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SuperHealthyAI

Fever (high temperature)

Pending clinical review Educational information from public health sources, pending clinical review. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice.

A high temperature is usually considered to be 38°C or above. It is often the body fighting an infection, such as a cold or flu, and is not usually a sign of anything serious. This page is for adults; children and babies have separate guidance.

Get emergency help now (call your local emergency number (112 in India)) if you have:

  • A rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it
  • A stiff neck or bright light hurting the eyes
  • Severe difficulty breathing
  • Confusion, or not responding as usual

Contact a doctor or clinician today if you have:

  • A high temperature that is not getting better with home care, or is getting worse

When to see a clinician

  • The temperature is not coming down or you feel worse.
  • You have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or have another long-term condition.

What it can be associated with

This page cannot tell you what is causing your symptom. Many different things, minor and serious, can cause the same symptom, and only a clinician who can examine you can assess it. The list of things a symptom can be associated with is in alphabetical order, not in order of how likely they are.

  • Infections such as a cold or flu
  • Other infections or conditions (sometimes more serious if the temperature is very high or will not come down)

General self-care

  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Drink plenty of fluids (water is best) so your urine is light yellow and clear.
  • Stay at home and avoid contact with other people while you have a high temperature.

For medicines, ask a pharmacist or doctor; SuperHealthyAI does not advise on medicines or doses.

Check for warning signs

Tick any that apply now. This does not diagnose anything; it tells you how soon to get help.

Warning signs

Sources

This page is general education, not personal medical advice. For diagnosis, treatment or medicines, please talk to a qualified doctor, registered dietitian or pharmacist. Read our medical & AI disclaimer.