Is a Hot Tub Good for a Fever?
Fever is the ultimate battle between your immune system and whatever nasty virus, bug, or bacteria has invaded your body. It also creates an uncomfortable feeling with higher-than-normal body temperatures.
Regarding finding relief, various alternatives are available, including home remedies. It is believed that a hot tub bath can help you feel better. Usually, some viruses and bacteria cannot survive extreme temperature changes explaining the logic behind hot tub therapy.
Even so, the hot tub home remedy works purely by chance. Some patients have found it effective in dealing with a fever that results from a fever or cold. In other instances, it may raise body temperature, which works against fever.
Ultimately, immersing yourself in a hot tub to cure fever remains an experiment. With that in mind, consider seeking the help of a trained physician from a reputable urgent care center.
Limitations of a Hot Tub For Fever
Usually, sitting in a hot tub puts the body in a state of ‘artificial fever’ (hyperthermia), which stimulates the immune system to increase the production of disease-fighting antibodies. Nonetheless, the method works on selected patients putting into doubt its effectiveness.
At best, hot tub therapy will only make you feel better without addressing the cause of the fever. In addition, it doesn’t always work for high fever.
With that in mind, consider seeking professional medical care from a health facility anytime you develop a fever.
Treatment of Fever In an Urgent Care Center
Diagnosis
First, the doctor will establish your body temperature by inserting the thermometer orally, under the arm, or using an ear thermometer
Then, the physician will evaluate your fever using the following methods;
- Conducting a physical exam
- Ask questions related to your medical history or symptoms
- Take throat or nasal samples to check for a possible respiratory infection
- Order additional tests such as x-ray or blood tests as needed for a comprehensive evaluation.
Interestingly, fever symptoms may last over three weeks for no apparent cause— commonly termed as fever of unknown cause. You may need to see several specialists for further investigations and tests in such a case.
Treatment
The level of your fever will determine the suitable type of treatment. In addition, a physician may not recommend any medication for mild fever as it can help lower the number of microbes upsetting your body.
Any fever beyond 38.9 C causes discomfort and requires treatment.
Here are the common ways to treat fever
Over-the-Counter Medications
A physician may recommend non-prescription medication such as acetaminophen(Tylenol), ibuprofen, or aspirin. Use any of these medications according to the instructions on the label or as the physician recommends.
Over-the-counter medications take time to lower your fever, usually 1-2 hours, a period where you’ll still have a mild fever.
Prescription
Alternatively, the physician may recommend other medications based on the cause of the fever. As the medication takes effect, the underlying symptoms will lessen, including fever.
Fever in Infants
Infants under two months might need to be admitted for round-the-clock monitoring and treatment. Lastly, fever in young babies indicates a severe infection that might require Intravenous(IV) medication and continuous monitoring.
Don’t Let Fever Ruin Your Health; Visit Lifeline Urgent Care Today
Whether it’s sweating, headaches, or chills, fever creates a terrible feeling. Unfortunately, a high fever that lingers for a long time can cause significant health problems like brain damage and increased seizure risk.
To that end, prioritize professional medical care over home remedies for quick and lasting relief.
At Lifeline Urgent Care, we have highly trained and board-certified physicians ready to assist you.
Contact us online or call us at 866-950-5490 to book an appointment.