What should you know about bay bay fever?

Fever is a raised body temperature caused by the immune system responding to infection or another inflammatory process. It may occur with chills, sweating, headache, cough, sore throat, body aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, or a rash. Fever alone cannot identify the cause; the person’s age, symptoms, travel, medicines, and medical history all matter.

Respiratory infections such as a common cold, acute bronchitis, COVID-19, bronchiolitis, croup, or chickenpox can include fever. A localised painful red skin area may suggest cellulitis, while prolonged or unusual fever needs a broader assessment.

Offer frequent fluids and rest, use light clothing, and keep the room comfortably cool. Check temperature with a reliable thermometer if possible and note when symptoms began. Fever medicine may be suitable for some people, but follow the label or a clinician’s advice and check before giving it to a child or combining products.

Avoid cold-water immersion and do not give antibiotics unless prescribed. Reduce contact with others when an infection is possible, especially around vulnerable people, and seek advice about testing when respiratory symptoms are present.

Get urgent help for trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, a seizure, severe dehydration, unusual drowsiness, confusion, a stiff neck, or a rapidly spreading rash. Prompt assessment is also needed for a very young baby with fever, an immunocompromised person, or fever that is persistent, recurrent, or accompanied by worsening pain.

Ask what causes fit the full symptom pattern, whether testing is needed, which fever medicine is suitable, and what changes should trigger reassessment. Share temperature readings, medicines, travel history, and fluid intake.