Do not rush to take fever-lowering medicines when you have a fever

Fever that arises often makes you worried, so many choose to take antipyretic drugs immediately. In fact, it is not uncommon for people to measure body temperature using incompatible measuring devices. In addition, heat-lowering drugs should also be taken as needed and appropriate medical indications. Fever often appears along with other symptoms, such as nausea, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, joint pain, chills, and others. However, do not immediately consider fever as an enemy and rush to treat it. In fact, most fevers have benefits and help the body fight infection.

Fever Criteria

Fever is a sign that the immune system is working against viral, bacterial, fungal, or other foreign substances that enter the body. The reason for handling fever is only to relieve discomfort. The cause of fever itself is very diverse, depending on the condition of each patient. Each person's normal body temperature is different. But in general, body temperature is said to be above normal when it reaches 37 degrees Celsius through oral measurements, or 37.2 degrees Celsius when measured through the anus. Mild fever is when the body temperature has not reached 38 degrees Celsius. At this time, fever does not need to be treated because it is considered as the body's natural effort to ward off viral and bacterial infections that cannot survive hot temperatures. A fever of more than 38 degrees Celsius requires new treatment. Fever that reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher, can be considered a dangerous condition and should be given immediate medical assistance. Fever above 40 degrees Celsius risks causing brain function disorders and seizures, especially in infants and children.

The Right Use of Reducing Medication

When fever, it is advisable to use thin clothing. Avoid thick and layered clothing, because it can trigger an increase in temperature. Wash your body with warm water to help reduce fever, avoid cold water, ice water, or alcohol. In addition, avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, because these types of drinks can trigger dehydration. Drink plenty of water when you have a fever. Here are some choices of fever-reducing drugs that can be used:

• Paracetamol

This drug can be used as a fever-lowering tool, as well as relieve other symptoms such as headaches, toothaches, backaches, and other pain. Generally, paracetamol is sold freely, whether in the form of tablets, syrup, or others. See the packaging label for dosage usage. Do not use adult paracetamol drugs for children. We recommend that you use this drug for no more than 3 days without consulting a doctor.

• Ibuprofen

Besides paracetamol, ibuprofen is also a heat-lowering drug that is widely used. This drug can be used as a pain reliever during toothaches, headaches, muscle aches, flu-related pain, and stomach cramps during menstruation. The way ibuprofen works is by suppressing the production of certain body natural substances that cause inflammation, so that it can help relieve fever, pain, or swelling. Ibuprofen should be taken according to a doctor's recommendation, and generally every 4-6 hours.

• Aspirin

Aspirin can be used to help reduce fever and mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches, muscle aches, colds, and arthritis. The use of low-dose aspirin can also be used to prevent blood clots (usually occurring after a surgical procedure), which can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. The use of aspirin in children under 12 years must always be consulted by a doctor.

Please be careful for people who have a fever and at the same time also take immunosuppressant drugs (drugs suppressing the immune system), suffering from cancer, AIDS, diabetes, heart disease, and other serious illnesses. If the fever is accompanied by the above conditions, immediately consult a doctor. Use a fever-lowering medication when body temperature reaches 38 degrees Celsius or more. If the fever does not go down or drag on, consult a doctor immediately.