Feeling feverish but no fever: what to know

A fever is a raised body temperature measured with a thermometer. You may nevertheless feel hot, cold, shivery, flushed or sweaty when the reading is normal. Warm clothing, exercise, a hot room, anxiety, hormonal changes or poor sleep can alter how temperature feels. A common cold, COVID-19 or another infection may be developing before other symptoms appear. Bronchiolitis and croup matter particularly in children because breathing can deteriorate even without a high temperature.

Rest in a comfortable room, drink normally and remove extra layers if you feel overheated. Recheck your temperature with a working thermometer after resting, using the method recommended in its instructions. Note chills, cough, pain, rash, urinary symptoms and any new medicine. Avoid taking fever medicine solely for a sensation when the measured temperature is normal unless a clinician has advised it.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, a severe headache with a stiff neck, or a rapidly worsening condition. Children who are unusually sleepy, struggling to breathe, drinking poorly or producing much less urine need prompt assessment. Arrange medical advice if symptoms persist, a measured fever develops, or you have a weakened immune system or a significant long-term illness.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest an infection, whether any medicine could be contributing, and how often to monitor your temperature.