Does common cold cause fever?

During a cold, immune signals can temporarily raise body temperature. You may also feel hot, chilled, sweaty or generally weak. A thermometer gives a more useful reading than judging temperature by touch. Fever can accompany other cold symptoms such as a blocked nose, cough, sore throat and aches. The intensity of fever does not by itself identify the cause, because several infections and non-infectious problems can raise temperature.

Rest, drink fluids regularly and wear light, comfortable clothing. Keep the room comfortably ventilated rather than trying to make yourself very cold. If you need medicine for discomfort, follow the label and avoid taking multiple products containing the same ingredient. Children need age-appropriate advice, so ask a pharmacist or clinician before giving medicine. Check temperature again if symptoms change or you become more unwell.

Contact a clinician if fever is persistent, returns after improving, or comes with breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe weakness, confusion, a stiff neck, a rash, repeated vomiting or difficulty drinking. Babies, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immunity may need earlier assessment. Urgent care is appropriate when someone is difficult to wake, struggling to breathe or showing signs of severe dehydration.

Ask how to measure temperature accurately, which medicines are safe with your conditions, and whether the combination of fever and other symptoms needs examination.