(Modern Survival.org) – What is the fastest way to slow down a fever?
• Tepid baths
• Drink iced water
• Drink alcohol
• Hot baths
Answer: Tepid Baths. Here’s why…
When facing a survival situation, getting sick can quickly become dire. For one, visiting a doctor’s office or emergency room likely isn’t going to be an option. Second, suffering from an illness will slow anyone down, making the basic tasks of survival more difficult than usual.
When suffering from an infection or stomach bug, chances are high that a fever will accompany the condition. While fevers are the body’s way of fighting off infections, they can become dangerous when the temperature exceeds 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Should a fever strike in a survival scenario, what options are available to slow it down when modern medication isn’t an option?
Tepid Baths
Soaking in a tepid bath is one way of slowing down a fever. The water should be below normal body temperature, which fluctuated between 97 and 99 degrees. Note that the water shouldn’t be cold, as this can induce shivering, which will inadvertently cause the body to produce more heat.
If soaking in a tepid bath isn’t an option, sponge-bathing with cool water can work in a pinch.
Stay Hydrated
One of the side effects of running a high fever is sweat. The more sweat the body produces, the more dehydrated it will become. Cool liquids will help to rehydrate the body and cool it down from within. In a survival situation where illness is already an issue, becoming dehydrated is an issue that should be avoided at all costs.
Get Rest
While this may be easier said than done (depending on the situation), getting plenty of rest is one way to help lower a fever. Engaging in physical activities will drive the body’s temperature up. Remember the fever is there for a reason, so try to let it run its course if possible.
Obviously, the best course of action with a severe fever is to seek medical attention from a qualified expert. Unfortunately, this isn’t always an option. When disaster strikes, it will be vital to have basic knowledge of how to handle medical issues on your own.
When medicine is unavailable, knowing how to ease pain without it will be of great value. To see some ways to do this, check out our article on how to decrease pain.
~Here’s to Your Survival!
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