Fever

Fever is a rise in body temperature above the normal temperature range. Normally caused by infection, fever is an immune system response to protect the body.

Average body temperature is around 37°C and can change throughout the day. Most cases of mild fever resolve within a couple of days.

On average, a child has up to 10 infections per year. In children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years, fever can trigger seizures known as febrile convulsions.

Fever is a symptom and not an illness. Read more about causes and signs.

First aid for adults with fever

Fever can be life-threatening and severity isn't necessarily an indication of seriousness. For example, life-threatening meningitis might only cause a small temperature rise.

When to see your doctor for fever symptoms:

Consult with your doctor in the following cases:

• You're still feverish after 3 days
• Your temperature is over 40°C.
• You're shivering and shaking
• You're getting sicker
• You're having hallucinations
• Vomiting, rapid heart rate or chills
• You feel confused and drowsy
• You have a severe headache
• You have recently travelled overseas
  
  

When to seek immediate urgent medical attention

You should seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else has the following symptoms:

• Fever with a headache and stiff neck
• Rash that does not go white when pressure is applied to the skin - can be a sign of a life-threatening illness
  
  

You can treat fever by:

• Taking paracetamol in directed doses to help bring your temperature down
• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these drinks can cause dehydration
• Sponge skin with warm water
• Avoid taking cold baths or showers. Cold water makes the blood vessels constrict, trapping body heat
• Making sure you have plenty of rest

First aid for children (under 6) with fever

Body temperature isn't the best indicator of illness for babies and young children. A child may have a mild temperature (slightly over 37°C) but is happy and healthy.

See a doctor if your child:

• Are 6 months old or less
• Has a rash
• Has a fever over 39.9°C
• Has a fever for more than a day
• Vomits or has diarrhoea
• Won't have food or drink
• Crying heavily
• Convulses or twitches
• Has trouble breathing
• Is in pain
  
  

If you feel at all worried or concerned at any stage, consult with your doctor.

You can treat fever in children (under 6) by:

• Dressing them in light clothing
• Giving them plenty of water
• Keeping them cool
• Give paracetamol in the correct dose for the child's age (but not more than 4 doses in a 24-hour period). Don't do this for more than 24 hours without seeking advice from a doctor
• Don't give them a cold bath