Does heat stroke cause fever?

Heat stroke happens when the body cannot release heat effectively. The resulting temperature rise is caused by environmental or exertional overheating rather than an infection alone. Hot skin, confusion, faintness, headache, weakness, rapid breathing, or unusual behaviour may occur alongside the fever-like temperature. A person can become seriously ill quickly, and sweating may be present or absent.

Call emergency services immediately if heat stroke is suspected. Move the person to shade or a cool indoor area, remove unnecessary outer clothing, and cool the skin with cool wet cloths, fanning, or cool water. Stay with them and monitor breathing. Do not give anything by mouth to someone who is confused, drowsy, vomiting, or unable to swallow safely, and do not delay help while trying to lower the temperature.

Treat suspected heat stroke as an emergency, especially with confusion, collapse, a seizure, severe headache, breathing difficulty, or loss of consciousness. Emergency assessment is also needed when a very high temperature follows intense heat exposure and does not improve promptly with cooling. A clinician can check for organ effects and distinguish heat illness from infection or another cause of fever.

Ask what caused the temperature rise, whether blood tests or observation are needed, how to return safely to activity, and which medicines or health conditions could increase sensitivity to heat.