What should you know about cough and fever in adults?

A common cold can cause a cough with a raised temperature, sore throat and blocked nose. Acute bronchitis may follow an infection and bring a persistent chesty cough. Influenza often starts abruptly with fever, aches and marked fatigue. Pneumonia may cause fever, cough, breathlessness or chest pain and needs clinical assessment. Asthma can flare during an infection, while acid reflux, allergic rhinitis, bronchiectasis or chronic cough may explain symptoms that continue after the fever settles. The presence of fever does not by itself identify the cause.

Rest, drink fluids and monitor how you are breathing and functioning. Record temperature readings, the cough pattern and any medicines taken. Stay home from close contact while feverish and improve ventilation. A pharmacist can advise on symptom relief after checking your health conditions and medicines. Do not use leftover antibiotics, because many respiratory illnesses are not helped by them and an examination may be needed.

Get emergency help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, chest pain, confusion, fainting, coughing blood or inability to stay awake. Seek same-day advice for a worsening cough, persistent fever, dehydration, new wheeze, severe weakness or symptoms in someone with significant heart, lung or immune problems. Arrange review if the cough continues after the fever has gone or repeatedly returns.

Tell the clinician when the fever and cough began, how high the temperature has been, and whether you have sputum, breathlessness, chest pain, aches or wheeze. Mention travel, sick contacts, smoking, long-term conditions and current medicines. Ask whether you need a chest examination, testing or follow-up.