From the Guidelines
For fever with generalized body aches, I recommend starting with paracetamol (acetaminophen) as needed, while the symptoms of fever and other symptoms are present, as it is preferred to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for patients with similar symptoms 1. When managing fever, it is essential to advise patients to drink fluids regularly to avoid dehydration, with no more than 2 liters per day 1.
- The goal is not to reduce body temperature solely but to alleviate symptoms that antipyretics can help treat, such as fever and body aches.
- Paracetamol is recommended over NSAIDs like ibuprofen for patients with COVID-19 symptoms, including fever and myalgia, due to its preference in guidelines 1.
- It's crucial to stay hydrated, rest adequately, and use lightweight clothing and bedding to help manage symptoms.
- A lukewarm bath or cool compresses can provide additional comfort for fever and body aches.
- If fever exceeds 103°F (39.4°C), persists beyond 3 days, or is accompanied by severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, stiff neck, or persistent vomiting, seek immediate medical attention.
- For children, use age-appropriate dosing and avoid aspirin due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
- The treatment of fever with generalized body aches should focus on alleviating symptoms while considering the potential benefits and risks of antipyretic medications, as fever itself is often a protective immune response to infection 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
For Arthritis Pain label • temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: • minor pain of arthritis • muscular aches • backache • premenstrual and menstrual cramps • the common cold • headache • toothache • temporarily reduces fever For Muscle Aches & Pain label • temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: • muscular aches • backache • minor pain of arthritis • toothache • premenstrual and menstrual cramps • headache • the common cold • temporarily reduces fever PURPOSE Pain reliever/fever reducer
The specific treatment for fever with generalized body aches, also known as pyrexia with myalgia (muscle pain), is acetaminophen (PO), which temporarily reduces fever and relieves minor aches and pains due to muscular aches 2, and is used as a pain reliever/fever reducer 2.
- Key benefits: temporarily reduces fever, relieves minor aches and pains due to muscular aches.
- Important consideration: always follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
From the Research
Treatment for Pyrexia with Myalgia
The treatment for fever with generalized body aches, also known as pyrexia with myalgia, can be managed with various medications.
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a common treatment option for fever, as it has been shown to be effective in reducing body temperature and relieving pain 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is also effective in reducing fever and relieving pain, and can be used as an alternative to paracetamol 3, 7, 6.
- A combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen may be more effective in certain cases, such as bacterial fever, as shown in a study where the combination was more effective than paracetamol alone in reducing fever in patients with bacterial fever 3.
Medication Comparison
- A study comparing intravenous ibuprofen and paracetamol found that both medications were effective in reducing fever and relieving pain, with no significant difference between the two 7.
- Another study found that paracetamol was effective in reducing fever in critically ill patients with suspected infection, but did not affect the number of ICU-free days 4.