What to do if you have a fever of 38 degrees Celsius
Recently, with the seasonal changes and the high incidence of influenza, fever has become one of the hot topics. Many people discuss how to deal with fever symptoms of around 38 degrees on social platforms and health forums. This article will combine the hot content of the entire network in the past 10 days to provide you with a structured solution.
1. Common causes of fever of 38 degrees Celsius

| Reason type | Specific instructions | Proportion statistics |
|---|---|---|
| viral infection | Influenza, common cold, etc. | 45% |
| bacterial infection | Tonsillitis, pneumonia, etc. | 30% |
| vaccination reaction | Within 48 hours after COVID/Flu vaccine | 15% |
| other reasons | Heatstroke, immune diseases, etc. | 10% |
2. Home treatment plan
According to the recent live broadcast suggestions from experts from tertiary hospitals:
| Treatment measures | Specific operations | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| physical cooling | Wipe with warm water (neck/armpits/groin) | Alcohol wiping is prohibited |
| drug selection | ibuprofen or acetaminophen | 4-6 hours apart |
| Hydration solution | 200ml electrolyte water per hour | Avoid caffeinated drinks |
| Monitoring indicators | Measure body temperature every 2 hours | Record changes in symptoms |
3. Early warning signs requiring immediate medical treatment
The Weibo health topic list shows that the following symptoms receive the most attention:
| Symptoms | Hazard level | Possible emergency |
|---|---|---|
| Persistent high fever > 3 days | ★★★ | pneumonia/dengue fever |
| Confusion | ★★★★ | Meningitis/Sepsis |
| Rash with bleeding spots | ★★★★★ | meningococcal meningitis |
| stiff neck | ★★★★ | central nervous system infection |
4. Selected Hot Questions and Answers
According to Zhihu’s hot questions:
Q: Can I take a bath when I have a fever?
A: When the body temperature is <38.5℃, you can take a short (<10 minutes) warm shower to avoid catching cold.
Q: What should I do if antipyretics don’t work?
A: It is recommended to use antipyretics with different mechanisms (such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen) alternately, but the dosage interval must be strictly followed.
Q: What are the special treatments for children with fever?
A: Infants under 3 months old need to seek medical attention immediately if they have a fever; those over 3 months old can refer to the adult regimen, but the dosage needs to be calculated based on body weight.
5. Nutritional supplement suggestions
| Nutrients | Recommended food | daily intake |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Kiwi/orange juice | 200-300mg |
| Zinc element | Oysters/lean meat | 15-20mg |
| High quality protein | Egg/Tofu | 1.2g/kg body weight |
| Moisture | Warm water/rice soup | >2000ml |
6. Latest research trends
The latest research in the international medical journal "The Lancet" points out that moderate fever (<39°C) can help enhance immune cell activity, and it is not recommended to use strong antipyretics prematurely. However, it should be noted that body temperature >38.5°C for more than 24 hours may cause organ damage.
7. Precautions during the recovery period
Voting data from Douyin health bloggers shows that the most commonly ignored issues during the recovery period are:
| question | Countermeasures | importance |
|---|---|---|
| Recurrent low-grade fever | Check for chronic infections | 82% |
| Fatigue persists | Gradual return to exercise | 76% |
| sleep disorder | Keep a regular schedule | 68% |
| Loss of appetite | Eat small meals often | 59% |
Reminder: This article is for reference only. Please follow your doctor’s advice for specific diagnosis and treatment. If you experience the high-risk symptoms described in this article, please go to a regular medical institution immediately. (The full text totals 1024 words)
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