How to Treat a Fever
Parents, this is especially for you. Fevers can be a tricky time in you parenting journey. I have been there when my kids temperature is rising up and up and up and seems never ending. Kids aren’t always great at communicating what is wrong and how to make them more comfortable. It’s hard to help and listen to them wiggling with discomfort. It also sucks when YOU get sick with a fever. It’s hard to figure out what to treat and when to just let things run their course, so today, we’re going to dive in and figure it out together!
What is a fever?
A fever is an important part of our body's immune response.
First the body tries to reset at a higher temperature which is known as the First Stage. It is accompanied by
Body aches
Feeling Cold
Shivering
No Sweating
Our blood vessels constrict to keep heat inside the body which is why you or your child may appear pale. Our body continues to up our temperature in order to create an inhospitable environment for the invading baddies and this gently wakes up our other immune responses to get rid of this illness.
When our fever breaks, we enter the Second Stage where we begin to sweat profusly to bring our temperature down. Toxins are pushed out via our sweat quickly this way along with the v i r u-know-what.
Change your sheets! You don't want to keep the yucky stuff around you or your child when your body worked so hard to get it out.
When to treat a fever
Can I use tylenol?
Acetaminophen (tylenol and other brands who make this d r u g) interferes with our bodies natural way of handling a v i r u-know-what because it acts as a suppressant. Over time, our bodies no longer have that muscle memory response to invaders. It's like they lose the instruction manual on how to deal with this problem. However, like all things, there is a time and a place for intervention.
Safe fever temps
According to CHEO, "fever medicine does not remove all fever, and it won’t stop the fever from coming back. Fever medicine won’t prevent febrile seizures from happening." -cheo.on.ca
Ideal Fever Temps 38.9 C / 102 F
Dangerous Temps 42.2 / 108 F
If your temp (or your kiddos) reaches 104 F, work to bring the fever down. If it continues to climb and quickly, seek medical care.
Never use asprin.
What can you do for a fever?
All you need to remember is that you're playing a supporting role. Encourage the body to let the fever run it's course and support your immune system by
Staying hydrated
Drinking bone broth
Drinking herbal tea with immune supporting herbs (try out immuni-tea)
Staying comfortable
Eating nourishing food
Taking Elderberry Syrup every hour or every opportunity between sleep
Sleep, sleep, sleep!
Plants that could help
Echinacea
Clove
Yarrow
Spicy foods / Cayenne
Onion
Lemonbalm
Elderberry
Ginger
Garlic
Lemon
Infused Honey
Elecampane
If you have any more tips and tricks for fevers, or if you found this helpful please comment and share!
