- In otherwise healthy individuals, a fever is typically a sign of an infection the body is fighting off.
- Fever reducers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen bring the temperature down, helping you feel more comfortable.
- Our pick for the top fever reducer is acetaminophen because it effectively reduces fever and has a lower risk of causing stomach upset.
- This article was reviewed by Dipesh Navsaria, MPH, MSLIS, MD, FAAP, who is an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and president of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Due to fears of the new coronavirus, many of these products are quickly selling out or appearing at prices well above market retail. We're doing our best to keep this guide updated with in-stock purchase links.
Fevers can be scary, and as a mom, I've certainly lost sleep worrying about my daughter's temperature. As miserable as fevers make you feel, it's comforting to know that they are usually a good thing. They're a sign that your body is working properly by raising its own temperature to fight something off, typically a virus or bacterial infection. Some doctors and medical guides even recommend letting a fever run its course.
Fevers can be a sign of a more serious infection in certain populations, including very young babies and people who are immunocompromised or undergoing chemotherapy, or who have had a splenectomy or other surgery. Anyone in these populations who develops a fever should contact their doctor or proceed to the emergency room.
Additionally, a fever that persists longer than three days could be a sign of something more serious, and you should contact your doctor. To learn more about fevers and how to effectively reduce them, we spoke to Jason R. McKnight, MD, MS, a family medicine physician and clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M College of Medicine. We also consulted current research and recommendations from the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Health, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
When to use a fever reducer
The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees, and in both adults and children, a fever is considered to be 100.4 degrees and higher. You may be familiar with the term "low-grade" fever, but this is a misconception. A temperature of 99 degrees is, in fact, a normal temperature variation and not a fever. When to start using a fever reducer depends on your or your child's comfort level as well as the presence of any underlying cases or conditions, but these are the general guidelines set forth by the Mayo Clinic:
- Infants, 0 to 3 months: Call your pediatrician for any fever 100.4 degrees and higher.
- Infants, 3 to 6 months: Call your pediatrician for any fever 102 degrees and higher, and consider using a fever reducer.
- Infants and toddlers, 6 to 24 months: Consider using a fever reducer at 102 degrees and higher. Call your pediatrician if fever doesn't respond to medication or persists longer than one day.
- Kids, 2 to 17 years: Consider using a fever reducer above 102 degrees. Call your pediatrician if fever doesn't respond to medication or persists longer than three days.
- Adults, 17 years and older: Consider using a fever reducer above 102 degrees. Call your doctor if fever doesn't respond to medication or persists longer than three days.
- Anyone who is immunocompromised or has an underlying medical condition: Call your doctor for any fever.
Generic medications are almost always fine. Occasionally, generic medications made in other countries are found to have contaminants. When this is found to be the case, the FDA responds swiftly to get these medications off the market. In general, however, generic medications are just as effective as name brands.
Additionally, drink plenty of fluids. When you have a fever, you're more likely to become dehydrated. "Fluid intake is always an important part of the treatment of fevers," said McKnight.
How to accurately detect a fever
To get a correct reading, use a trusted thermometer and take three readings to ensure accuracy. Be sure never to add or subtract degrees from an axillary reading based on any guidance you may have received, as this advice is incorrect.
Your body temperature naturally fluctuates throughout the day, so try to take temperatures at the same time each day. Use the same method each time you record temperature, as different techniques can yield different results:
- Rectal (bottom) temperatures are most accurate for babies and toddlers up to age 3.
- Temporal artery (forehead) temperatures are accurate for those ages 3 months and older.
- Oral (mouth) temperatures are accurate for older children and adults.
- Tympanic (ear) temperatures are usually accurate for older children and adults.
- Axillary (armpit) temperatures are typically least accurate.
When to see the doctor
Your intuition is a strong ally, and if you suspect you need to see the doctor for your illness, don't brush that feeling off. Body temperature is only one piece of information, and if you or your child feels particularly ill, that should prompt a call for medical advice. In addition to the recommendations above, contact your doctor under any of the following circumstances:
- Medication is not bringing the fever down.
- Fever rises above 104 degrees.
- You have a severe headache, stiff neck, or trouble breathing.
- You have a seizure (note: febrile seizures are relatively common in young children and are usually harmless).
- You are part of an at-risk population or an infant is under 3 months old, in which case fever is a medical emergency.
The bottom line is if you are experiencing distressing or unusual symptoms or if you are concerned about a fever, don't hesitate to contact your doctor.
Here are our top picks for the best fever reducers:
- Best fever reducer adults: Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Best fever reducer for infants: Infant liquid acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Best fever reducer for children: Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
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