🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 10 (from laksa068)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa010.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/fever-adults/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/fever-adults/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/fever-adults\/","crawl_time":1775291031,"first_indexed_time":1628095455,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"ie,hse!www2,\/conditions\/fever-adults\/ s443","src_root_hash":"5514331230062789010","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Fever in adults: symptoms, causes and treatments","meta_descriptions":["A high temperature or fever, for most people, is when your body temperature is 38 degrees Celsius or higher. It usually means you have an infection like a cold"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Normal body temperature is different for everyone. It changes as you get older and also during the day, but is usually between 36 and 36.8 degrees Celsius.\nA high temperature or fever is when your body temperature is 38 degrees Celsius or higher. It can be a sign that you are unwell. It usually means you have an infection, such as a cold. But it can also be a sign of something more serious. For example, a cold, flu or COVID-19 (coronavirus).\nA fever is usually caused by your body fighting a viral or bacterial infection. It usually lasts around 3 to 5 days. Most people recover from a mild fever with self-care at home.\nThis page has general information about fever in adults. If you have a child with a fever, see\nthe information on fever in children\n.\nSymptoms\nYour symptoms will depend on the type of fever you have.\nMild fever (38 to 38.9 degrees Celsius)\nWith a mild fever, you might:\nhave flushed cheeks\nfeel tired\nbe warm to the touch\nYou will usually be able to carry out normal daily activities.\nHigh fever (39 to 39.9 degrees Celsius)\nWith a high fever, you might:\nfeel hot to the touch\nnot feel well enough to go to work\nhave aches and pains\nVery high fever (40 degrees Celsius or higher)\nWith a very high fever, you:\nmight want to stay in bed or be inactive\ndo not feel well enough to carry out normal activities\nfeel hot to the touch\nmay have lost your appetite\nWhen to see a GP\nMost people, including children and infants older than 3 months, do not need medical treatment for a mild fever.\nYou should contact your GP if you:\nhave a very high fever (40 degrees Celsius or higher)\nare still feverish after 3 days or your symptoms get worse\nare shivering, cannot stop shaking, or have chattering teeth, and it does not stop within an hour or so\nhave a severe headache that does not get better after taking painkillers\nhave trouble breathing\nare confused or drowsy\nhave travelled overseas recently\nUrgent advice:\nContact your GP immediately if\nyou have a fever and notice the following symptoms:\nsevere headache\nstiff neck\nsensitivity to light\nThese symptoms may be a sign of\nmeningitis\n. This needs urgent medical attention.\nPregnant women\nIf you are pregnant and have a temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius, or any fever lasting for 3 days or more, see your GP. They need to monitor the effects of the fever on your baby.\nFever in babies and children\nCauses of fever\nFever is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Fever is your body's way of fighting infection. Raising your body temperature helps to kill the virus or bacteria.\nCommon conditions that can cause fevers include:\nrespiratory tract infections\nflu (influenza) and flu-like conditions\ncolds\ntummy bugs (gastroenteritis)\near infections\ninfection of your tonsils (tonsillitis)\nkidney or urinary tract infections\nYou might also have a mild fever after getting a vaccine.\nTreatment\nMedicine is not needed for a mild fever. You can use paracetamol if you also have a headache, pain or distress.\nManaging a fever yourself\nDrink plenty of fluids, especially water (little and often is best). Try to drink 2 to 3 litres in 24 hours while you have a fever. This will reduce the\nrisk of dehydration\n.\nDo\nget plenty of rest\nmake sure the room temperature is comfortable - not too hot or too cold\nopen a window for ventilation if you can, but avoid draughts\nwear lightweight clothing and use lighter bedding\nuse a cool cloth to wash your face, hands and neck\nchange bed linen and clothing regularly\nDon't\ndo not use hot water bottles or electric blankets\nContent supplied by the \nNHS\n and adapted for Ireland by the HSE","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/fever-adults\/#maincontent)\n\n- [Jobs](https:\/\/about.hse.ie\/jobs\/job-search\/)\n- [HSE Staff](https:\/\/healthservice.hse.ie\/staff\/)\n- [About the HSE](https:\/\/about.hse.ie\/)\n\nMenu Close\n\nToggle search Search Close\n\nRecommended links\n\n- [Medical cards](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/schemes-allowances\/medical-cards\/)\n- [European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/schemes-allowances\/ehic\/)\n- [Find urgent and emergency care](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/urgent-emergency-care\/)\n- [Find a civil registration service](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/births-deaths-and-marriages\/find-a-civil-registration-service\/)\n- [GP visit cards](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/schemes-allowances\/gp-visit-cards\/gp-visit-cards\/)\n\n- [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/)\n- [Services](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/)\n- [Living