Patient education: Fever in adults – ED discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").

What should I know? — 

You came to the ED for a fever. This is a rise in body temperature that goes above a certain level, usually 100.4°F (38°C).

Many things can cause a fever. Fever in adults is usually caused by an infection with a virus. Antibiotics will not help.

Your fever will likely go away on its own in a few days.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.

●Drink lots of water, juice, or broth to replace fluids lost from the fever.

●Wear lightweight clothes. Use a sheet or light blanket if you are cold.

●Take non-prescription medicines to help reduce your fever, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).

●Stay at home until your fever has been gone for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicines. If you had an infection, this helps prevent spreading it to other people.

●Wash your hands often. This also helps prevent spreading the infection.

When should I get emergency help?

●Return to the ED if you have:

•A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, and other symptoms like:

-Trouble breathing

-Severe headache or neck stiffness

-Confusion

-Seizure

•Signs of severe fluid loss, such as:

-Not urinating for longer than 8 hours

-Feeling very lightheaded or like you are going to pass out

-Feeling weak like you are going to fall

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for advice if you:

●Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher that lasts for several days or keeps coming back

●Develop early signs of fluid loss, such as:

•Dark urine

•Dry mouth

•Muscle cramps

•Lack of energy

•Feeling lightheaded when you get up

●Have a rash

●Have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or trouble breathing

●Have new or worsening symptoms

More on this topic

Patient education: When to worry about a fever in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Fever of unknown origin (The Basics)