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How to Treat a High Temperature

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A normal body temperature is between 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius (97.5 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit). Anything above this range is deemed as a high temperature and is indicative of an infection.

Your internal body temperature can fluctuate slightly throughout the day, depending on what you are doing. Exercise, eating food, sitting outside in the hot sun, or sleeping under too many blankets can increase your body temperature.

Your body has lots of clever mechanisms that it uses to keep your temperature within a healthy range, even when you’re working out or sleeping in a hot room. However, if it encounters an infection, it sometimes can’t maintain homeostasis.

When the body is fighting against infection, it activates an immune response that causes the body temperature to increase. More white blood cells are produced to identify and destroy the harmful viral or bacterial components or any infected cells.

How to Treat a Fever and High Temperature

Fever and high body temperatures are common and most people will experience a fever at least once in their lifetime. While most infections can clear up within a week or two, there are a few things that you can do to speed up your recovery and reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Continue Measuring Your Temperature

Your temperature may stay high for several days but as your body manages to get rid of the infection, it should drop back down to a healthy range. Use a digital thermometer to measure your internal body temperature each morning and evening so that you can monitor the severity of your fever.

Use an adult or child fever temperature chart in Australia to check the healthy body temperature ranges to compare the measurements on your thermometer.

If your temperature remains high for more than two weeks, seek medical attention as soon as possible. You may need to take a course of strong antibiotic or antiviral medications to help your body overcome the bacterial or viral infection.

Doctors can also do further testing to identify any underlying problems that might be causing the high temperatures.

Give Yourself Time to Rest

Rest is important when you’re battling an infection as your body needs to allocate resources to fight off the virus or bacteria.

Resting will minimize any unnecessary energy expenditure so your body has the best chance of recovering from the infection. Focus on self-care and relaxation.

Fuel Your Body With Nourishing Foods

When you’ve got a fever, your body is in need of nourishment. Your immune system will be working hard to get rid of the infectious particles and for this, it needs the right nutrients.

In particular, focus on consuming foods that are high in vitamin C and D, as both of these micronutrients are essential for immune function. Make sure to also eat energizing foods that can help to reduce fatigue.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is common when you have a high temperature. You can produce more sweat and this can quickly cause you to get thirsty and dehydrated if you don’t drink enough water.

Keep a bottle of water by your side throughout the day so you can take regular sips and reduce the risk of dehydration.

Jeff Campbell