How do you reduce the effects of cotton fever?

Answer 1

Cotton fever is a colloquial name given to a condition that intravenous drug users may experience. The only certain treatment or cure for it is to get clean and stay clean. It only follows, don't do the drug and you won't suffer the ill effects.

Answer 2

The best way to reduce the effects of cotton fever is not to use cotton to filter the drug solutions. This is not a excuse not to filter the drug solutions, or to use a poor substitute. The effects of cotton fever are pretty minor compared to the effects of not using a filter which could be and usually is death. One of the best ways to lower the risk of cotton fever is to boil the cotton before it is used for filtration. The boiling should kill any bacteria that is in the cotton that causes the sickness. This is no guarantee that it will totally permit cotton fever from happening because bacteria can be hard to kill. Also, do not use the cotton for filtration again. Use once and throw away. Old cotton or cotton that has been used once for filtration starts to break down making it easier for pieces to break off and then be sucked into the syringe. Take what precautions that are necessary, but remember that for the most part cotton fever is not very harmful, but the drug use is.

Answer 3

Drink plenty of water (fluids) to help flush the bacteria out. Take a fever reducer like aspirin (asa), tylenol (acetaminophen), or advil/motrin (ibuprofen) - to help with headache and muscle pains. Keep warm in extra blankets, clothing, heating pad/blanket, or take a hot shower - this will reduce the shaking by helping raise your body temperature to fight the infection. Most episodes resolve in 1 - 4 hrs. If the symptoms persist beyond 12 hrs seek a doctor asap for antibiotics and further treatment. Try to keep your cotton clean or boil before using next time.