Fever itself is generally not an illness and usually does not require treatment. Some health experts believe that treating a fever prevents the body from using natural defenses to eradicate an illness. Nonetheless, parents often desire to reduce a fever because of the discomfort it may cause to a child. Non-aspirin fever reducers can be used to reduce a fever and lessen associated symptoms such as achiness and chills. Parents should never use aspirin to treat their child, as the use of this drug in children with bacterial and viral infections can lead to Reye syndrome, a rare condition that can damage the brain or liver.

Children also should get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Water and fruit juices are best for restoring loss of fluids. However, children should be allowed to drink whatever liquids they most enjoy as long as they do not contain caffeine. Sports drinks should not be given to young children because the added sugars may cause diarrhea.

A physician also may recommend an over-the-counter pediatric electrolyte rehydration solution that will keep a child’s mineral levels in balance. It is not a good idea to “starve” a fever by curbing a child’s intake of calories. Regular meals provide a child with the energy needed to fight off a fever.

Other techniques that may be useful to keep children comfortable include dressing the child in light clothing and cooling the child with lukewarm sponge baths. Water should not be too cool or it may cause the child to shiver, which may raise the fever even higher. Sponge baths may be a good option for children who have temperatures of 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius) for more than one hour. A child’s temperature should begin to fall within five or 10 minutes of beginning the sponge bath. Rubbing alcohol should not be used as a substitute for or in addition to lukewarm water. Rubbing alcohol may be absorbed into the skin or inhaled. This can result in a coma. 

Ultimately, the most important factor in eliminating a fever is to treat the underlying condition that has caused the increased body temperature. Many conditions that cause fever will pass on their own without treatment, including viral infections such as influenza and mononucleosis. In other cases – such as bacterial infections, including strep throat and pneumonia – antibiotics may be necessary.