What should you know about fever on day five of flu?

Flu symptoms can take time to settle, but a continuing fever may mean the original infection is still active, the illness was not flu, or a complication has developed. Common cold, COVID-19 and acute bronchitis can overlap with flu-like symptoms. In children, bronchiolitis or croup may need different assessment. Less common infections, including cellulitis, chickenpox or brucellosis, can also produce fever in the right context. A symptom alone cannot identify the cause, so the pattern, examination and travel or exposure history matter.

Contact a clinician for advice and record your temperature, the time it was measured, medicines taken and any new symptoms. Rest, drink fluids regularly and follow label directions for fever medicine if it is safe for you. Avoid doubling products that contain the same ingredient. Stay home while unwell and follow local infection-control advice. Do not start antibiotics without assessment; they do not treat viral flu. People who are pregnant, older, immunocompromised or living with significant heart or lung disease should seek advice promptly.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, chest pain, blue lips, severe dehydration, confusion, a seizure, fainting, a stiff neck or a rapidly worsening condition. In a child, urgent assessment is also needed for unusual sleepiness, poor feeding or breathing that is fast or laboured. Fever with a new widespread rash or severe pain should not be managed by waiting at home.

Ask whether testing for flu, COVID-19 or another infection is appropriate, which fever medicine is suitable, and what changes should trigger urgent review. Mention travel, sick contacts, chronic conditions and every medicine you have taken.