well](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/living-well\/)\n- [Mental health](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/)\n- [Pregnancy and birth](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/pregnancy-birth\/)\n- [Babies and children](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/babies-children\/)\n\n- [Jobs](https:\/\/about.hse.ie\/jobs\/job-search\/)\n- [HSE Staff](https:\/\/healthservice.hse.ie\/staff\/)\n- [About the HSE](https:\/\/about.hse.ie\/)\n\n- [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/)\n- [Services](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/)\n- [Living Well](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/living-well)\n\n1. [Home](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/)\n2. [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/)\n\n[Back to Health A to Z](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/)\n\n### Warning notification:Warning\nUnfortunately, you are using an outdated browser. Please, upgrade your browser to improve your experience with HSE. The list of supported browsers:\n\n1. [Chrome](https:\/\/www.google.com\/intl\/en_ie\/chrome\/ \"Chrome\")\n2. [Edge](https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/edge?form=MA13FJ&exp=e00 \"Edge\")\n3. [FireFox](https:\/\/www.mozilla.org\/en-US\/firefox\/new\/ \"FireFox\")\n4. [Opera](https:\/\/www.opera.com\/ \"Opera\")\n5. [Safari](https:\/\/www.apple.com\/safari\/ \"Safari\")\n\n# Fever in adults\nNormal body temperature is different for everyone. It changes as you get older and also during the day, but is usually between 36 and 36.8 degrees Celsius.\n\nA high temperature or fever is when your body temperature is 38 degrees Celsius or higher. It can be a sign that you are unwell. It usually means you have an infection, such as a cold. But it can also be a sign of something more serious. For example, a cold, flu or COVID-19 (coronavirus).\n\nA fever is usually caused by your body fighting a viral or bacterial infection. It usually lasts around 3 to 5 days. Most people recover from a mild fever with self-care at home.\n\nThis page has general information about fever in adults. If you have a child with a fever, see [the information on fever in children](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/high-temperature\/).\n\n## Symptoms\nYour symptoms will depend on the type of fever you have.\n\n### Mild fever (38 to 38.9 degrees Celsius)\nWith a mild fever, you might:\n\n- have flushed cheeks\n- feel tired\n- be warm to the touch\n\nYou will usually be able to carry out normal daily activities.\n\n### High fever (39 to 39.9 degrees Celsius)\nWith a high fever, you might:\n\n- feel hot to the touch\n- not feel well enough to go to work\n- have aches and pains\n### Very high fever (40 degrees Celsius or higher)\nWith a very high fever, you:\n\n- might want to stay in bed or be inactive\n- do not feel well enough to carry out normal activities\n- feel hot to the touch\n- may have lost your appetite\n## When to see a GP\nMost people, including children and infants older than 3 months, do not need medical treatment for a mild fever.\n\nYou should contact your GP if you:\n\n- have a very high fever (40 degrees Celsius or higher)\n- are still feverish after 3 days or your symptoms get worse\n- are shivering, cannot stop shaking, or have chattering teeth, and it does not stop within an hour or so\n- have a severe headache that does not get better after taking painkillers\n- have trouble breathing\n- are confused or drowsy\n- have travelled overseas recently\n\n### Urgent advice: Contact your GP immediately if\nyou have a fever and notice the following symptoms:\n\n- severe headache\n- stiff neck\n- sensitivity to light\n\nThese symptoms may be a sign of [meningitis](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/meningitis-and-septicaemia\/). This needs urgent medical attention.\n\n### Pregnant women\nIf you are pregnant and have a temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius, or any fever lasting for 3 days or more, see your GP. They need to monitor the effects of the fever on your baby.\n\n[Fever in babies and children](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/high-temperature\/)\n\n## Causes of fever\nFever is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Fever is your body's way of fighting infection. Raising your body temperature helps to kill the virus or bacteria.\n\nCommon conditions that can cause fevers include:\n\n- respiratory tract infections\n- flu (influenza) and flu-like conditions\n- colds\n- tummy bugs (gastroenteritis)\n- ear infections\n- [infection of your tonsils (tonsillitis)](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/tonsillitis\/)\n- kidney or urinary tract infections\n\nYou might also have a mild fever after getting a vaccine.\n\n## Treatment\nMedicine is not needed for a mild fever. You can use paracetamol if you also have a headache, pain or distress.\n\n### Managing a fever yourself\nDrink plenty of fluids, especially water (little and often is best). Try to drink 2 to 3 litres in 24 hours while you have a fever. This will reduce the [risk of dehydration](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/dehydration\/).