A fever is the body's way of telling you that something is wrong. Fevers can start for a variety of reasons, from simple problems such as the common cold and gastroenteritis, to serious conditions like HIV and Hodgkin's disease. Fevers can also be the body's response to drug discontinuation or internal infections.

The normal reaction is to try to bring down a fever as soon as it appears. However, common sense dictates that you should do some research before taking any steps. Some medical experts even argue that fever is beneficial, since it can help the body deal with certain infections and illnesses.

If you decide to try and bring down a fever, you can certainly start with home remedies. Some popular preparations that have proven valuable include teas made of coriander, ginger or cumin. Soups made with bitter gourd or snake gourd are also said to help bring down a fever. Drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and rest so your body can fight the underlying problem better.

Most over the counter pain relievers, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen, are effective ways to bring down a fever. Children 12 and under should not take aspirin. Paracetamol is another effective medication to bring down a fever and relieve body aches and general.

Fevers over 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 C) may indicate a bacterial infection and should be checked by a medical practitioner if they persist for more than 72 hours. Unusual behavior such as lethargy can indicate a serious problem in children, especially if medicine doesn't help to bring down a fever over a period of a few hours.

Taking a warm shower or bath may also help bring down a fever. Don't stay in the water for longer than 10 minutes and make sure the water is not too cold, as this could cause shock in the case of very high temperatures. Sponging the body with lukewarm water can also help bring down a fever, especially in the case of small children. With rest and minimal care, you should be back on your feet in no time.