What are the symptoms of a fever?

Some people feel hot, while others mainly notice shivering or alternating chills and sweats. Children may be irritable, sleepy, or less interested in food and play. Fever commonly appears alongside the symptoms of its cause: a cough or sore throat with respiratory infection, painful skin with cellulitis, or a rash with chickenpox. COVID-19, the common cold, acute bronchitis, bronchiolitis, croup, and brucellosis can all present with fever, but their symptom patterns differ. Measuring temperature can support the assessment, yet the reading does not explain the cause by itself.

Use a reliable thermometer and record the reading, time, and any new symptoms. Encourage fluids and rest, and watch for dehydration such as a dry mouth, dizziness, or reduced urination. Keep the room comfortable and avoid heavy layers once shivering has passed. If using a fever medicine, follow the label and check that another medicine does not contain the same ingredient. Do not give a child medicine intended for adults. Contact a clinician when the illness is worsening, the person has significant medical conditions, or you are unsure how to interpret the symptoms.

Get urgent help for trouble breathing, new confusion, extreme drowsiness, a seizure, fainting, a stiff neck with severe headache, or a rash that does not fade when pressed. Seek prompt advice if a child is difficult to wake, is not drinking, or has markedly fewer wet nappies. Adults should seek care for persistent vomiting, severe weakness, chest pain, or signs of dehydration. A sudden deterioration matters even when the measured temperature is not very high.

Ask which accompanying symptoms are most useful diagnostically, how often to check the temperature, whether examination or testing is needed, and what specific warning signs should trigger emergency care.