fever risks and benefits for patients

Overview

A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature, usually caused by an infection. It is the body's natural way of fighting germs.

Yes. Fever is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor or call a health service, especially for children.

Anyone can get a fever. It affects children more often because their immune systems are still developing, but it can happen at any age. People with weakened immune systems and older adults may need more careful monitoring.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A feeling of being hot or flushed
• Shivering or sweating
• Muscle aches and weakness
• Headache
• Tiredness and poor appetite

Symptoms in children

• Irritability or unusual fussiness
• Being less active or more sleepy than usual
• Poor feeding or drinking
• Faster breathing or heartbeat
• In some children, a brief seizure called a febrile fit caused by a rapid temperature rise

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or worsening confusion
• Dizziness and increased risk of falls
• Weakness and fatigue
• Little or no appetite and reduced thirst
• Being less responsive or less mobile than usual

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections, such as colds, flu, COVID-19, or childhood infections
• Bacterial infections, such as a urine infection, strep throat, or pneumonia
• Some vaccinations (a mild fever is a normal response)
• Heat exhaustion or very hot environments
• Inflammatory conditions, like some types of arthritis
• Very rarely, certain medicines or a blood disorder

Risk factors

• Being very young (babies and toddlers)
• Being 65 years or older
• Having a weakened immune system
• Recovering from surgery or a recent hospital stay
• Living in crowded places or travelling to areas with more frequent infections

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Call your local emergency number or go to urgent care if you or your child have any of the emergency symptoms listed above
• If your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever
• If the fever is above 40°C (104°F) and not responding to self-care
• If the fever comes with severe headache, stiff neck, a non-fading rash, difficulty breathing, or confusion

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make a routine doctor's appointment if the fever lasts more than 3 days (or more than 2 days in a child under 2)
• If you have repeated fevers that settle and return
• If the fever is accompanied by persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, pain on urination, or ear pain
• If the fever occurs in pregnancy, after surgery, or in someone with a chronic health condition

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse will ask about symptoms, measure your temperature, and do a physical examination to look for signs of infection.

Tests that may be done

• Checking body temperature with a thermometer
• Medical history and examination
• Depending on symptoms: blood, urine, or throat swab tests
• Imaging such as a chest X-ray, if the doctor suspects infection in the lungs

What to expect at your appointment

The healthcare team will look for a cause and decide if you need any tests. Many fevers need no specific tests and get better on their own. If an infection is found, you will get advice on how to manage the fever and when to return.

Treatment

Fever is part of the body's healing process, so the main treatment is to rest, drink enough fluids, and monitor for warning signs. Some people may choose to use over-the-counter fever reducers for comfort, but they do not treat the cause of the fever.

Self-care at home

• Rest more than usual
• Drink water, clear soups, or oral rehydration fluids regularly
• Wear light clothing and keep the room at a comfortable temperature
• Avoid heavy blankets and cold baths
• Take note of your temperature and any new symptoms

Medical treatments

If the fever is caused by a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. For viral infections, antibiotics do not help. Fever-reducing medicines are sometimes recommended for comfort, especially for children or people at higher risk of dehydration. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine, and follow their advice exactly.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat a fever itself. If a specific cause such as an abscess (a collection of pus) is found, a doctor may need to drain it, but that is a treatment for the infection, not the fever.

Living with this condition

While the fever lasts, plan for plenty of rest, keep fluids nearby, and use a thermometer to check temperature if it helps. You do not need to check a temperature constantly — focus on how you feel and any changes.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink extra fluids while the fever lasts
• Eat when you feel able — light meals like soup or toast are fine
• Go back to work, school, or exercise gradually once the fever has gone for 24 hours
• Wash hands often and cover coughs and sneezes to protect others

Diet and exercise

You don't need a special diet. Fluids matter most. When your temperature returns to normal, start with normal meals and gentle activity, then increase gradually.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel worried when you or your child has a fever. Try to stay calm, follow the care plan, and remember that fevers are common and usually resolve. If anxiety about health is affecting your daily life, talk to a healthcare professional.

Prevention

Not all fevers can be prevented, but many causes of fever can be reduced. Good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick people, and keeping up to date with recommended vaccines are the best ways to lower the chance of fever.

Vaccines

Vaccines reduce the risk of infections that often cause fever. Some fevers after vaccination are a normal immune response and settle quickly.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for fever itself. Your doctor may recommend regular check-ups if you have a condition that makes infections more likely.

Complications

If left untreated

• Dehydration, especially in babies, small children, and older adults
• Febrile seizures in some young children (usually brief and without long-term harm)
• Confusion or falls in older adults
• If the underlying infection is not treated, it can spread and cause more serious illness, such as sepsis

Long-term outlook

Most fevers resolve within a week without lasting effects. For most people, a fever is simply the body's way of fighting an infection. With rest, fluids, and appropriate medical care when needed, the outlook is very good. Even when a fever causes worry, most people recover fully.

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