Fever and heat exhaustion: what to know

Fever can occur with an infection or another inflammatory illness. Heat exhaustion is linked to a hot environment, strenuous activity, heavy clothing, or inadequate fluid replacement. It may cause heavy sweating, weakness, headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, clammy skin, and dark urine. Dehydration can accompany or worsen heat exhaustion.

Move away from heat and notice whether symptoms improve with cooling and fluids. A measured temperature can help, but a normal reading does not make heat illness harmless if confusion, collapse, or worsening weakness develops.

Stop activity and rest in a shaded or air-conditioned place. Loosen extra clothing, cool the skin with damp cloths or a fan, and take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink if you are awake and able to swallow. Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise while recovering.

For fever, rest, drink to thirst, and follow the label or a clinician’s advice before taking a fever-reducing medicine. Do not give aspirin to a child unless a clinician specifically recommends it.

Seek emergency help for confusion, fainting, seizure, trouble breathing, inability to drink, or very hot skin with a deteriorating level of alertness. Heat illness can progress quickly. Arrange medical assessment when symptoms do not improve after cooling, vomiting prevents fluids, urine becomes very dark, or fever is persistent or accompanied by a severe headache, stiff neck, or a new rash.

Ask which symptoms suggest infection rather than heat illness, how much fluid is appropriate for your health conditions, and which fever medicine is suitable with your current medicines.