\n\n### Do\n- get plenty of rest\n- make sure the room temperature is comfortable - not too hot or too cold\n- open a window for ventilation if you can, but avoid draughts\n- wear lightweight clothing and use lighter bedding\n- use a cool cloth to wash your face, hands and neck\n- change bed linen and clothing regularly\n\n### Don't\n- do not use hot water bottles or electric blankets\n\n***\nContent supplied by the [NHS](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/) and adapted for Ireland by the HSE\n\nPage last reviewed: 7 March 2026   \n Next review due: 7 March 2029\n\nThis project has received funding from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 123.\n\n![](https:\/\/assets.hse.ie\/media\/images\/slaintecare_nobackground.width-320_gke68yF.png)\n\n## HSE Live - we're here to help\nMonday to Friday: 8am to 8pm   \nSaturday: 9am to 5pm   \nSunday: Closed   \nBank holidays: Closed\n\n**Freephone: [1800 700 700](tel:1800700700)**\n\n**From outside Ireland: [00 353 1 240 8787](tel:0035312408787)**\n\n- [HSE Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HSElive\/)\n- [HSE Instagram](https:\/\/instagram.com\/irishhealthservice)\n- [HSE TikTok](https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@hselive)\n- [HSE YouTube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCoNNhGGAYkdavsSXp1iVzCg)\n- [HSE LinkedIn](https:\/\/ie.linkedin.com\/company\/health-service-executive)\n\n- [Complaints and feedback](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/complaints-feedback\/)\n- [Emergencies](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/find-urgent-emergency-care\/)\n- [Cookie settings](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/fever-adults\/)\n\n## Support links\n- [Cookie statement](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/cookie-statement\/)\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/accessibility-statement\/)\n- [Privacy statement](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/privacy-statement\/)\n- [Disclaimer](https:\/\/www.hse.ie\/disclaimer\/)\n\n© Health Service Executive","attrs_readable_markdown":"Normal body temperature is different for everyone. It changes as you get older and also during the day, but is usually between 36 and 36.8 degrees Celsius.\n\nA high temperature or fever is when your body temperature is 38 degrees Celsius or higher. It can be a sign that you are unwell. It usually means you have an infection, such as a cold. But it can also be a sign of something more serious. For example, a cold, flu or COVID-19 (coronavirus).\n\nA fever is usually caused by your body fighting a viral or bacterial infection. It usually lasts around 3 to 5 days. Most people recover from a mild fever with self-care at home.\n\nThis page has general information about fever in adults. If you have a child with a fever, see [the information on fever in children](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/high-temperature\/).\n\n## Symptoms\nYour symptoms will depend on the type of fever you have.\n\n### Mild fever (38 to 38.9 degrees Celsius)\nWith a mild fever, you might:\n\n- have flushed cheeks\n- feel tired\n- be warm to the touch\n\nYou will usually be able to carry out normal daily activities.\n\n### High fever (39 to 39.9 degrees Celsius)\nWith a high fever, you might:\n\n- feel hot to the touch\n- not feel well enough to go to work\n- have aches and pains\n### Very high fever (40 degrees Celsius or higher)\nWith a very high fever, you:\n\n- might want to stay in bed or be inactive\n- do not feel well enough to carry out normal activities\n- feel hot to the touch\n- may have lost your appetite\n## When to see a GP\nMost people, including children and infants older than 3 months, do not need medical treatment for a mild fever.\n\nYou should contact your GP if you:\n\n- have a very high fever (40 degrees Celsius or higher)\n- are still feverish after 3 days or your symptoms get worse\n- are shivering, cannot stop shaking, or have chattering teeth, and it does not stop within an hour or so\n- have a severe headache that does not get better after taking painkillers\n- have trouble breathing\n- are confused or drowsy\n- have travelled overseas recently\n\n### Urgent advice: Contact your GP immediately if\nyou have a fever and notice the following symptoms:\n\n- severe headache\n- stiff neck\n- sensitivity to light\n\nThese symptoms may be a sign of [meningitis](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/meningitis-and-septicaemia\/). This needs urgent medical attention.\n\n### Pregnant women\nIf you are pregnant and have a temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius, or any fever lasting for 3 days or more, see your GP. They need to monitor the effects of the fever on your baby.\n\n[Fever in babies and children](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/high-temperature\/)\n\n## Causes of fever\nFever is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Fever is your body's way of fighting infection. Raising your body temperature helps to kill the virus or bacteria.\n\nCommon conditions that can cause fevers include:\n\n- respiratory tract infections\n- flu (influenza) and flu-like conditions\n- colds\n- tummy bugs (gastroenteritis)\n- ear infections\n- [infection of your tonsils (tonsillitis)](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/tonsillitis\/)\n- kidney or urinary tract infections\n\nYou might also have a mild fever after getting a vaccine.\n\n## Treatment\nMedicine is not needed for a mild fever. You can use paracetamol if you also have a headache, pain or distress.\n\n### Managing a fever yourself\nDrink plenty of fluids, especially water (little and often is best). Try to drink 2 to 3 litres in 24 hours while you have a fever. This will reduce the [risk of dehydration](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/dehydration\/).\n\n### Do\n- get plenty of rest\n- make sure the room temperature is comfortable - not too hot or too cold\n- open a window for ventilation if you can, but avoid draughts\n- wear lightweight clothing and use lighter bedding\n- use a cool cloth to wash your face, hands and neck\n- change bed linen and clothing regularly\n\n### Don't\n- do not use hot water bottles or electric blankets\n\n***\nContent supplied by the [NHS](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/) and adapted for Ireland by the HSE","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

