If you have a fever of 100 should go to the hospital?
A fever is the body's natural response to infection. In most cases, a fever does not require medical attention and can be managed at home. However, if your fever is 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you should contact a doctor for evaluation.
A high fever can be dangerous, especially in young children and the elderly. If you have a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you should watch for the following symptoms:
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
If you experience any of these symptoms in addition to a high fever, you should seek medical attention immediately.
There are a few things you can do at home to help reduce a high fever:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Follow the directions on the package carefully.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids help to replace water that is lost through sweating and evaporation.
- Get plenty of rest. Resting can help your body fight the infection.
- Cool your body down. You can do this by taking a bath or shower in lukewarm water, applying cold compresses to your forehead and neck, or using a fan or air conditioner.
If your fever does not improve after 24 hours, or if it worsens, you should contact a doctor.
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