Fever Guide: Home Remedies or ER?

As an ER nurse, I’ve seen countless worried parents rush to the ER for a simple viral fever—often because they didn’t know how to manage it at home or weren’t confident in doing so. This guide was created to empower parents with the knowledge and tools to care for their children confidently (and yes, it applies to adults too!).

Fevers can be confusing—and sometimes scary—because they show up with lots of different illnesses, some serious, some not. This blog post focuses on fevers caused by viral illnesses, the kind most of us deal with at home. If your child has a fever without a clear reason or shows unusual symptoms, it’s always best to check in with your doctor or get higher-level care.

What is a Fever?

First off, it's important to recognize that a fever is not an illness, it's a symptom of an illness. A fever is a natural response to an infection or illness controlled by the hypothalamus. It is a good sign, because it means that the body is fighting off the illness or infection. A higher body temperature makes it harder for viruses and bacteria to thrive, while also helping immune cells work more efficiently. Together, that activates the immune symptom and creates a powerful line of defense.

Why We Should Let a Fever Do Its Job

Fever is the body’s natural defense against infection. A fever actually signals additional immune support. A higher temperature helps the body activate T-cells, which are key players in the immune response and also helps to produce antibodies for long-term protection. Lowering the fever actually slows down recovery by interfering with how the immune system works. Letting a fever run its course can actually help your child recover faster and build stronger immunity for the future.

How to Take a Temperature

The most accurate way to check a temperature is with a rectal thermometer, though it’s also the most invasive. This method is typically recommended for children under 2 years old, or until they’re able to properly use an oral thermometer.

Oral thermometers are the next most reliable option.

After that, accuracy decreases in this order: axillary (underarm), tympanic (ear), and finally temporal (forehead) thermometers.

Although temporal thermometers became widely used in 2020 due to their convenience, they are often less reliable because external factors like room temperature and skin moisture can interfere with the reading.

How High is Too High?

Many parents are told that any fever over 104°F requires an immediate trip to the ER—but that’s not always necessary. If your child is otherwise acting okay—alert, hydrated, and able to rest—even with a high fever, it’s often safe to continue supportive care at home. It is not uncommon for a child's temperature to reach 104°F and the hypothalamus typically prevents the temperature from going any higher. While each person's body is different, a fever up to 106°F is usually harmless. It is not until 108°F that brain damage is possible, which is considered hyperthermia.

If you do choose to visit the ER, it’s a good idea to give a fever reducer beforehand. Once there, your child will typically be given medication to bring the fever down if it’s still elevated. From there, the focus will be on identifying the underlying cause. If its viral, supportive treatment is usually recommended, regardless of whether the fever was 102°F or 104°F—because the exact number doesn’t change the treatment plan.

When to go to the ER:

**Fevers can have many causes—some more serious than others—but this guide focuses specifically on fevers that occur alongside viral illness symptoms**

Febrile Seizures

Febrile seizures are triggered by a rapid rise in temperature—not by how high the fever gets. For example, a quick jump from 99.4°F to 101.9°F within a few minutes can be enough to cause one. That’s also why it’s not recommended to cool a child down too quickly, such as by putting them in a cold bath. Instead, use a lukewarm bath and allow the water to gradually cool while they sit in it.

If your child ever has a febrile seizure, try to stay calm. Note the time so you can report how long it lasts and call 911 for guidance.

Fever in baby under 3 months old

You should go to the ER for a fever in a baby under 3 months old because it can be a sign of a serious infection, and newborns have immature immune systems that can’t fight illness the same way older children or adults do. Babies can get very sick, very quickly—with fever being the only initial clue.

Lethargy - even after medicating

Lethargy means your child is extremely hard to wake and seems completely unresponsive or out of it. They might not be able to keep their eyes open, talk, or respond normally. When lethargy is paired with a fever, it could be a sign that something more serious is going on—something their body may not be able to fight off on its own.

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How to Support a Fever Naturally

Hydration

Staying hydrated is key when your child is sick—especially if they have a fever. Fevers increase fluid loss through sweat and breathing. Offer water, coconut water, herbal teas, or electrolyte drinks. You can make a homemade electrolyte drink with lemon water with a pinch of Himalayan/Celtic salt and honey.

Rest

Your body heals when it sleeps, so if you follow a strict sleep schedule don’t hesitate to throw it out. Let your kiddo nap longer than usual, go to bed earlier if needed, sleep in, etc. Resting allows the body to focus all its energy on healing, cleansing toxins, and immune support. If a fever is keeping your child up at night, that would be a time where you could consider medication if you feel that their body needs to rest and reset.

