What counts as a fever?
Generally a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher. Fever is a sign the immune system is working — not the disease itself.
Infants under 3 months
Any temperature of 38°C or higher needs same-day medical evaluation. Young babies cannot fight infection as effectively.
Children
Most viral fevers can be managed at home with rest, fluids and weight-based paracetamol or ibuprofen. Seek care if the child is lethargic, refusing fluids, has a rash, or the fever lasts more than 3 days.
Adults
Drink fluids and rest. See a doctor for fever over 39.5°C, fever lasting more than 3 days, or fever with severe headache, neck stiffness, chest pain, breathing difficulty or confusion.
Don't
Don't give aspirin to children (risk of Reye syndrome), don't bundle up someone with a fever, and don't use cold baths — they can cause shivering and raise core temperature.