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PRIMARY CARE SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Fever

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How is a Fever Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

Fevers can be diagnosed at home by measuring your body temperature, typically by inserting a thermometer in the mouth, under the armpit, or in the rectum. There are also drugstore thermometers that can be inserted into the ear to detect the temperature of the eardrum.

A doctor can further evaluate continuous or reoccurring fever symptoms by performing a physical exam to determine the cause. A physician may:

  • Inquire about additional symptoms
  • Ask about current medications
  • Check to see if you’ve recently traveled to areas with high rates of infectious diseases—malaria, Lyme disease, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Check for COVID-19
  • Swab the nasal passage or throat to check for respiratory infections
  • Order additional tests, including chest X-rays

How can a primary care doctor help?

A fever is a symptom, not a disease. A primary care doctor can help determine the cause of a concerning fever that’s not responding to at-home fever treatments. Once correctly diagnosed, they can treat the source of your fever.

If your fever lasts inexplicably for over three weeks, it is considered a “fever of unknown origin.” You may need to have additional tests and be referred to a specialist.

How is a Fever Treated?

Treatments

A fever means your body is doing its job—fighting off infection and illness. A fever can burn away independently, but many treatments can alleviate unpleasant symptoms, depending on one’s age, physical health, and underlying cause.

Some tips on how to bring down a fever include:

Home remedies

If you have a fever, there are numerous ways to bring down your body temperature and make yourself more comfortable:

  • Place a cold rag on your forehead
  • Drink clear liquids, such as water, juice, broth, or electrolyte drinks
  • Take a lukewarm bath
  • Wear lightweight clothing
  • Sleep with a light blanket or only a sheet
  • If nauseous, eat mild foods such as soup, rice, or plain crackers
  • Rest

Medications

If your fever is high and causing discomfort, there are several medication options:

  • Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), acetaminophen (Tylenol, Excedrin), and aspirin
  • Your doctor can prescribe drugs to treat the cause of the fever, including antibiotics for conditions such as strep throat or other bacterial infections

Reducing fever in children and infants

When dealing with a feverish child, there are ways to make them more comfortable:

  • Administer a child’s dosage of acetaminophen (2 years and up) or ibuprofen (6 months and over)
  • A cool sponge bath or washrag to the head or wrists can provide comfort
  • Dress them in light clothing
  • Make sure they are getting plenty of liquids, such as water and low-sugar juice
  • Children and teens should not take aspirin, due to the risk of developing Reye syndrome

Don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician with any questions or concerns regarding your child’s fever.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Fever Treatment

NewYork-Presbyterian is here to provide care and peace of mind if you or your child are experiencing a high or prolonged fever. Our world-class primary care doctors and pediatricians can evaluate your fever symptoms and refer you to our specialists.

We make it easy for you to get care, providing early, late, and weekend hours and same-day appointments for critical cases. We accept most insurances and offer a user-friendly patient portal.

For all your healthcare concerns, schedule an appointment or video visit at NewYork-Presbyterian or one of our medical group locations today.