How long does the fever last?
The duration of fever after vaccination can last 1-3 days. The fever usually subsides by itself and is not the result of an illness. As a rule, there is no risk of consequential damage, and healing usually occurs quickly.
Since the fever has no pathogens as a cause, it can be treated symptomatically. However, it is important to take care of the body when the fever is at its peak. If the fever persists and the patient’s condition worsens, a doctor should be consulted.
Therapy
Since a fever immediately after vaccination is usually a physiological reaction of the body to the injected vaccine, there is no need to worry or to intervene immediately. Only if the body temperature is above 38.5° (in babies/children already at a temperature of 38°C) and/or if the fever lasts for more than three days, a doctor should be consulted and fever-reducing measures initiated (however, if the general condition is poor, active fever reduction should be considered earlier). Common measures include the administration of medically prescribed antipyretic agents such as ibuprofen or paracetamol (they belong to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs).
In adults the administration is usually done by tablets, babies/infants are usually given antipyretic drugs in the form of suppositories, juices or drops. In addition, lukewarm to cold calf compresses or washcloths applied to the forehead and wrists often help to allow the body to dissipate excess heat to the outside. In addition, care should be taken to ensure a sufficient fluid intake in the form of water and/or tea to compensate for the loss of water through sweating, to stabilize the circulation and prevent dehydration.
Homeopathic antipyretics can also be used in case of a feverish vaccination reaction: common remedies are Aconitum, Belladonna, Ferrum phosphoricum, Gelseminum, Eupatorium and Pulsatilla in dosage D6-D12. Cold calf compresses are available as household remedies for lowering fever. If the fever rises with chills, the patient should be warmed by appropriate clothing and blankets.
It is important to always ensure a sufficient fluid intake. However, if the temperature rises above 40 degrees, or if the fever rises very quickly, drug therapy should be started to reduce the fever.For children, paracetamol and Nurofen® are available. Aspirin must never be used in children.
Paracetamol is an active ingredient against fever (antipyretic effect) and pain (analgesic effect) and is frequently used in adults. It is available as tablets, juice, powder to dissolve and rectal suppositories. In addition, it can be administered intravenously by a doctor. The dosage of paracetamol depends on the body weight of the person and the dosage form. Paracetamol should not be given to people with paracetamol allergy, liver or kidney weakness.