Quick Treatment for Fever

• Adults

Age	Temperature	What to do
18 years and up	Up to 102 F (38.9 C) taken orally	Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. Call the doctor if the fever is accompanied by a severe headache, stiff neck, shortness of breath, or other unusual signs or symptoms.
18 years and up	Above 102 F (38.9 C) taken orally	If you're uncomfortable, take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin. Read the label carefully for proper dosage, and be careful not to take more than one medication containing acetaminophen, such as some cough and cold medicines. Call the doctor if the fever doesn't respond to the medication, is consistently 103 F (39.4 C) or higher, or lasts longer than three days.

• Children

Age	Temperature	What to do
2-17 years	Up to 102 F (38.9 C) taken rectally for children age 3 and younger, or taken orally for children older than 3	Encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn't needed. Call the doctor if your child seems unusually irritable or lethargic or complains of significant discomfort.
2-17 years	Above 102 F (38.9 C) taken rectally for children age 3 and younger, or taken orally for children older than 3	If your child seems uncomfortable, give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). Read the label carefully for proper dosage, and be careful not to give your child more than one medication containing acetaminophen, such as some cough and cold medicines.