What should you know about got fever?

Fever is the body's regulated response to an immune signal, so a person may feel cold or shiver while their temperature is rising. Common cold, COVID-19 and acute bronchitis can cause fever with respiratory symptoms. Bronchiolitis and croup are more relevant in young children, while chickenpox may cause fever with an itchy blistering rash. Cellulitis can cause fever alongside a hot, painful, spreading area of skin. Brucellosis is another possibility after particular animal or food exposures.

Measure temperature with a reliable thermometer and record the reading with the time and symptoms. Rest, drink enough fluid to keep urine pale, wear comfortable clothing and keep the room pleasantly cool. If you feel unwell, use a fever medicine only when suitable for you and follow its label directions; check before giving medicine to a child. Antibiotics do not treat viral causes, so treatment depends on the underlying illness.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, a stiff neck, seizure, fainting, severe dehydration or a rapidly spreading rash. A baby with fever, a person with a weakened immune system, or someone who has recently travelled may need prompt assessment. Arrange medical advice when fever persists, repeatedly returns, or comes with focused symptoms such as painful urination, severe cough or worsening skin pain.

Share the temperature pattern, medicines taken, travel, sick contacts, new rash and the symptoms affecting breathing, urine, skin or appetite. Ask whether examination or testing is needed.