Homeopathy - promotes comfort, not a fever reducer. Use 30C potency in most home settings

• Belladonna

  • Use with

    • High, sudden fever with a hot, red face

    • Pupils may be dilated

    • Throbbing headache, very sensitive to light or noise

    • Skin feels hot, but hands and feet may be cold

  • Dose: 1 dose (2 pellets) every 10 mins for 30 mins. Repeat if needed

• Aconite

  • Use with

    • Sudden onset fever, especially after cold wind exposure

    • Child is anxious, restless, maybe fearful

    • Often the very first stage of illness

  • Useful within the first 24 hours

  • 1 dose (2 pellets) every 10 minutes for 2-3 doses

• Ferrum Phosphoricum

  • Use with

    • Milder, slow-rising fever

    • Early stage of illness with vague symptoms (slight fatigue, flushing)

  • Not as intense as Belladonna or Aconite

    • Great for when you're not sure what remedy to give yet

• Gelsemium

  • Use with

    • Slow-onset fever with weakness, heaviness, droopy eyelids

    • Dull, tired, wants to lie still

  • Common for flu or viral fevers

    • Chills up the spine, no thirst

  • Give 1 dose (2 pellets) 3-4x per day until 80% better

Herbal Support

• Elderberry: support the immune system, shortens illness duration, relieves fever symptoms

• Yarrow: a diaphoretic herb that can help the body sweat out a fever, anti-inflammatory

• Catnip: a diaphoretic herb that can help the body sweat out a fever and rid the body of toxins

• Lemon balm: reduces fever and anti-inflammatory

• Fennel seed: antibacterial and anti-inflammatory

• Echinacea: supports the immune system and can shorten illness duration

Tinctures I use and love: Feel Better Fast, Elderberry Elixir

Always check with a trusted practitioner or herbalist before using herbs in children.

Lymphatic Massage

The function of the lymph system is to filter out toxins, waste, and pathogens, house immune cells (like lymphocytes) that fight infection, and transport immune cells where they’re needed. If the lymphatic system is sluggish or congested, it can delay immune response, impair detox pathways and increase inflammation leading to longer illness duration. Lymph moves through the body by muscular movement. When we're ill, we're typically not moving as much leading to stagnant lymph. Adding in a dry brushing routine or manual lymph massage can greatly improve lymph flow. Here's a video showing where to massage major lymph nodes to allow for optimal drainage

How to Naturally Lower a Fever If Necessary

(Try before medicating)

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil can help naturally bring down a fever thanks to its cooling properties. To use it safely, mix 1–2 drops with about ½ to 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil like coconut oil, then rub it on the soles of the feet and along the spine. Always use your discretion and consult with your trusted provider before using oils. John Hopkins Medical does not recommend the use of peppermint oil under 30 months, and CHOP does not recommend any essential oils under the age of 3.

Wet Sock Trick

The wet sock trick is a natural remedy that can help lower a fever and support the immune system. Here’s how it works: when you put on cold, damp socks, your body increases blood flow to your feet to warm them up. This boost in circulation helps your body fight off illness and can gently bring down a fever.

To try it, soak a pair of thin cotton socks in cold water, wring them out, and put them on. Then layer dry, thick wool socks over them. Wear them overnight while you sleep. It’s a simple, safe way to support the body’s natural healing process.

Lukewarm Bath

Placing your child in a lukewarm bath can help the fever to naturally lower. Do NOT place a fevering child in cold water, this increases chance of febrile seizures.

Herbal/Detox Bath

You can add herbs such as yarrow, ginger, or calendula to the bathwater to help the body sweat and lower the fever.

Epsom salts to the bath to help increase detoxing through the skin.

Cool Compresses on Pulse Points

Apply a cool (not ice-cold) cloth to the wrists, neck, or behind the knees to help lower core temperature gently.

Skin to Skin Contact

Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate an infant’s temperature through a process called thermal synchrony, where the caregiver’s body adjusts—warming or cooling—to stabilize the baby’s temperature. This works because a baby’s own temperature-regulating system is still immature, and they rely on the caregiver’s more developed nervous system for support. Skin-to-skin also lowers stress hormones and increases calming oxytocin.

Medications

Medicating a fevering child is up to parents’ discretion as a last resort after supportive care. You can try to reduce the fever if your child is unable to eat, drink, or sleep due to discomfort from the fever.

Ibuprofen (Motrin) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can lower levels of glutathione—a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in immune function. When glutathione is reduced, it may actually slow down the body’s ability to fight off illness.

Ibuprofen (Motrin) can also affect glutathione, but not as much as Tylenol does. If you decide to use medication, ibuprofen is usually a better first choice for children over 6 months old. If the fever still isn’t coming down and you’re considering a trip to the ER, acetaminophen can be used as a backup option.

Before Heading to the ER

If you’ve tried natural remedies and still feel the ER is necessary, go ahead and give a fever reducer before heading in. Don’t wait to medicate just so the doctor can “see how high it gets.” If the fever comes down on the way, you might avoid the ER altogether—saving both time and money.

Remember Mama -

Fevers can feel alarming, but they’re a normal part of the body’s healing process. Treat your child, not the number—and always trust your mama instinct.

Just a reminder: This isn’t medical advice—just information meant to help you feel more informed and empowered. Always check with your pediatrician or trusted healthcare provider if you’re unsure or have concerns. You know your child best!

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