Fever in adults: what to do
In short: a fever is usually a sign your body is fighting an infection. Rest and fluids help. Get medical help if the fever is very high, lasts more than a few days, or comes with warning signs such as a stiff neck, confusion or trouble breathing.
What counts as a fever
For most adults, a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is a fever. Your temperature naturally varies a little during the day. A fever itself is not an illness; it's one of the ways the body fights infection.
Looking after yourself at home
- Rest, and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Wear light clothing and keep the room comfortably cool.
- Over-the-counter fever medicines can make you more comfortable. Follow the instructions on the packet, don't take more than one product with the same ingredient, and ask a pharmacist if you have a health condition or take other medicines.
- Check your temperature now and then to see how it's changing.
When to contact a doctor
- Your temperature is 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
- The fever lasts more than 3 days
- You have a weak immune system or a long-term condition
- You have a new rash, pain when peeing, ear or sinus pain, or other symptoms that worry you
- You've recently travelled abroad
When to get emergency help
Call 911 or your local emergency number if a fever comes with:
- A stiff neck, severe headache or sensitivity to light
- Confusion, being very drowsy or hard to wake
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- A seizure
- A rash that doesn't fade when you press a glass against it
- Signs of sepsis (see Sepsis: the signs to know)
Babies and children need a lower threshold for help. Contact a doctor straight away if a baby under 3 months has a fever.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Fever
- MedlinePlus: Fever (medical encyclopedia)