What is a fever?

A fever is present when the body temperature is at least 38 degrees. Normal body temperature varies from person to person and fluctuates throughout the day. Fever is not a disease in itself — it is a sign that the body is fighting, usually an infection (e.g. flu).*

This guide applies to adults. For children and infants with a fever, please consult a doctor.

When to suspect a fever

  • Your chest and back feel unusually hot.
  • You are experiencing shivering, sweating, and/or your skin looks flushed and feels warm.
  • A digital thermometer reads 38 °C or higher.
Using a thermometer

We recommend using a digital thermometer. Clean the tip with cold water and soap before use.

We do not recommend glass thermometers (risk of breakage), forehead infrared thermometers (often inaccurate), or forehead strips (inaccurate).

What to do

  1. Rest. Stay home until your temperature has returned to normal.
  2. Drink plenty of fluids. A sign of adequate hydration: pale, light-coloured urine. Water is best.
  3. Avoid contact with others until the fever has passed.
  4. Paracetamol or ibuprofen eases discomfort and reduces temperature. Follow the package instructions. Do not give aspirin to children under 16.

What to avoid

  • Physical exertion is inadvisable during a fever — give your body and mind time to rest.
  • Do not give aspirin to children under 16.

When to contact us

Please contact us if:

  • A temperature above 38 °C does not decrease despite home treatment.
  • Fever lasts more than 3 days.

When to call 1220 or 112

See also: Where to seek help.

1220 — GP advice line (daily until 22:00, Estonian only)
  • The temperature is high and not responding to medication.
  • You feel very unwell and need advice.
112 — call immediately
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Seizures (convulsions).
  • A stiff neck combined with a severe headache and sensitivity to light (possible sign of meningitis).

Sources

NHS.uk — High temperature (fever) in adults. Page last reviewed: 24 May 2023.

Contains adapted NHS.uk material under Open Government Licence v3.0. Original material: © Crown copyright.

* There is no causal link between getting cold and falling ill.