Viral cold and fever: what should you know?

A fever is the body's response to infection and may occur with a runny nose, blocked nose, sore throat, cough, aches or tiredness. The temperature reading is only one part of the assessment: alertness, breathing, fluid intake and urine output also matter. A cold is not the only cause of fever. Bronchiolitis, acute bronchitis, croup, chickenpox, COVID-19 and other infections can begin with similar symptoms, so a changing pattern deserves attention.

Offer frequent fluids and allow extra rest. Dress lightly and keep the room comfortably ventilated; avoid cold baths or forceful cooling. Record when the fever began, how the person is drinking, and any new symptoms. Follow age-appropriate dosing advice if using fever medicine, and check with a clinician or pharmacist if the person is very young, pregnant or has a long-term condition. Reduce spread by washing hands and covering coughs.

Get urgent help for difficult or noisy breathing, blue or grey lips, a seizure, severe drowsiness, confusion, a stiff neck, or a rash that does not fade when pressed. Seek prompt advice when fluids cannot be kept down, urination becomes much less frequent, the person is getting worse, or fever returns after improvement. Infants and people with significant medical conditions should be assessed early when fever is accompanied by poor feeding or unusual sleepiness.

Ask what to monitor at home, which fever medicine is appropriate, and whether the symptoms fit a cold or need testing for another infection.