Treating a fever at home
Machine translation from Dutch, not yet checked by a clinician.
Fever is a sign the body is fighting infection. Mild fever does not always need medication.
What to do
• Make sure the person drinks enough — at least 2 litres a day
• Rest is important for recovery
• Use a damp cloth on the forehead for cooling
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used — follow the package leaflet
• Measure the temperature regularly: every 2 to 4 hours
Do not do
• Do not give aspirin to children under 16
• Do not wrap someone with a high temperature in too many blankets
• Do not give antibiotics without a diagnosis
Warning signs
• Fever above 40°C
• Fever with a stiff neck, sensitivity to light or pinprick spots — possible meningitis
• Fever in a baby under 3 months
Get help if
• Fever above 40°C that does not come down
• Fever lasting longer than 3 days
• Fever combined with confusion
Why this matters
Most fevers resolve on their own, but some point to serious infections such as sepsis or meningitis.
Source: RIVM Infectieziekten Richtlijnen · reviewed 2025-01-01