The Best Way To Break a Fever!
I’ve been doing this a long time now and I figured I would take this opportunity to share my findings since I just tested positive a few days ago and have utilized it more than once!
If you are allowed to, start with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Ibuprofen will reduce your fever faster than the acetaminophen, but some people have better results with acetaminophen— me included. Personally I take 2 extra strength Tylenol, but do what works best for you or what your doctor recommends.
Now here’s the weird part. Grab some rubbing alcohol, a towel, a fan, and optionally a pillow and blanket.
- You’re going to lay on the ground and place the fan pointing at the bottom of your feet. You can lay out a pillow and blanket to lay on top of to make this more comfortable. If you have access to a table or surface at the foot of your bed, you can negate laying on the floor entirely. As long as the fan is level with the bottom of your feet!
- Dab a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto your tea towel. It shouldn’t completely soak it, but it should be wet to the touch. Remember to do this quickly as rubbing alcohol evaporates fast. Also be careful with the fumes as they’re not fantastic for your health!
- Whilst the fan is on and pointed to the bottom of your feet, rub the damp towel on your soles. Again, we’re not soaking, but gently dampening. Do this on both feet!
- Lay back down and let the alcohol evaporate from your feet. This happens very quickly, but I typically stay in front of the fan for an hour or more if possible. During this time I try to nap or relax.
This is an old wives tale my grandma used to use on me when I was a kid. Hypothetically, it draws the excess heat out from your fever and evaporates with the alcohol. While it sounds scientifically insecure and questionable at best, I have never had a fever withstand this odd method. I hope it helps!
EDIT: As pointed out in the comments- this is only beneficial in reducing a very high fever and generally a low grade fever is just a way of your body fighting off the infection. I only do this in cases of 102 and above where it’s inhibiting my healing process!