What should you know about fits during fever?

Fever can accompany infections affecting the airways, skin, or whole body. During a seizure, the person may stiffen, jerk, stare, become unresponsive, or be confused as awareness returns. The fever and the seizure both deserve attention; the appearance of a fit does not identify the infection by itself.

Clear the area, cushion the head, loosen tight clothing, and place the person on their side when movements allow. Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth. Do not offer liquids or fever medicine until they can swallow safely. Note the start time, breathing changes, colour changes, and what recovery looks like. Tell the clinician about cough, wheeze, noisy breathing, rash, or recent exposure to illness; possible sources include [Acute Bronchitis](/conditions/acute-bronchitis/) and [Common Cold](/conditions/common-cold/).

Call emergency services for a first seizure, prolonged or repeated seizure, breathing trouble, serious injury, or failure to regain normal awareness. A stiff neck, severe headache, new rash, severe weakness, or difficulty waking also needs urgent care. Children, pregnant people, and people with serious long-term conditions should receive prompt clinical advice after a seizure with fever.

Ask whether the fever source needs testing, how to keep the person hydrated, how to recognise a repeat seizure, and what emergency plan to follow if fever or abnormal breathing returns.