Common cold and fever symptoms: what to know

A Common Cold may cause feeling hot or cold, chills, tiredness, headache, sore throat, blocked nose and cough. Temperature readings can vary with the method used, so the overall pattern matters alongside the number. Fever can also occur with influenza, COVID-19 and other infections, meaning fever does not identify one cause. New ear pain, facial pain or a worsening cough may signal a complication or a different respiratory condition.

Rest, drink fluids regularly and wear light, comfortable clothing. Check your temperature using the same method when monitoring a change, and note breathing, alertness and urine output. Ask a pharmacist or clinician which fever or pain medicine is suitable, particularly for children, pregnancy, liver or kidney problems, stomach ulcers, or regular medicines. Do not give children adult products or combine products without checking their ingredients.

Get urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, a seizure, a stiff neck with severe headache, or difficulty staying awake. Contact a clinician when fever is persistent, symptoms are worsening, dehydration develops, or a child is unusually sleepy or difficult to comfort. Earache, wheezing or a cough that is becoming more troublesome may also need examination.

Could this be a Common Cold or another infection? Which temperature or symptom changes matter most for my age and health? What medicine and dose are suitable for me?