---
title: "High temperature (fever): When to See a GP | HealthAnswers"
description: "What a fever in adults can mean, how to manage it at home, and when to get medical help."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/high-temperature/
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---

# High temperature (fever): When to See a GP | HealthAnswers

Symptoms

What a fever in adults can mean, how to manage it at home, and when to get medical help.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026

## Quick answer

What could high temperature mean? A high temperature (fever) is usually a sign that your body is fighting an infection, most often a common viral illness. In adults it often settles within a few days with rest and fluids. You should seek advice if a fever is very high, lasts more than a few days, or comes with other warning signs.

General UK health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency call 999 ; for urgent advice use [NHS 111](https://111.nhs.uk/) (GP out-of-hours in Northern Ireland).

On this page 4 sections

## Common causes of high temperature

- Viral infections — colds and flu are the most common cause.
- Other infections — such as a chest, urine or throat infection.
- A fever is the body's normal response to fighting infection.
- Most fevers in adults settle within a few days with self-care.

## What a fever means

A high temperature, or fever, is usually a sign that your body is doing its job — raising its temperature to help fight off an infection. In adults, most fevers are caused by common viral illnesses such as colds and [flu](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/flu/), and settle by themselves within a few days. A normal temperature is around 37°C; 38°C or above is generally considered a fever.

## Common causes

- Viral infections — colds and flu are by far the most common.

- Other infections — such as a chest, urine, ear or throat infection.

- After vaccination — a mild, short-lived temperature can be normal.

How unwell you feel overall is just as important as the exact number on the thermometer.

## Looking after yourself

Most fevers in adults can be managed at home. Rest, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and keep cool and comfortable. [Paracetamol](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/paracetamol/) or ibuprofen can help you feel better and reduce a high temperature, though you do not need to force it down if you are coping. Avoid wrapping up too warmly.

## When to get help

Contact a GP or NHS 111 if a fever lasts more than three days, keeps returning, or you feel very unwell — and sooner if you have a weakened immune system or a long-term condition. Treat as an emergency any fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade when pressed, a severe [headache](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/headache/), confusion, drowsiness or difficulty breathing, as these can signal a serious infection.

## ! When to get medical help for high temperature

Contact a GP or NHS 111 if a fever lasts more than 3 days or keeps coming back, if you feel very unwell, or if you have a weakened immune system or a long-term condition. Call **999** or go to A&E for a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade when pressed, severe headache, confusion or drowsiness, difficulty breathing, or a rapidly worsening illness — these can be signs of a serious infection.

## Common questions about high temperature

What counts as a high temperature in adults? A normal body temperature is around 37°C. A temperature of 38°C or above is generally considered a fever. How you feel matters as much as the exact number — a slightly raised temperature with severe symptoms can be more concerning than a higher one when you feel reasonably well. How do I bring down a fever at home? Rest, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and keep cool but comfortable. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help you feel better and lower a high temperature. You do not need to force the temperature down if you are otherwise coping. How long should a fever last? Fevers from common viral infections in adults usually settle within a few days. A fever lasting more than about 3 days, or one that keeps returning, should be checked by a GP or NHS 111. When is a fever an emergency? Seek emergency help for a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, severe headache, confusion, drowsiness or difficulty breathing. These can be signs of a serious infection such as meningitis or sepsis.

## Sources

- [NHS — Fever in adults](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fever-in-adults/)

## How we reviewed this page

Medically reviewed by the [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/)

First published 1 March 2026 Medically reviewed 3 July 2026 Next review due 3 July 2029 or sooner if NHS or NICE guidance changes

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