Inside fever: what to know

Feeling hot inside, chilled, sweaty, achy, or unusually tired can happen as the body adjusts its temperature. A thermometer gives more useful information than the sensation alone. Fever often accompanies respiratory infections such as a common cold, acute bronchitis, COVID-19, bronchiolitis, or croup. Skin infection, chickenpox, and less common travel-related infections such as brucellosis can also cause fever. The accompanying symptoms and how a person is behaving help guide assessment.

Rest, drink fluids regularly, and wear light clothing while avoiding overheating. Check temperature with a reliable thermometer and record changes alongside symptoms. Paracetamol may help discomfort when suitable for you; follow the package directions and check combination cold remedies to avoid taking the same ingredient twice. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections unless a clinician identifies a bacterial reason to use them.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, blue lips, severe drowsiness, confusion, a stiff neck, a seizure, or a rash that does not fade when pressed. A baby or young child with fever, an older adult, someone pregnant, or a person with reduced immunity may need earlier medical advice. Arrange review when fever persists, repeatedly returns, or comes with a localising symptom such as painful urination, worsening cough, or a painful skin area.

Ask what temperature pattern matters for your age and health, which medicine is safe with your conditions, and whether an examination or testing is needed. Mention recent travel, new medicines, sick contacts, and any rash or breathing change.