Having a fever: what to know

Fever is part of the body's response to infection and may occur with chills, sweating, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Respiratory infections such as a common cold, acute bronchitis, bronchiolitis, COVID-19, or croup can cause it. A rash, painful skin, or a wound may point towards cellulitis; fever with blisters may occur with chickenpox. Travel or animal exposure matters because brucellosis and other infections need specific assessment. A thermometer reading is useful, but how you look and feel also matters.

Rest, drink fluids regularly, and wear light clothing in a comfortable room. Eat small amounts if you can. Use paracetamol or another suitable medicine only according to the label and your clinician's advice; check combination cold remedies to avoid taking the same ingredient twice. Do not give aspirin to children. Stay home while unwell and follow local infection-control advice if a contagious illness is possible. Monitor symptoms rather than relying on temperature alone.

Get urgent medical help for difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, a stiff neck, seizure, severe confusion, dehydration, a rapidly spreading rash, or a child who is unusually difficult to wake. Seek prompt advice for a very young infant with fever, pregnancy, significant immune problems, or fever that persists or worsens. Emergency care is needed when the person appears seriously ill.

Ask which symptoms suggest a specific infection, how to measure and record temperature, which medicine is suitable, and when follow-up is required.