Fever and feeling generally unwell

Overview

Feeling feverish may involve heat, chills, shivering or sweating. An infection is a common cause, but temperature alone does not identify the illness or how serious it is. How you are functioning and whether things are changing also matter.

You do not have to own a thermometer to ask for advice. Describe what you feel and any reading you have taken, including when and how. A lower reading does not cancel out a concern that someone is becoming seriously unwell.

By telephone

A call can help review when the illness started, associated symptoms and whether home care remains appropriate. Tell the clinician about breathing, alertness, drinking, urine output and pain. Mention pregnancy, reduced immunity, recent procedures or travel at the outset.

It is useful to distinguish a symptom you have observed from an assumption about its cause. A fever after a journey, for example, should be described with the travel history rather than labelled a routine virus. The clinician can decide what needs further assessment.

What cannot be done remotely

Telephone assessment cannot obtain a complete set of observations or examine for the source of an infection. It cannot rule out sepsis. A worsening illness may require immediate in-person care even if earlier advice was to rest at home.

For a mild illness, discuss fluids, rest and what to watch for. If you cannot follow that advice because you cannot drink, are alone without help or are deteriorating, say so. Do not wait for a routine booking when the situation is changing quickly.

What to prepare

• Note when feverish symptoms began and how the illness has changed.
• Describe associated cough, urinary symptoms, rash, pain or vomiting.
• List medical conditions and treatments that affect immunity.
• Mention whether you can drink, pass urine and manage basic daily tasks.

Sources

• NHS: fever in adults
• NHS: sepsis