Medicine·General Medicine
Fever in Adults
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, usually because your body is fighting an infection. A normal temperature is around 36–37°C (96.8–98.6°F). Fever is a sign that your immune system is working, not an illness itself.
Key facts
- Fever is a common response to infection and usually harmless.
- For adults, a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is generally considered a fever.
- Most fevers go away on their own within a few days.
- How you feel matters more than the number on the thermometer.
Yes, fever in adults is very common. Almost everyone experiences a fever at some point due to infections like colds, flu, or other illnesses.