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Fever
Category: General & Whole-Body Symptoms · All general symptoms
What it can feel like
A fever is a body temperature that is higher than usual — the body deliberately turns its thermostat up, most often while fighting an infection. It usually comes with feeling hot and cold by turns, shivering, sweating, a headache and aching muscles, and it often settles within a few days.
Possible causes
A symptom can have many causes, and most are not serious. The lists below group conditions this symptom can be associated with — common causes first. They are possibilities to discuss with a clinician, not a diagnosis.
Common causes
A fever can be associated with common infections such as colds, flu, chest and urine infections, tummy bugs and childhood illnesses. In children it also commonly follows vaccinations for a day or two.
Other possible causes
Less commonly, a fever can be associated with other infections such as kidney infection or pneumonia, with inflammatory conditions, with some medicines, or with heat exhaustion in very hot weather.
Red flags — when to seek help promptly
- A fever with a stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, confusion or a rash that does not fade when pressed
- A baby under three months old with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or more
- Fever with severe headache, vomiting, drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
- Fever together with breathing difficulty, chest pain or coughing blood
- A fever that lasts more than about five days, or keeps returning
What a clinician may do
A clinician will ask how long the fever has lasted and what other symptoms you have, examine you, and check your temperature, pulse and breathing. Depending on the pattern they may arrange blood tests, a urine test or a chest X-ray, and they will explain what to watch for at home.
Watch: related videos
Examination and clinical videos from the MedicalVideos.com library relevant to this symptom. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.
Related guides on MedicalVideos.com
Frequently asked questions
What temperature counts as a fever?
In adults, a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above is generally counted as a fever. How you feel matters as much as the number — a modest fever with worrying symptoms deserves more attention than a higher one that is settling.
Should I try to bring a fever down?
Feeling comfortable matters more than chasing a normal number. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and dress lightly. Your clinician or pharmacist can advise whether a fever-reducing medicine is appropriate for you or your child.
Related symptoms — General & Whole-Body Symptoms
Browse the F section of the A–Z list or return to the Symptoms A–Z hub.