Fevers: treat at home, urgent care, or ER?

Jun 13, 2025
6 min read

Updated: Feb 28

If this is helpful, consider PURCHASING MY 45 PAGE FEVER GUIDE for more!

I have teamed up with Natalie Wescott, an ER RN, to discuss the top 3 reasons she sees kids in the Emergency Room. We’ll also discuss how to support and treat these issues at home, and when to seek a higher level of care. Natalie brings a very unique perspective, as she is holistic minded but works in the field of modern medicine. This is great, because there is a time and a place for both!

The top 3 reasons Natalie has seen kids in the ER:

Respiratory Distress
Fevers
Lacerations

Fevers can be tricky because they can be a symptom of so many different illnesses and diseases - some very serious. For the purpose of this post, we are focusing on viral illnesses. If your child has a fever of unknown origin, or has odd symptoms (not typical viral symptoms), you may need to seek a higher level of care.

What is a Fever?

A fever is a natural response to an infection or illness. It is a good sign, because it means that your body is fighting off the infection. The increased body temperature from a fever boosts the performance of immune cells and induces stress on pathogens and infected cells, providing a strong immune defense (3).

Why Let a Fever Do Its Job

Since fevers are the body’s natural way of fighting off illnesses, reducing a fever can actually prolong the illness or infection. Fevers also trigger immune cells to recruit and activate T-cells, which coordinate long-term “adaptive” immune responses such as antibody production (2). By letting a fever run its course, you are also providing better protection for future illnesses.

How High is Too High?

Parents are told that fevers over 104F need to go to the ER, but that is not always the case. If the child is relatively comfortable with a temperature of 104F, you can continue to support their healing at home. It is not uncommon for a child's temperature to reach 104F and the hypothalamus typically prevents the temperature from going any higher. While each person's body is different, a fever up to 106F is usually harmless. It is not until 108F that brain damage is possible, which is considered hyperthermia.

If you decide to come to the ER, make sure that you give a fever reducer first. At the ER, your child will receive fever reducers if they are still febrile, then the cause of illness will be investigated. Viral illnesses will typically respond to medicine. A temperature of 102F vs 104F does not change the course of action in the ER.

Febrile Seizures

Check out our febrile seizures guide

Before Heading to the ER

If you determine that the ER is necessary despite trying natural remedies - medicate first. Do not wait to medicate your child because you want the doctor “to see how high it is.” If the temperature goes down before arriving to the ER, you may save yourself a trip and money.

When & How to Medicate

Medicating a fevering child is up to parents’ discretion as a last resort after supportive care. You can try to reduce the fever if your child is unable to eat, drink, or sleep due to discomfort from the fever.

Ibuprofen (Motrin) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) lowers glutathione stores - an antioxidant very important in immune function. By lowering this antioxidant, we are prolonging the illness.

Ibuprofen (Motrin) does lower glutathione, but not to the extent that Tylenol does. If choosing to medicate, try dye free Ibuprofen first (in children over 6 months old). If the fever is still not going down, and you think you may need to head to the ER, then you can try Acetaminophen as a last resort. We like Genexa's.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil can be used as a fever suppressant. Dilute 1-2 drops with 1/2-1 tsp coconut oil and apply to soles of feet and spine. It can also be used for headaches. Apply directly to temples, forehead, behind ears, back of neck whenever you have a headache (if using on child dilute; or if adult has sensitive skin).

Always use your discretion, and consult with your trusted provider before using oils. The age of use when it comes to essential oils is very divided, even amongst trusted medical establishments. John Hopkins Medical does not recommend the use of peppermint oil under 30 months, and CHOP does not recommend any essential oils under the age of 3. Whereas our pediatrician is comfortable with it at almost any age, as long as its properly diluted.

Wet Sock Trick

Cold wet socks work with the body’s natural circulation and temperature regulation during a fever. When cold, damp socks are placed on warm feet and covered with thick dry socks, the body initially responds to the cold by briefly constricting blood vessels in the feet. Within minutes, the body shifts into a warming response and sends more blood to the area to maintain temperature balance. This results in vasodilation, or widening of the blood vessels, which increases circulation to the feet and can stimulate overall circulation throughout the body. During a fever, the body is already raising its core temperature to support immune activity and create a less favorable environment for pathogens.

The cold sock stimulus encourages gentle circulation, supports temperature regulation without suppressing the fever, and promotes relaxation and sleep (all of which can support the body’s natural immune processes).

The socks typically warm and dry as circulation increases, which is seen as a sign that the body’s thermoregulation is responding.

Dip cotton socks in ice water and wring them out. They shouldn’t be soaked and dripping.
Put the damp socks on and cover with a pair of thick wool socks.
The cotton sock will most likely be dry in about 30 minutes
This cycle should continue throughout the night (or day) as needed and helps boost the immune system and reduce body temperature.

Magnesium Chloride Bath

Give a LUKEWARM (not hot or cold!!!) bath with magnesium chloride flakes. This is great to do before nap/bed, followed by the wet sock trick, and snuggles.

Fever can increase metabolic demand and tension in the body, and magnesium plays a key role in muscle relaxation/temperature regulation/immune function. Soaking in a lukewarm magnesium bath may help ease body aches, promote sweating, and encourage a more relaxed parasympathetic state, which can make fevers feel more manageable and support the body’s natural healing process.

Raw Potatoes in Socks

The theory behind placing potatoes in socks for fevers comes from traditional and folk medicine, where they are believed to have the ability to "draw out toxins" or "pull heat" from the body.

This practice is often rooted in the idea that the soles of the feet are connected to various organs and systems, as suggested by reflexology and some forms of traditional Chinese medicine.

Placing raw potato slices on the feet is a traditional remedy believed to help draw out heat and support circulation, which may provide comfort during fevers or respiratory illness. To use, slice a raw potato, place the slices on the soles of the feet, cover with cotton socks, and leave on for 30–60 minutes or during sleep.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy works best when you match specific symptoms. I like to search the National Center for Homeopathy Remedy Finder. But these are some common considerations for fever:

Aconite (aconitum napellus):

High fevers that come on suddenly, with hot and dry skin.
Child may be anxious, restless, and fearful
Often the very first stage of illness

Belladona: generally considered the top homeopathic remedy for high fevers

High fevers that come on suddenly with profuse sweating and hypersensitivity to light and noise.
Throbbing headaches, sensitive to light and noise
Skin hot, but hands and feet may be cold

Rhus tox: