What to do about a 105°F fever

Contact local urgent medical services while keeping the person observed. If they have a red-flag symptom or cannot be transported safely, call emergency services.

A very high temperature can occur with infection or severe inflammation. Conditions such as COVID-19, cellulitis and brucellosis can present with fever, yet neither the height of the fever nor its response to medicine identifies the cause.

If it does not delay care, confirm the result with a digital thermometer used according to its instructions. Tell the clinician where the temperature was measured and whether the person was recently exercising, heavily wrapped or in a hot environment.

Stay with the person, offer small sips of fluid if they are awake and able to swallow, remove excess layers and keep the room comfortably cool. Do not force fluids if alertness is reduced, and do not use ice, a freezing bath or alcohol on the skin.

A fever reducer may improve comfort but must not postpone assessment. Check the label and suitability before giving paracetamol or ibuprofen, avoid duplicate ingredients in combination cold products, and never give aspirin to a child unless a specialist prescribed it.

Emergency signs include trouble breathing, blue or grey colouring, confusion, extreme sleepiness, collapse, seizure, stiff neck, severe headache, a rash that does not fade under pressure, repeated vomiting or inability to drink.

Urgent assessment is especially important for a young baby, a pregnant person, someone with reduced immunity, or anyone with a serious heart, lung, kidney or neurological condition. Do not leave a confused or drowsy person alone.

Give the time and method of each temperature reading, when the illness began, fluid intake and urine output. Report cough, breathing changes, pain, rash, neck stiffness, vomiting, urinary symptoms, travel, heat exposure, sick contacts and every medicine or supplement taken.