increase of 1 to 4°C (1.8 to 7.2 °F) in core body temperature that occurs during fever is associated with improved survival and resolution of many infections. For example, the use of antipyretic drugs to diminish fever correlates with a 5% increase in mortality in human populations infected with influenza virus and negatively affects patient outcomes in the intensive care unit” (1). 

Artificially reducing a fever blunts the benefits listed above. Fever reduction with antipyretics can suppress antibody response and tends toward longer duration of viral shedding (2). In simpler terms, you can be contagious longer. 

So you develop a fever, now what? 
  • Stay hydrated with water and unsweetened electrolyte beverages. Homemade ice pops can be very soothing. Consider making ice pops with herbal teas and coconut water. 
  • Eat very lightly. Broth-based soups are ideal.
  • Rest
  • Use the Magic Sock treatment before bed each night. 
  • If the fever is making you so uncomfortable that you aren’t staying hydrated properly and/or are not sleeping, it’s time to reduce the fever.

Ways to safely reduce a fever: 
  • Soak washcloths in vinegar (white or apple cider) and place one over the forehead and one over the abdomen. 
  • Take a lukewarm bath with about a cup of vinegar added.
  • Homeopathic remedies work very well for fever but you will need a remedy matched to your symptoms. Reach out to your homeopath or naturopathic doctor for help in choosing a remedy. 
  • Fever is not safe in every condition. If a patient has sepsis or neurological injuries fever can be damaging. Neither of these conditions should be managed at home. 

For more information about fevers in children, I recommend this blog written by a pediatrician. 

​
References
  1. Fever and the thermal regulation of immunity: the immune system feels the heat (2015)
  2. Adverse effects of aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen on immune function, viral shedding, and clinical status in rhinovirus-infected volunteers (1990).
Additional Reading on Fever
  1. Fever: suppress or let it ride? (2015)
  2. Fever and Antipyretic Use in Children (2011)
  3. Fever management: evidence vs current practice (2012)​

Picture
Dr. Sara Jean Barrett is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and co-founder of Wellness Minneapolis. She is also the President of the Minnesota Association of Naturopathic Physicians and a Member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. For more information about support during COVID-19, sign up for Dr. Barrett's newsletter. ​
pcdindia link
3/26/2021 10:57:55 pm

It is a great blog post.I am always read your blog helpful and informative tips. I like it thanks for sharing this information with us

Dr. Barrett
4/13/2021 06:43:33 am

You are welcome!

Indimedo Online pharmacy link
8/23/2022 01:59:51 am

Hello,
Thank you so much for sharing your valuable knowledge with us. I like your content very much related to HOW TO SAFELY MANAGE AND ENCOURAGE A FEVER, you have well explained this topic truthfully valuable for me .

Buy ERLOCIP 150mg Online link
11/2/2022 12:14:38 am

Appreciative article! You are for providing us with a piece of good information and a helpful platform.

Imatinib price philippines link
5/2/2024 04:15:48 am

There are very few article like this. Very meaningful... Thanks for sharing.

Justin Reeder link
7/11/2024 09:33:20 am

This is a great post! Everything on the web is about suppressing or alleviating a fever. I went on looking for ways to encourage one. Thank you!

shimla escort service link
11/23/2024 04:13:24 am

Our escort service in Shimla is also a gateway to the same. When you book a list for a night job with hot girls in our agency, you get the same sights as you would with your lovers. And there is no need to worry about your services, however your services are not expiring or not expiring, you can get a refund for your services without paying any money and within 24 hours we can ask questions and get your money back!


Comments are closed.

    Articles

    We hope you find this information helpful on your journey in wellness.

    Want more? Sign up for our newsletter.
    sign up

    RSS Feed

    Category

    All
    Acupuncture & TCM
    Autoimmunity
    Ayurveda
    Book Reviews
    Chiropractic Care
    COVID-19
    Detoxification
    Digestive Health
    Energy Healing
    Fertility
    Hormone Support
    Hydrotherapy
    Immune Health
    Kid's Health
    Mental Wellness
    Nutrition
    Pain
    Team Wellness

Picture

​

General

FAQs
Blog/Articles
​

Patient Resources

Patient Portal
Medicinary

Provider Resources

Mentorship

More Information

Contact
Phone: (612) 598-8627
Fax: (833) 792-0900
 Newsletter Signup
Find us on Instagram @wellnessmpls
Find us on TikTok @wellnessmpls
Thank you to Emma Freeman and Lizzy Fasching for many of the photos on this site.
© Wellness Minneapolis | All rights reserved