Fever feels scary, but it’s usually your body fighting an infection. A temperature over 38°C (100.4°F) counts as a fever. Most fevers are short-lived and help your immune system work better. Still, not every fever is harmless — know the warning signs and the simple steps that actually help.
Call your doctor or go to the ER if any of these apply: a baby under 3 months has a fever; a child under 2 with a fever lasting more than 24 hours; an adult with a fever above 39.4°C (103°F); severe headache, stiff neck, sudden confusion, difficulty breathing, chest pain, repeated vomiting, or signs of dehydration. Also get help if someone with a weakened immune system, serious heart or lung disease, or recent surgery gets a fever. These are red flags, not rare exceptions.
For routine fevers, start with rest and fluids. Dehydration makes fevers worse — drink water, broths, or oral rehydration solutions. Dress in light clothes and keep the room at a comfortable temperature. A lukewarm sponge bath can help if someone is very uncomfortable, but avoid cold baths or alcohol rubs.
Over-the-counter medicines can lower fever and ease discomfort. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) and ibuprofen are common and effective when you follow dosing instructions. For children, use weight-based dosing and avoid aspirin (it can cause Reye’s syndrome in kids). Don’t combine acetaminophen and ibuprofen unless a clinician tells you to. If fever persists after a full course of recommended doses, check with a healthcare provider.
Know the limits of fever-reducing meds: they treat the symptom, not the cause. If someone feels much better after medicine, it’s still wise to watch for other signs that the illness is getting worse.
Special situations: fevers after recent travel, tick bites, or exposure to someone with a contagious disease deserve quicker attention. Pregnant people who develop a fever should call their provider because certain infections matter more during pregnancy. If a fever follows a vaccine in the first 48 hours, it’s usually mild and short-lived, but treat symptoms and call if you’re worried.
If you’re tracking a fever at home, note the temperature, time it started, other symptoms (cough, rash, pain), and any medicines given. That log helps your clinician decide the next step. When in doubt, reach out to a nurse line or your doctor — better safe than sorry. Fever is common and often manageable, but the right action at the right time keeps things simple and safe.
In my recent blog post, I tackled the topic of managing fever in chronically ill patients. This is a common symptom but can become severe if not handled properly. I discussed the importance of monitoring one's body temperature regularly and knowing when to seek medical attention. I also shared some helpful tips on managing fever at home, including staying hydrated and resting. Lastly, I emphasized the need for chronically ill patients to take extra precautions to prevent infections that could lead to fever.