A fever is the body's way of telling you that something is wrong. It can start for a variety of reasons, from simple problems such as the common cold and gastroenteritis, to serious conditions like HIV and Hodgkin's disease. Fevers can also be the body's response to drug discontinuation or internal infections.
The normal reaction is to try to bring down a fever as soon as it appears. Common sense dictates that you should do some research before taking any steps, however. Some medical experts even argue that a fever may be beneficial, since it can help the body deal with certain infections and illnesses.
If you decide to try and reduce a fever, you may want to start with home remedies. Some popular preparations that have proven valuable include teas made of coriander, ginger or cumin. Soups made with bitter gourd or snake gourd are also said to help relieve a fever. Drinking a lot of fluids to prevent dehydration and taking a lot of time to rest will help give your body the strength to fight the underlying problem better.
Most over-the-counter pain relievers, including acetaminophen (paracetamol) and ibuprofen can also help fight a fever. Children 12 and under should not take aspirin because it can potentially trigger Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition.
Fevers over 103°F (39.4°C) may indicate a bacterial infection and should be checked by a medical practitioner if they persist for more than 72 hours. Unusual behavior such as lethargy can indicate a serious problem in children, especially if his or her temperature doesn't go down over a period of a few hours.
Taking a warm shower or bath may also help. You shouldn't, however, stay in the water for longer than 10 minutes and you should make sure the water is not too cold, as this could cause shock if you have a very high temperature. Sponging the body with lukewarm water can also help, especially with small children. With rest and minimal care, you should be back on your feet in no time.