Chills

Chills: Home Care & Treatment

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.

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 to 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.