High Temperature (Fever) in Adults: How to Manage
High temperature, fever, chills, or any other name you give it, is a sure sign that your body's immune system is at work trying to fight something off. Common causes of a high temperature include viral or bacterial infections, but there are many others. You will usually feel unwell, with a fever, and may swing between feeling cold and shivery, getting under the duvet, and burning up and feeling hot and sweaty. You may have a hot head, chest or back when you put a hand to it.
High risk symptoms (Red flag): seek urgent help / call 999 or go to A&E
These signs suggest a serious or life-threatening illness:
- New confusion, agitation, or reduced consciousness
- Breathing problems: severe shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain
- Blue, pale, grey or mottled skin, lips or tongue
- Non-blanching rash (does not fade when pressed)
- Severe headache with stiff neck or sensitivity to light
- Seizure (fit)
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Signs of sepsis: very unwell, shivering, muscle pain, slurred speech, passing little or no urine
- Fever with collapse or fainting
- Fever in someone who is severely immunocompromised (e.g. chemotherapy, high-dose steroids)
Action:
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
Moderate risk symptoms (Amber): seek urgent medical advice the same day
These symptoms need assessment but are not immediately life-threatening:
- Fever lasting more than 5 days
- Fever with worsening pain, rigours (intense shivering), or feeling very unwell
- New confusion that is mild or fluctuating
- Persistent cough, breathlessness without severe distress
- Vomiting or diarrhoea with signs of dehydration
- Pain when passing urine or lower abdominal pain
- Fever with a known chronic condition (heart, lung, kidney disease, diabetes)
- Fever after recent surgery, injury, or travel
Action:
Contact your GP, urgent care, or NHS 111 the same day.
Low risk (Green): monitor at home
These features usually suggest a mild infection, often viral:
- Feeling generally unwell but alert and responsive
- Mild to moderate fever for a short time
- Normal breathing and skin colour
- Able to drink fluids and pass urine normally
- Symptoms improving with rest, fluids, and simple pain relief
Action:
Manage at home. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, avoid over-wrapping, and monitor symptoms. Seek advice if things worsen.
What can you find here
What counts as a high temperature?
If you have a thermometer that shows a temperature on or above 38°C (100.4°F) then you have a documented fever. This is likely the cause of an infection or inflammatory process going on in the body.
Healthwords pharmacists' top tips
Starting simple is the best way to get well soon. Make sure you get lots of rest and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you are feeling unwell, as this will bring the fever down. Keeping hydrated is essential, and with a fever, you lose more fluids than usual. You should aim to drink at least the usual recommended daily fluid, and increase your intake if your urine is darker than a pale straw colour.
Pharmacy Treatments
When should I see my doctor about my high temperature?
If you are not sure of the cause of your fever, it would be best to speak with your doctor. If you have had a fever for more than five days, severe pain in your tummy, joints, head or anywhere else, new rashes, shortness of breath, confusion or a new headache, or you feel bothered by bright lights or your neck feels stiff to move, then you should seek urgent medical advice.
What will my doctor do about my high temperature?
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Depending on the possible diagnosis, blood tests, urine tests or imaging (for example a chest X-ray) could be carried out, or you may be referred to a specialist department. The doctor may also prescribe some medication such as pain relief or antibiotics to help with your symptoms.
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