How is fever treated?

A raised temperature is a sign that the body is responding to something, often an infection. Treatment depends on the person’s age, other symptoms, medical history and the suspected cause. Lowering the temperature can improve comfort, but it does not by itself treat the illness causing the fever. A clinician may look for respiratory, throat, urinary or skin symptoms before deciding whether tests or prescription treatment are needed.

Drink regularly, choosing small frequent amounts if you feel nauseated. Rest, wear light clothing and keep the room comfortably cool; avoid cold baths or rubbing alcohol on the skin. Paracetamol or another fever-reducing medicine may help when it is suitable for you, but follow the package directions and check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have liver, kidney or stomach problems. Do not give aspirin to children unless a clinician specifically advises it. Antibiotics are not useful for every fever and should only be used when prescribed.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, confusion, a seizure, a stiff neck, severe headache, a rapidly spreading rash, blue or grey lips, or difficulty staying awake. Prompt assessment is also needed when fever occurs with severe weakness, repeated vomiting, dehydration or worsening pain. In an infant, a fever needs medical advice, particularly when the baby is very young. If fever persists, returns repeatedly or is affecting daily function, arrange a clinical assessment to identify the cause.

What might be causing the fever, and which symptoms should I monitor? Is a fever-reducing medicine suitable with my health conditions and current medicines? Do I need testing or a review if the temperature improves but other symptoms continue?