Night fever symptoms: what to know

Fever may cause alternating chills and warmth, damp clothing or bedding, thirst, weakness and a faster heartbeat. Symptoms such as cough, sore throat, blocked nose, diarrhoea, vomiting, a rash or pain in one area can help identify the source. Acute Bronchitis, Bronchiolitis, Common Cold and COVID-19 can all involve fever with respiratory symptoms; other illnesses have different patterns.

Night-time symptoms can feel more intense because you are resting and notice changes more clearly. A warm room, heavy bedding, exercise before bed, alcohol or some medicines can also make you feel overheated without a true fever.

Use a thermometer rather than relying on touch, and record the reading, time, associated symptoms and any medicine. Rest, drink small amounts often, wear light clothing and keep the room comfortably ventilated. Follow the label or a clinician's advice for any fever medicine, and do not combine products containing the same ingredient.

If you have contact with someone ill, recent travel, a chronic condition or take immune-suppressing medicine, mention this when seeking advice. Do not start antibiotics without an assessment, because many fever illnesses are viral.

Get urgent help for trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, severe drowsiness, confusion, a seizure, a stiff neck, a rapidly spreading rash, severe dehydration or chest pain. Contact a clinician promptly if fever keeps returning, you cannot keep fluids down, symptoms are worsening, or the person with fever is a young baby, pregnant or immunocompromised.

Ask which symptoms should be monitored at home, whether testing is appropriate, which medicines are safe with your existing treatment, and how soon you should be reviewed if the fever continues.