High temperature (fever) in adults

You may have a high temperature if:

• your chest or back feels hotter than usual
• you have other symptoms, such as feeling hot or cold, feeling shivery (chills), sweating, or your skin being warm and red (this may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
• a thermometer says your temperature is 38C or above

If you feel hot, cold or shivery, you may have a high temperature even if a thermometer says your temperature is below 38C.

There are some things you can do to help treat a high temperature.

• get lots of rest

• drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear

• take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable

Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you do not have a high temperature.

Many things can cause a high temperature. It's not usually a sign of anything serious.

It's often just caused by your body fighting an infection, such as a cold or flu.

Sometimes it could be a sign of something more serious if your temperature is very high or will not come down.

Symptoms of a high temperature can include your chest or back feeling hot, sweating and shivering (chills).

To treat a high temperature, try to get lots of rest, drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and take paracetamol or ibuprofen.

A high temperature is usually caused by your body fighting an infection, such as a cold or flu.