Articles categorized as Fever

Can You Trust Touchless Thermometers?

How do you measure body temperature? Do you still have an old-fashioned mercury thermometer? Bad idea! How about a new touchless thermometer?

Lowering a Fever with Advil or Tylenol

When should parents treat an elevated temperature in kids? What is the best medicine for lowering a fever? Is it acetaminophen or ibuprofen?

Podcasts

Show 1233: How Does Your Immune System Overcome Viruses?

Understanding innate immunity can help us appreciate how can the immune system overcome viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

Can COVID-19 Symptoms Last for Weeks?

Fatigue, headache, cough, shortness of breath and other COVID-19 symptoms last for weeks or even months after recovery in some people.

How Can You Get a Fever Down Without Drugs?

Centuries ago, people used a tepid bath to get a fever down, even if they had no medications. Now, doctors want to know about the underlying infection.

We Blew It With the Q: When to Treat a Fever?

Sometimes there are answers to questions such as: When should you change the oil in your car? But some Qs are hard to answer like: When to treat a fever?

When Should You Treat a Fever?

Elevated temperature can help the body recruit the immune system against infection. That's why you may not want to treat a fever unless it is very high.

Will the 2019/2020 Flu Season Be Terrible?

Experts are predicting that the 2019/2020 flu season may be worse than usual. Consider getting a flu shot and keeping your immune system strong.

Did the Maker Recall Ibuprofen for Your Baby?

Dosage variation prompted a manufacturer to recall ibuprofen for treating infants' fevers.

Why It May Be Time to Throw Your Thermometer in the Trash

The Bestmed Digital Temple Thermometer does not read proper temperatures and could make it harder to spot a fever.

Acetaminophen Makes No Difference for Kids in the ICU

Acetaminophen treatment is a mainstay for pediatric fever, but this hospital-based study found it did not speed recovery or improve survival for sick kids.

Reducing Fever May Help Spread Flu

Family Feuds Over Fever

An elevated temperature is merely a symptom of an underlying infection. The infection may call for treatment, but a mild fever usually does not.

Should You Fight Fever When You Have Flu?

It may come as a surprise to learn that there aren't good clinical trials measuring the benefits of lowering a fever when patients have influenza.

Don’t Overtreat Children’s Fever