Fever: what to know and when to get help

Fever may accompany respiratory illnesses such as a common cold or acute bronchitis, but it can also occur with skin, urinary or other infections. The temperature reading matters, yet alertness, breathing, hydration, pain and the pattern over time matter too. A person can feel hot without having a measured fever, especially after exercise or in a warm room. Consider recent travel, sick contacts, new medicines and long-term health conditions when describing the illness.

Measure with a suitable thermometer and write down the reading, time and associated symptoms. Encourage fluids and rest, use light clothing and avoid cooling methods that cause shivering. Fever medicine may ease discomfort; follow the product directions and check suitability with a pharmacist or clinician, particularly for children, pregnancy, liver disease, kidney disease or medicine interactions. Treat the person’s comfort rather than chasing a particular number.

Seek urgent care for severe breathing difficulty, confusion, fainting, a seizure, a stiff neck, a rapidly spreading or purple rash, severe dehydration, or an infant who is unusually sleepy or difficult to wake. Arrange medical advice when fever is persistent, repeatedly returns, follows recent travel, or occurs in someone with reduced immunity. A child with croup, bronchiolitis or marked breathing changes should be assessed promptly.

Ask what cause is most consistent with the symptoms; how long home monitoring is reasonable; which fluids or medicines are suitable; and which changes should prompt urgent review.