Fever in adults
Fever in adults
Overview
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A fever is usually when your body temperature is 38°C or higher. You may feel warm, cold or shivery.
You can find out if you have a fever (high temperature) by using a thermometer to take your temperature.
You should try to stay at home and avoid other people if you have a high temperature, to avoid spreading potential illness.
There is a separate page on fever in children.
Fever in adults self-help guide
Complete our self-help guide to check your symptoms and find out what to do next.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Contact your GP practice straight away if you have a fever and any of the following applies to you:
- your immune system is weakened
- you're on immune-suppressant drugs, such as regular steroids, methotrexate, azathioprine or cyclophosphamide
- you're on treatment for cancer, leukaemia or lymphoma, or you finished such treatment recently
- you're a transplant recipient
- you're HIV positive
- you have chronic lung disease
- you have asthma that's needed medication at any point in the last 3 years
- you have heart disease (this doesn't include blood pressure that's currently well controlled)
- you have diabetes or another metabolic disease
- you have chronic gastrointestinal or liver disease
- you have chronic renal (kidney) disease
- you have cystic fibrosis
- you have a neurological condition such as cerebral palsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy
- you have sickle cell disease
Contact your GP practice if:
- you feel severely thirsty or you're peeing less than usual
- your pee looks darker than normal
- you feel lightheaded or weak
- you get new, severe muscle cramps
- your symptoms get worse, or new symptoms appear
- you've had a fever after travelling abroad recently
If your GP practice is closed, phone 111.
Causes
What causes a fever?
A fever is your body’s natural response to many common illnesses such as:
- flu
- tonsillitis
- kidney or urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Fever helps your body fight infections by stimulating your immune system (your body’s natural defence). By increasing your body’s temperature, a fever makes it harder for the bacteria and viruses that cause infections to survive.
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Treatment
Most fevers get better on their own within a few days. There are a few simple things you can do to ease your symptoms.
Do
- rest as much as you can
- wear loose, comfortable clothing
- keep the room at a comfortable temperature, not too warm
- drink more fluids, water is best, so you don't become dehydrated. Drink enough that your urine stays light yellow and clear
- avoid alcohol, as it can make dehydration worse
- take a fever reducing medicine such as paracetamol, unless you're allergic to it or a healthcare professional has told you not to take it
Don't
- don't wear too many layers of clothing
- don't try to make yourself feel cold