How to deal with a 38-degree fever: the latest hot topics and scientific response guide on the Internet
Recently, among the hot topics on the Internet, "How to deal with a 38-degree fever" has become one of the focuses of public attention. With the change of seasons and the period of high incidence of respiratory diseases, scientific response to low-grade fever has become essential knowledge for family health management. This article will combine the hot content of the past 10 days to provide you with structured data and practical suggestions.
1. Review of hot topics related to fever in the past 10 days

| Hot search keywords | Discussion popularity | main focus |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment of low-grade fever at home | 857,000 | Controversy over physical cooling methods |
| COVID-19/Influenza Identification | 1.423 million | Symptom difference analysis |
| Choice of antipyretics for children | 635,000 | Ibuprofen vs Acetaminophen |
| Traditional Chinese medicine antipyretic prescriptions | 472,000 | Discussion on the efficacy of scraping |
2. Clinical grading standards for 38-degree fever
| body temperature range | clinical grade | Processing principles |
|---|---|---|
| 36.5-37.2℃ | normal body temperature | No intervention required |
| 37.3-38℃ | low fever | Observation + physical cooling |
| 38.1-39℃ | moderate fever | Drug + physical combination |
| >39℃ | high fever | Need medical attention |
3. Six steps to scientifically deal with 38-degree fever
1.Accurately measure body temperature: Use an electronic thermometer to measure axillary temperature, monitor it three times continuously and take the average value. Avoid measuring immediately after exercise or meals.
2.Physical cooling method: Use 32-34℃ warm water to wipe the areas where large blood vessels flow (neck, armpits, groin) for 10 minutes each time. Avoid using alcohol for bathing.
3.Principles of drug use: There is usually no need for antipyretic drugs below 38.5°C, but medication may be considered when accompanied by headache/muscle soreness. Acetaminophen is the first choice for adults (≤4 times a day).
4.Rehydration regimen: Add 100-150ml of fluid every hour, preferably oral rehydration salts (ORS), and avoid sugary drinks.
5.symptom observation form: Record the following warning signs. If any situation occurs, you should seek medical treatment in time:
| red flag | possible prompt |
|---|---|
| Lasts for 48 hours without refund | bacterial infection |
| Rash + fever | viral infection |
| Confusion | Nervous system involvement |
6.nutritional support: Choose the BRAT diet (banana, rice, apple puree, toast) to ensure a daily basic caloric intake of 1,500 calories.
4. Key points for handling special groups
| crowd | Things to note |
|---|---|
| pregnant woman | Ibuprofen is contraindicated and medical attention is required if the body temperature is >38°C. |
| infants | Seek medical attention immediately if you have a fever under 3 months of age |
| elderly | Pay attention to hidden dehydration (urine output <400ml/day) |
| Chronic disease patients | Be alert to aggravation of underlying diseases |
5. Answers to hot disputes
1.Is covering sweat useful?The latest research in the authoritative medical journal "The Lancet" points out that covering up sweat can hinder heat dissipation and disrupt the body temperature regulation center, which may induce febrile convulsions, especially in children.
2.Are fever-reducing patches necessary?The 2023 guidelines of the Japanese Society of Infectious Diseases show that antipyretic patches can only reduce local skin temperature by 0.5°C and have no substantial antipyretic effect, but they can relieve discomfort.
3.Do I need to take antibiotics for fever?According to data from the World Health Organization, 70% of fevers are caused by viruses, and the misuse of antibiotics will increase the risk of drug resistance 3-5 times.
6. When is it necessary to seek medical treatment?
According to the National Health Commission's "Guidelines for Fever Diagnosis and Treatment", the following conditions require medical attention within 12 hours: ① Fever with projectile vomiting ② Stiff neck ③ Hemorrhagic rash ④ Seizures ⑤ SpO2 <95%.
Folk remedies such as the "Onion Foot Reduction Method" and "Egg White Body Rubbing Method" that have been popular on the Internet recently have been confirmed to be ineffective by testing by professional institutions. It is recommended to follow scientific medical treatment plans. Only by maintaining scientific knowledge can we effectively deal with fever conditions.
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