From chills to high temperatures, we’ve got the tips you need to help break your fever
What is a fever?
A fever is your body’s natural reaction to fighting infections. It’s a temporary rise in body temperature which can make it harder for the bacteria and viruses to survive.
A fever is usually considered to be 38°C or above in both children and adults. You might also hear of it being called a high temperature.
The most reliable way to check for a fever is to use a thermometer. It’s important to know that if you feel shivery and hot, you might have a fever, even if your temperature is under 38°C.
What can cause a fever?
There are many illnesses that having a fever might be a symptom of, including:
In children, a fever might also be caused by common childhood illnesses like chickenpox and whooping cough. If you or your child is ill along with a fever, make sure to speak to a GP for advice.
Some people may also experience a mild fever after having certain vaccinations.
Spotting a fever
You might have a fever if:
- Your back or your chest feels hotter than it usually does
- You’re shivering or have chills
- You’re sweating
- You have warm, red skin (if you have black or brown skin, this might be harder to see)
How you feel with a fever can depend on what’s causing it. For example, if you have the flu, you might have a headache or body aches as well as a high temperature. If you’re worried about any of your symptoms, make sure to speak to your GP.
How do I treat a fever?
Fevers are quite common and will usually get better on their own without treatment. Managing a fever can be straightforward, and often, a few simple steps can make a difference in how you feel.
You might hear of managing a fever as ‘breaking a fever’.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids is important. Water is best, but teas and diluted juices can also help. Try to aim for six to eight glasses a day to help prevent dehydration.
Rest
Make sure to give your body rest. It’s important to get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activities until you’re feeling better.
Keep cool
Wearing light clothing and using lightweight bedding can help your body to stay cool. It’s important to keep your room at a comfortable temperature (around 18°C is ideal).
Use over-the-counter (OTC) medication
Pain relief like paracetamol and ibuprofen can help to lower your temperature and relieve discomfort. Make sure to always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging and never give aspirin to children under 16.
Stay comfortable
A lukewarm bath or a damp cloth on your forehead can help to provide relief. It’s important to avoid cold baths or ice packs as these can cause shivering, which can actually increase your body temperature.
While most fevers get better on their own, there are times when you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist. If your fever lasts for more than a few days or if you have other symptoms like difficulty breathing, vomiting or unusual drowsiness, it’s important to speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
How can I reduce my child’s temperature?
Children need special care when they have a fever. It’s important to make sure they’re drinking plenty of fluids and their environment is kept cool. If your child is old enough, you can give them age-appropriate paracetamol or ibuprofen.
It’s important to avoid giving paracetamol to children under two months and ibuprofen to children who are under three months old or less than five kilograms.
It’s important to keep an eye on their symptoms, and if you’re worried, make sure to speak to your GP.
When should you call an ambulance with a fever?
Fevers are usually manageable, but in some cases, they can signal a more serious issue that needs immediate medical attention.
Make sure to call 999 for an ambulance or go to A&E if you or your child have a fever and any of the following:
- Repeated vomiting or green (bile-stained) sick
- A spotty purple-red rash anywhere on the body that doesn't fade if a glass is rolled over it
- Sensitivity to light
- Severe tummy pain
- Unusual drowsiness, making it hard to wake up or stay awake
- Difficulty breathing
- A high-pitched, weak or continuous cry
- A stiff neck
- A bulging fontanelle (the soft spot on a baby’s head)
- Blue, pale, mottled or ashen skin
- Fits, convulsions or seizures for the first time
- Not responding as expected, or not interested in feeding or normal activities
- Your child is over six months old with other signs of possible illness, like floppiness or drowsiness
For less immediate, but still urgent concerns, you should make an urgent GP appointment. This includes if your child:
- Is under three months old with a temperature of 38°C or above
- Is between three and six months with a temperature of 39°C or above
- Has other symptoms like a rash, along with a high temperature
- Is showing signs of dehydration, like less wet nappies
- Doesn’t want to eat and isn’t their usual self
- Has a high temperature which lasts more than five days
- Isn't responding to pain relief
- If you're worried
FEVER FAQs
Fevers can be grouped into three groups:
- Mild fever is 38°C to 38.9°C
- High fever is 39°C to 39.9°C
- Very high fever is 40°C or higher
If you or your child has a high fever, make sure to book an urgent GP appointment. If you or your child has a very high fever, make sure to call 999 for an ambulance.
When you have a fever, it’s important to stay cool and at a comfortable temperature. Try to avoid heavy clothing and thick blankets, as they can raise your temperature further.
You should also try and keep the room at a comfortable temperature (around 18°C).
Fevers often spike at night because of the body’s natural rhythms which help to regulate body temperature and other processes.
A fever can last from three to five days. If your fever lasts for longer than this or you’re worried about your symptoms, make sure to speak to your GP.
This saying is fiction – starving is never the correct answer. Eating a balanced diet and being hydrated can help your body to recover, regardless of if you have a cold or a fever.
While fevers can be uncomfortable, there are things you can do to help yourself feel better.
