Fever
Most fevers settle, but some are caused by serious infections such as malaria, pneumonia or meningitis. Use the signs below to decide how fast to act.
Get emergency help now if any of these are true
- A stiff neck, a bad headache with a fever, or dislike of bright light
- A rash that does not fade when you press a glass or your finger on it
- A fit (convulsion), confusion, or being very hard to wake
- Fast or difficult breathing
- A baby under 3 months with any fever
- Cold, mottled or blue hands and feet, or no urine for 8 hours or more
If you are unsure, treat it as an emergency. Find your country's emergency number.
See a health worker or doctor today if
- Fever with shivering or sweating in a malaria area — get a malaria test today
- Fever lasting more than 2 days, or coming back after settling
- Fever with vomiting, diarrhoea, or unable to keep fluids down
- Fever in pregnancy, or if you have HIV, sickle cell disease, cancer or diabetes
If it gets worse, or does not get better
- Test for malaria the same day if you live in or have travelled to a malaria area.
- Keep drinking fluids and check the person again every few hours, including at night.
- If any emergency sign above appears, call emergency services straight away.
- If the fever is still there after 48 hours, or you feel worse at any time, see a health worker.
This text-only page works without JavaScript so it can be read on any device or connection. For the full guide, symptom checker and consultations, open the full page.