What should you know about body pain and fever?

Body pain and fever often signal an infection, but the cause and urgency depend on your other symptoms. Fever is the body's temperature response, while aches can come from inflammation and the immune response.

Viral illnesses such as the common cold or COVID-19 can cause fever, tiredness, headache and widespread aches. Respiratory infections, including acute bronchitis, may add cough or chest discomfort. A painful, warm, spreading area of skin can point towards cellulitis. Recent contact with someone unwell, travel, animal exposure, insect bites, urinary symptoms or a new medicine can help a clinician narrow the cause.

A fever with severe weakness, confusion, stiff neck, breathing difficulty, chest pain, dehydration or a rapidly worsening illness deserves prompt assessment. The symptom combination alone cannot identify a specific condition.

Rest, drink fluids regularly and wear light clothing. Check your temperature with a thermometer and note when the fever and aches began. Paracetamol may help discomfort when it is suitable for you; follow the package directions and avoid combining products that contain the same ingredient. Do not give aspirin to children. Stay home from close contact while feverish, wash your hands and consider a mask around vulnerable people if you have respiratory symptoms.

Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, fainting, a seizure, new confusion, a stiff neck, severe headache, or a rash that does not fade when pressed. Arrange same-day medical advice for persistent vomiting, very little urine, severe localised pain, a rapidly spreading red skin area, or fever in a young infant. Contact a clinician if symptoms are worsening, do not settle, or you have reduced immunity, are pregnant, or have a serious long-term condition.

Ask what cause best fits your symptoms, whether you need an examination or tests, which pain or fever medicines suit your health conditions, and how to recognise worsening dehydration or infection.