Remittent fever

A fever may rise and fall as the immune system responds to infection, while remaining elevated between readings. Acute bronchitis, a common cold, COVID-19, cellulitis, chickenpox and other infections can be associated with fever; the pattern alone cannot identify the cause. Note the measurement method, associated symptoms, recent travel, sick contacts and any medicine taken.

Rest, drink fluids regularly and wear light clothing in a comfortable room. Use a thermometer consistently and record readings with the time and symptoms. If you use fever medicine, follow the product directions and check with a pharmacist if you have liver disease, kidney disease, take other medicines or are treating a child. Avoid alternating products unless a clinician has explained how.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, confusion, fainting, a seizure, severe headache with a stiff neck, a purple or rapidly spreading rash, severe dehydration or a child who is unusually difficult to wake. Arrange prompt assessment when fever persists, repeatedly returns, the person is pregnant or immunocompromised, or there is a focused symptom such as painful urination, chest pain or a worsening skin redness.

Ask what infection signs fit your symptoms, how often to monitor temperature, whether testing is needed and which changes should trigger urgent review.