Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y
Overview Treatment
Chills
Alternative Names: Rigors; Shivering Home Care: Fever (which can accompany chills) is the body's natural response to a variety of conditions, such as infection. If the fever is mild (102 degrees Fahrenheit or less) with no side effects, no professional treatment is required. Drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest. Text Continues Below Evaporation cools the skin and thereby reduces body temperature. Sponging with comfortably warm water (about 70 degrees Fahrenheit) may help in reducing a fever. Cold water, however, is uncomfortable, and may increase the fever because it can trigger chills. Medications such as acetaminophen are effective in fighting a fever and chills. Children who have symptoms of a viral infection should not be given aspirin because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. Do not bundle up in blankets if there is a high temperature. This will only cause a fever to rise. HOME CARE FOR A CHILD If the child's temperature is over 102 degrees Fahrenheit or if the child is uncomfortable, give pain-relieving tablets or liquid (non-aspirin containing analgesics such as acetaminophen are preferred). Follow the recommended dosage on the package label. Children who have symptoms of a viral infection should NOT be given aspirin because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. If the child's temperature is over 103.5 degrees Fahrenheit 1 - 2 hours after giving medication for fever, place the child in a tub of lukewarm water up to the navel. Rub a wet washcloth or towel over the child's body for 20 minutes or for as long as can be tolerated. Add warm water as needed to maintain the water temperature and keep the child from shivering. Pat (don't rub) the child dry with a towel. Dress the child in light clothing, provide liquids, and keep the room cool but not uncomfortable. Don't use ice water or rubbing alcohol to reduce a child's temperature. These can cause shock. Don't bundle a feverish child in blankets. Don't wake a sleeping child to give medication or take a temperature -- sleep is more important. Call your health care provider if: There is stiffness of the neck, confusion, significant irritability, or sluggishness. There is a significant cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain or burning or frequency of urination. There is a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or more in a child younger than 3 months of age. A child between 3 months and 1 year has a fever that lasts more than 24 hours. The fever remains above 103 degrees Fahrenheit after an hour or 2 of home treatment. The fever does not improve after 3 days or has lasted more than 5 days. What to expect at your health care provider's office: Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>