fever with fever

Overview

A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature. It is usually a sign that your immune system is fighting an infection or illness. A fever itself is not a disease, but a symptom that something is happening in your body.

Yes, fever is very common. It is one of the most frequent reasons people visit a doctor, especially children.

Anyone can get a fever, but it is more common in children, people with weakened immune systems, and older adults. Sometimes it affects people in certain age groups differently.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Flushed or warm skin
• Sweating
• Chills and shivering
• Headache
• Muscle aches and weakness
• Fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell
• Loss of appetite

Symptoms in children

• Irritability and fussiness
• Poor feeding or drinking less fluid
• A warm, dry forehead
• Rash
• Unusual drowsiness or low energy
• Febrile seizures (convulsions caused by fever — most are harmless but need medical attention)

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or memory problems
• Weakness or tiredness
• Eating or drinking very little
• Less obvious fever — body temperature may be lower than expected
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Breathing faster than usual

Causes

Main causes

• Infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or other germs
• Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or autoimmune diseases
• Heat exhaustion or heatstroke
• Some medicines and vaccines
• Certain cancers or blood disorders — but this is rare

Risk factors

• Being very young or very old
• Having a weakened immune system
• Being in close contact with people who are sick
• Living in crowded places or visiting areas with high rates of infection
• Not being up to date on recommended vaccines
• Recent surgery or medical treatment that affects your immune system

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Fever with a very severe headache or stiff neck
• Fever with a rash that does not fade under pressure
• Fever with repeated vomiting, dehydration, or difficult breathing
• Fever in a baby younger than 3 months
• Fever lasting more than 3 days or coming and going for a week

Book a routine appointment if:

• Fever with mild cough, cold, or sore throat that lasts a few days
• Fever after a recent vaccination that causes concern
• Fever without any other symptoms that continues for more than 48 hours
• Other family members with the same symptoms

Diagnosis

To find out what is causing a fever, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any recent travel or exposure to sick people. They will also do a physical exam and measure your temperature.

Tests that may be done

• Temperature measurement — using a thermometer in the mouth, ear, armpit, or if needed, the rectum (especially in babies)
• Blood tests — to check for signs of infection or inflammation
• Urine test — to look for a bladder or kidney infection
• Throat or nasal swab — to check for common viruses or bacterial infections
• Chest X-ray — if a lung infection such as pneumonia is suspected
• Imaging or other tests — based on your specific symptoms and health history

What to expect at your appointment

Usually your provider can tell if you have a common infection based on your symptoms and exam. Sometimes tests are needed to find the cause. If no cause is found, they may call it 'fever of unknown origin' and keep reviewing you over time.

Treatment

Treatment for a fever focuses on making you comfortable and targeting the underlying cause. If the fever is due to a mild viral infection, it often goes away by itself. For bacterial infections, your provider may prescribe an appropriate antibiotic. You should not treat every fever with medicine — low-grade fevers can help your body fight germs.

Self-care at home

• Rest and give your body time to recover
• Drink plenty of water, clear soup, or oral rehydration fluids
• Wear light clothing and use a light blanket
• Keep the room at a comfortable, cool temperature
• Take lukewarm baths or use a cool, damp cloth on your forehead (not cold ice baths)
• Eat small, bland foods if you feel hungry, but do not force food

Medical treatments

Healthcare providers may suggest over-the-counter fever-reducing medicines — such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen — but only in the correct dose and for the right person. These should never be given to children without checking with your doctor or pharmacist, and always avoid giving aspirin to children or teenagers with a fever. Never give fever medicine to a baby under 3 months without medical advice. In some cases, if the fever is caused by a bacterial infection, your provider will prescribe antibiotics. Antiviral medicines may be used for certain viral infections. Do not take fever-reducing medicines 'just in case' — always ask a healthcare professional first.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a treatment for fever itself. In rare cases, if an underlying condition such as a pocket of infection (abscess) is causing the fever, a minor surgical drainage procedure may be needed. Your healthcare team will discuss this if it applies to you.

Living with this condition

If you have a fever at home, check your temperature a few times a day, watch for warning signs, and keep a water bottle nearby. Write down your symptoms and any temperatures you record, along with the times, to share with your doctor.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, or using the toilet
• Avoid close contact with others until you are better
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze
• Stay at home and rest while the fever is present
• Keep your immunizations up to date to prevent fever-related infections

Diet and exercise

Drink more fluids than usual to prevent dehydration — water, clear broth, or oral rehydration fluids are good choices. If you are not hungry, do not force yourself to eat. When the fever breaks and you feel better, gradually return to normal activities. Light exercise is fine once you are fully recovered, but avoid heavy workouts while you still have a fever.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A fever, especially one that lasts a few days, can make you feel frustrated, anxious, or low in energy. That is normal. Give yourself time to rest and recover. Talk to friends or family about how you are feeling, and seek help from a healthcare professional if you feel very worried or concerned.

Prevention

You cannot prevent all fevers, but you can reduce your chances of catching infections that cause fever. Good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick people, and staying healthy are important steps.

Vaccines

Vaccines are one of the best ways to prevent many serious infections that cause fever, such as flu, measles, whooping cough, and pneumonia. Keep up to date with the vaccinations recommended for your age and health condition.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for fever itself. However, regular check-ups can help detect underlying health problems early and reduce your risk of serious infections.

Complications

If left untreated

• Dehydration — especially in young children and older adults
• Febrile seizures in children — these usually pass but require medical assessment
• Worsening of the underlying infection, which could spread to the blood (sepsis)
• Delirium or confusion in older adults
• Long-lasting inflammation or organ problems if the cause is not addressed

Long-term outlook

Most fevers are short-lived and get better without any long-term issues. Even when a fever lasts a few days, the body usually recovers fully once the underlying cause is treated. Seeking medical advice when needed gives you the best chance of a smooth and full recovery. With proper care, the outlook is very good for the vast majority of people.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization ↗

Local organisations

• NHS UK ↗ · United Kingdom

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