24-hour fever and chills: what to know

A temperature that settles quickly can still deserve attention if you feel very unwell, have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or develop a specific warning sign.

Chills happen when muscles contract to generate heat as the body's temperature set point rises. Viral respiratory infections can present with fever, shivering, body aches, cough, or sore throat. Urinary or kidney infections may present with fever alongside painful urination, frequent urination, or pain in the back or side.

Travel, mosquito exposure, a new rash, breathing symptoms, and recent contact with an unwell person can narrow the possibilities. Dengue fever and malaria can present with fever and chills in people with relevant travel or exposure, so share those details promptly with a clinician.

Rest, drink fluids regularly, wear light clothing, and keep the room comfortably cool. Check your temperature with a thermometer and note symptoms such as cough, rash, vomiting, urinary pain, or localised pain. If you use a fever medicine, follow its label and check that it is suitable for your age, health conditions, and other medicines.

Avoid taking leftover antibiotics because they do not treat viral illness and may obscure the clinical picture. Arrange an assessment if the fever returns, persists, or your symptoms are getting worse rather than easing.

Seek urgent medical care for difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, fainting, a seizure, a stiff neck, a severe headache, a purple or non-fading rash, repeated vomiting, very little urine, or an inability to keep fluids down. Extreme drowsiness, mottled skin, or rapid deterioration can accompany sepsis and require emergency assessment.

Babies, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone receiving immune-suppressing treatment may need earlier clinical advice because infection can become serious without a typical fever pattern.

Ask whether your symptom pattern suggests testing, which fluids and fever medicines are appropriate for you, and what changes should trigger reassessment. Mention recent travel, insect bites, sick contacts, new medicines, urinary symptoms, and any long-term condition that affects immunity.