ToJesusMyHeart Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 With the flu my fever is at 101.5 right now. I have heard from several people that it's best to let the fever run its course and not to use ibuprofen/tylenol to bring it down. I understand the logic. Higher temps kill the bugs. However, at what point should I take measures to reduce my temperature? 103? 104? I just want your opinions (especially if you're a nurse or in the medical field). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmaD2006 Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 When it gets to 102 you need to be careful. And I would get myself checked out sooner rather than later. A fever is a sign of something going wrong (it can be an infection, a virus, etc.) I'm not a nurse though ... but I'd be concerned at 101.5. I don't run fevers unless I'm really ill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcts Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 I'd be more concerned about fixing what's going on than what temperature you are. Taking something to get rid of the fever makes you feel better but it doesn't make you not sick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmaD2006 Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 Ok ... sorry missed that you said FLU. Go to the doc asap -- they may be able to give you Tamiflu to help. You don't know what strain you're running either, so it's better to play it safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basilisa Marie Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 102 is when I'd take some meds for it, but it wouldn't hurt to take some now if you wanted to. If it lasts more than 2 days without really changing (like stays at 102), I'd go to the doctor. Or if it gets really close to 104. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToJesusMyHeart Posted January 26, 2014 Author Share Posted January 26, 2014 Yeah, it's the flu and I've already been to the doctor yesterday. I'm on Tamiflu and cough medicine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnlySunshine Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 Yeah, it's the flu and I've already been to the doctor yesterday. I'm on Tamiflu and cough medicine. Good thing you caught it early enough to get antiviral medication. The flu has stricken more people this year and caused complications so it's best to be proactive. I'm so glad I got a flu shot before all this came about. As for the fever, I think it's safe to take Tylenol. I wouldn't take Aspirin, though, because that can cause more problems than it's worth. Tylenol, plenty of rest, and clear fluids (chicken broth, water, light tea) is the recipe for getting better. Hope you feel better soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregorMendel Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 You guys nailed it already, but yes, aside from your course of tamiflu, fluids, rest, pain relievers (nsaids, etc.) and remaining cool (humidifier, drinking water, lukewarm sponging) will be your fastest ticket to recovery and cooling down. More to the point of your question, water and any pain reliever youre comfortable with should be your first line of combatting fever, and given your history you should have already peaked. If your fever continues to rise, or remains at ~102 for three days, or if youre experiencing significant discomfort or trouble breathing at any time, please call your primary care physician. Feel better!!!!! -Doug the med student :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregorMendel Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 (edited) Btw the cough medicine youve been taking should already have a pain reliever in it, as well as a decongestant/expectorant (you didnt mention if you experienced trouble breathing/had productive coughing), so as long as youve been taking the recommended dosage, youve already been on the course that I would suggest (good job!), now just monitor from here on out, you should be fine :) Edited January 26, 2014 by GregorMendel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PadrePioOfPietrelcino Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 Ben the former Military Healthcare Specialist NCO (Combat Medic) agrees with Doug the med student. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToJesusMyHeart Posted January 26, 2014 Author Share Posted January 26, 2014 the cough med is cheratussin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregorMendel Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 (edited) In that case, if you're still concerned about your fever tomorrow, you might want to supplement it with an NSAID, as cheratussin just contains codeine and guaifenesin (cough suppressant/narcotic and expectorant) or call your pcp Edited January 26, 2014 by GregorMendel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToJesusMyHeart Posted January 26, 2014 Author Share Posted January 26, 2014 My fever spiked to ~103 last night, but this morning it's at 98.3 and I think I've just about killed my flu virus! WHOOP! Thank you everyone who has prayed for my recovery. I will let you know if my fever comes back or if I'm healed for good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnlySunshine Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 My fever spiked to ~103 last night, but this morning it's at 98.3 and I think I've just about killed my flu virus! WHOOP! Thank you everyone who has prayed for my recovery. I will let you know if my fever comes back or if I'm healed for good! Often times, a fever will spike before it comes down so I think your fever has broken and you'll be good to go. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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