Published on: 9/30/2024
Fever alone is not necessarily harmful. However, taking a medication like TylenolⓇ (acetaminophen) is a good option if you aren’t feeling well due to the fever.
The so-called "normal body temperature" (basal body temperature when at rest) varies from person to person. Furthermore, fevers that are not too high (generally below 102°F) are not necessarily harmful to the body. However, fever can cause a person to feel tired, sluggish and generally uncomfortable so fortunately we have medications to prevent those unpleasant symptoms. In those instances, taking an antipyretic like TylenolⓇ (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen may be recommended unless you have been advised not to do so by your health care provider. On the other hand, if the symptoms are not severe, there is no need to take the medicine even if you have a fever. While it is not necessary to endure severe symptoms, seek further evaluation by your health care provider if fevers persist beyond 5-7 days.
(References)
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Wright WF, Auwaerter PG. Fever and Fever of Unknown Origin: Review, Recent Advances, and Lingering Dogma. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2020 May 2;7(5):ofaa132. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa132. PMID: 32462043; PMCID: PMC7237822.
Dinarello CA, Wolff SM. Molecular basis of fever in humans. Am J Med. 1982 May;72(5):799819. doi: 10.1016/00029343(82)905484. PMID: 6805324.
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