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Fever Symptoms & How To Reduce Fever in Adults

Fever: How to reduce your temperature

Last updated 14th September 2023

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Cold & Flu
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The normal body temperature is generally around 37^oC, although this can vary slightly from person to person, and it may be affected by factors like time of day, the weather, how much you’re running around or the type and amount of clothing worn.¹ Fever is when your body temperature rises above 38°C.¹

A fever is often a sign your body is fighting some kind of underlying illness and is often a symptom of infection. Both bacterial and viral infections can cause fever.¹

While fever symptoms can leave you feeling pretty miserable, a low-grade fever (a temperature of 38–39°C) is usually no cause for alarm.^1,2 Most of the time fever will get better within a few days, and often can be managed at home.¹

Fever is a common symptom of a bacterial or viral infection

Fever is a common symptom of bacterial and viral infections. Examples include infections that cause colds and flu.³

In addition to high temperature, fever is also often associated with symptoms like sweating, shivering, chattering teeth, headache, flushed skin, aching muscles, and general weakness.¹

Sickness isn’t always the reason you get a fever. Fever can also be caused by reactions to medicines or immunisations, or certain medical conditions.^1,3

How fever fights infection

Fever is a part of your body’s defences/weaponry against infection.¹

Your body temperature is controlled by a part of your brain called the hypothalamus. It’s like a kind of thermostat - when you’re healthy, the hypothalamus sets your body to a normal temperature of about 37°C.¹

But when you’re sick with an infection, your immune system releases chemicals that make the hypothalamus reset your body to a higher temperature. You begin to feel cold, and you start to shiver. You bundle up in warm clothing. All of this causes your body temperature to rise.¹

This rise in body temperature helps your body fight the bacteria or viruses that are causing the infection.¹

There are practical ways to reduce a fever

To help relieve the discomfort of fever:^3,4

Get plenty of rest
Drink lots of water, to stay well hydrated
Stay cool by wearing light clothes and sleeping with light bedclothes
Keep the room at a comfortable temperature
You could take a fever reducing medicine such as Nurofen or paracetamol.

When to see a doctor about fever symptoms

Consult with your doctor at any stage if you feel worried or concerned about your, or a child's, fever symptoms.

Seek urgent medical attention:⁵

Children under 3 months of age with a fever

A person of any age with a fever, headache and stiff neck, or has rash that doesn’t blanche (fade) when pressed

A person of any age with a fever who also experiences unexpected or unusual symptoms like hallucinations, muscle spasms or feels confused or drowsy.

See a doctor:

Children over 3 months of age, including adults who experience:

trouble breathing
drowsiness
refusing to drink and/or not urinating as often
stiff neck
sensitivity to light
ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea
looking sicker than before – more pale, lethargic or weak
any other symptoms that are causing you worry

Or if you or someone you are caring for:

still has a fever after three days
are shivering or shaking uncontrollably
are hot but not sweating
are getting sicker instead of feeling better
have recently travelled overseas

References:

Ogoina D. J Infect Public Health 2011;4(3):108-24.
Chiappini E, et al. BMJ Open 2017;7(7):e015404.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). InformedHealth.org [Internet] 2019. Fever in children: Overview. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279455/ (accessed 8 Apr 2020).
Fever. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fever#doctor (accessed 11 May 2020).
Queensland Government. Queensland Health. What is a fever? When should you worry about a high temperature?

First published:

19th May 2021

Last updated:

14th September 2023

Important information

This medicine may not be right for you. Read the label before purchase. Follow the directions for use. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.

This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your health professional.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Do not use if you or your child have a stomach ulcer. Do not give to babies under 3 months of age. Seek medical advice for children under 12 months of age. Reckitt Benckiser, Auckland. RB-M-106651. TAPS-NP18384.