Headache and fever in adults

A respiratory infection such as a Common Cold or COVID-19 can present with headache and fever alongside sore throat, cough, congestion, tiredness, or body aches. Facial pressure and nasal symptoms can occur with Allergic Rhinitis or Chronic Sinusitis, although allergy itself does not cause a fever. In areas where mosquito-borne illness occurs, Dengue Fever is another reason to seek tailored medical advice, especially with marked aches, rash, nausea, or unusual bleeding. Dehydration can intensify a headache during any illness. Symptoms cannot establish the cause by themselves.

Rest, drink fluids regularly, and use a thermometer to track temperature rather than relying only on how warm you feel. Keep a record of when symptoms started and whether the headache changes with movement, light, coughing, or neck movement. Follow the label for a suitable fever or pain medicine, and check with a pharmacist if you have liver, kidney, stomach, or bleeding problems or take regular medicines. Avoid combining products that contain the same ingredient. Stay home from close contact while feverish and follow local medical advice.

Seek emergency care for a sudden severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, fainting, seizure, new weakness, trouble speaking, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, or a non-blanching rash. Get prompt advice if fever is persistent or worsening, fluids cannot be kept down, or you have recently travelled, are pregnant, or have reduced immunity. A new headache that feels very different from past headaches also deserves assessment.

What causes fit my symptoms and local exposure history? Do I need testing or an examination? Which fever medicine is safe with my conditions and current medicines?