Fever is a symptom, not a disease. It is typically associated with a viral infection such as a cold or flu.

SIGNS
Reddened face, warm forehead, body chills, and sweating. You may feel hot and may be tired.

FIRST AID
Adults:
Reduce your fever. Take aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.
Remove extra clothing.
Decrease your activity or rest in bed.
Place a cold compress under your arm or on the back of your neck, or sponge off with lukewarm water continuously until the temperature goes down to normal.
Drink an 8-ounce glass of water every hour while you are awake.
Recheck the temperature.

Children:
Give your child acetaminophen for fever. DO NOT give your child aspirin.
Remove extra clothing.
Restrict activity or put the child to bed.
Encourage the child to drink extra fluids.
Give the child a sponge bath with lukewarm water continuously until the temperature goes down to normal.
Recheck the temperature.
Never wrap the child in several blankets or clothing. This may only increase his body temperature and may cause convulsions.

SEEK CARE IF:
Your fever lasts more then 3 or 4 days.
Your children develops a temperature higher than 103 degrees F (39.4 degrees C) or has a fever for more than 24 hours or has a marked change in behavior, level of consciousness or activity.
You or your child develop new symptoms.
Fever does not go down soon in spite of the first aid measures.
There is convulsion.

CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IF:
You or your child develop a very high temperature.
Your child has a seizure, develops abnormal movements of the face, arms, or legs, or has difficulty breathing.