Fever is very common. Sometimes body temperature increases due to change in weather, too much hard work or viral infection. In such a situation, many people think that they should immediately take medicine like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, so that the fever goes down quickly, but is it right to take medicine every time there is a fever? According to experts, it is not always right to do so. Actually, fever is a natural defense mechanism of our body. When a virus or bacteria enters the body, our body fights them by increasing its temperature. Therefore, there is no need to suppress every fever immediately, so let us know when it is right to take medicine for fever, when it is not and what should be done for it.

What is fever and why does it occur?

Fever is an immune response of the body. Mild fever (99-100°F) usually does not cause harm, but helps the body fight infection. Research shows that mild fever up to 100-102°F contributes to strengthening the immunity of the body. It is necessary to consult a doctor only if the fever continuously exceeds 103°F or persists for more than three days.

Why is it wrong to take medicine every time?

People immediately take medicine as soon as they get fever. This can affect the liver and kidneys. If the fever is due to some serious disease like dengue, malaria or viral infection, then just reducing the fever will not cure the disease. According to the World Health Organization report, about 60 percent of people take medicines without prescription. This may reduce the effect of the medicine and increase the risk of side effects.

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When is it safe to take medicine for fever?

In mild fever (99-101°F) if there are no serious symptoms such as excessive fatigue, difficulty in breathing or skin rash, then taking the medicine once or twice is considered safe. The medicine only reduces the symptoms, not the root cause of the disease. If you have a mild fever, rest, drink fluids, and take medicine only to reduce discomfort.

What to do when you have fever?

1. Keep drinking water – In fever the body loses water quickly. Take water, coconut water or ORS.

2. Eat light food – Eat khichdi, soup, porridge. Avoid fried or heavy food.

3. Relax – The body needs rest. Don’t work too hard.

4. Maintain cleanliness – Wash hands frequently and prevent the spread of infection.

5. Measure fever with a thermometer – Measure the temperature from the rectum, ear or forehead.

Disadvantages of taking medicine without doctor’s advice

1. The real cause of fever may be hidden, like malaria, dengue, typhoid, hepatitis.

2. Taking too much medicine can affect the liver.

3. Mixing medicines of different brands can lead to unintentional overdose.

4. It can be more dangerous for children, elderly and already ill people.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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When not to take Fever Medicine: Fever is common. Body temperature increases due to change in weather, viral infection or fatigue. When this happens, many people take paracetamol or other medicines without thinking. Let us know whether it is right to take medicine every time there is a fever? What do experts say about this?

What disease is fever?

According to Dr. Anil, Senior Internal Medicine Specialist at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi, fever is the body’s defense system. When viruses or bacteria attack, the body tries to eliminate them by increasing the temperature. Fever up to 99-100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal and there is no need to immediately suppress it with medicine. According to a research published in the ‘Journal of Infectious Diseases’ in 2025, mild fever (100-102 degrees) helps the body fight infection. If the fever is more than 103 degrees or lasts for more than three days, it is important to consult a doctor. Research also found that repeatedly suppressing fever with medicines can weaken the immune system.

Why is it wrong to take medicine every time?

According to Dr. Anil, people take paracetamol or ibuprofen as soon as they get fever, but this habit is not right. Excessive use of these medicines can harm the liver and kidneys. Taking medicine without understanding the cause of fever can be dangerous. For example, if the fever is due to dengue or malaria, then merely reducing the fever will not cure the disease. According to the 2024 report of the ‘World Health Organization’, 60 percent of people take non-prescription medicines for fever. This not only reduces the effect of medicines, but also increases the risk of side effects.

What to do when you have fever?

According to Dr. Anil, in case of mild fever, first try home remedies. Drink plenty of water, eat light food and rest. Fever up to 102 degrees in children can be managed without medicine. Wiping with a wet cloth and wearing light clothes helps. If fever is accompanied by headache, vomiting or difficulty in breathing, consult a doctor immediately. This could be a sign of some serious disease. Measure fever with a thermometer and if the fever is more than 103 degrees, take medicine as per the doctor’s advice.

These methods will be useful

• Hydration is important: In fever the body loses water. Drink water, coconut water or ORS.
• Light food: Eat khichdi, soup or porridge. Avoid fried food.
• Relax: The body needs rest during fever. Don’t work too hard.
• Cleanliness: Wash hands frequently, so that the infection does not spread.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator