Fever and nausea manifest with any number of infections including influenza, rotovirus, norovirus and astrovirus. In most cases, symptoms can be managed at home without prescription medications. However, people over 65, those with existing medical problems, pregnant women and parents or caregivers of children younger than five should contact a health care provider for advice because, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they are at a higher risk of illness-related complications, such as dehydration.
Supportive Care for Fever
Fever reflects the immune system's efforts to fight infection and, as such is actually a beneficial response. However, there is no harm in treating a fever that interferes with rest, advises the CDC. Caregivers should start with non-medicinal remedies, such as dressing the patient in light, comfortable clothing and maintaining the home or sick room at a comfortably cool temperature. Keep fresh air flowing by opening a window---even just a crack---and consider a fan for window-less or still stuffy rooms. Offer light, breathable blankets for chills. For patients who sweat, try bathing the face, neck and arms with a cool cloth or allow a tepid bath for those who feel comfortable getting out of bed.
Supportive Care for Nausea
Nausea can occur independently or as a companion to other gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. At least for the first 24 hours, patients should steer clear of solid foods and particularly hot or fragrant foods that can make nausea worse. For adults and children who can drink safely without supervision, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends that caregivers keep cool, clear fluids such as water, diluted juice, or oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte at the bedside. Encourage periodic, slow sipping because large volumes can trigger vomiting.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Particularly or persistently troublesome symptoms may respond to over-the-counter medications. For fever in adults, the AAFP recommends medications that list acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen or naproxen as their active ingredients. For children, acetaminophen or ibuprofen are preferred. Children with suspected infections should never be treated with aspirin due to the risk of a neurological disease called Reye's Syndrome. Bismuth subsalicylate---for example, Kaopectate and Pepto-Bismol---when used as directed may help relieve nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in adults. For children, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against the use of over-the-counter products for these symptoms, except as directed by a physician.
