Older infants, children and adults will not usually need any medical treatment for mild fever, especially if you are otherwise well. They need to monitor the effects of the fever on your baby. If you’re pregnant and have a temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius, or any fever lasting for 3 days or more, see your GP. Contact your GP if your baby is between 3 and 6 months and has a high or very high fever. When to see a GP Young babies and pregnant womenīabies under 3 months old with fever must be checked by your GP. You’ll feel hot to touch and you may have lost your appetite. With a very high fever, you will usually want to stay in bed or be inactive – you won’t feel well enough to carry out normal activities. Very high fever (40 degrees Celsius or higher) You may not feel well enough to go to work and you may have aches and pains.

With a high fever, you’ll feel hot to touch. You will generally be able to carry out normal daily activities. With a mild fever you might have flushed cheeks, feel tired and be warm to touch. Symptoms Mild fever (38 to 38.9 degrees Celsius) So it's important to look at all your symptoms.Ī fever is usually caused by your body fighting a viral or bacterial infection.Ī fever usually lasts 3 to 5 days and most people will recover from a mild fever with self-care at home. But it can also be due to more serious infections, such as COVID-19 (coronavirus).Įven if you don’t have a high temperature you may still be seriously ill. It usually means you have an infection such as a cold. Your body’s normal temperature is between 36 and 36.8 degrees Celsius.Ī high temperature or fever, for most people, is when your body temperature is 38 degrees Celsius or higher.

Low body temperature when sick