2 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.1 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/fever-adults/
Last Crawled	2026-04-04 08:23:51 (2 days ago)
First Indexed	2021-08-04 16:44:15 (4 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Fever in adults: symptoms, causes and treatments
Meta Description	A high temperature or fever, for most people, is when your body temperature is 38 degrees Celsius or higher. It usually means you have an infection like a cold
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Normal body temperature is different for everyone. It changes as you get older and also during the day, but is usually between 36 and 36.8 degrees Celsius. A high temperature or fever is when your body temperature is 38 degrees Celsius or higher. It can be a sign that you are unwell. It usually means you have an infection, such as a cold. But it can also be a sign of something more serious. For example, a cold, flu or COVID-19 (coronavirus). A fever is usually caused by your body fighting a viral or bacterial infection. It usually lasts around 3 to 5 days. Most people recover from a mild fever with self-care at home. This page has general information about fever in adults. If you have a child with a fever, see the information on fever in children . Symptoms Your symptoms will depend on the type of fever you have. Mild fever (38 to 38.9 degrees Celsius) With a mild fever, you might: have flushed cheeks feel tired be warm to the touch You will usually be able to carry out normal daily activities. High fever (39 to 39.9 degrees Celsius) With a high fever, you might: feel hot to the touch not feel well enough to go to work have aches and pains Very high fever (40 degrees Celsius or higher) With a very high fever, you: might want to stay in bed or be inactive do not feel well enough to carry out normal activities feel hot to the touch may have lost your appetite When to see a GP Most people, including children and infants older than 3 months, do not need medical treatment for a mild fever. You should contact your GP if you: have a very high fever (40 degrees Celsius or higher) are still feverish after 3 days or your symptoms get worse are shivering, cannot stop shaking, or have chattering teeth, and it does not stop within an hour or so have a severe headache that does not get better after taking painkillers have trouble breathing are confused or drowsy have travelled overseas recently Urgent advice: Contact your GP immediately if you have a fever and notice the following symptoms: severe headache stiff neck sensitivity to light These symptoms may be a sign of meningitis . This needs urgent medical attention. Pregnant women If you are pregnant and have a temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius, or any fever lasting for 3 days or more, see your GP. They need to monitor the effects of the fever on your baby. Fever in babies and children Causes of fever Fever is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Fever is your body's way of fighting infection. Raising your body temperature helps to kill the virus or bacteria. Common conditions that can cause fevers include: respiratory tract infections flu (influenza) and flu-like conditions colds tummy bugs (gastroenteritis) ear infections infection of your tonsils (tonsillitis) kidney or urinary tract infections You might also have a mild fever after getting a vaccine. Treatment Medicine is not needed for a mild fever. You can use paracetamol if you also have a headache, pain or distress. Managing a fever yourself Drink plenty of fluids, especially water (little and often is best). Try to drink 2 to 3 litres in 24 hours while you have a fever. This will reduce the risk of dehydration . Do get plenty of rest make sure the room temperature is comfortable - not too hot or too cold open a window for ventilation if you can, but avoid draughts wear lightweight clothing and use lighter bedding use a cool cloth to wash your face, hands and neck change bed linen and clothing regularly Don't do not use hot water bottles or electric blankets Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
Markdown	[Skip to main content](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/fever-adults/#maincontent) - [Jobs](https://about.hse.ie/jobs/job-search/) - [HSE Staff](https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/) - [About the HSE](https://about.hse.ie/) Menu Close Toggle search Search Close Recommended links - [Medical cards](https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/) - [European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)](https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/ehic/) - [Find urgent and emergency care](https://www2.hse.ie/services/urgent-emergency-care/) - [Find a civil registration service](https://www2.hse.ie/services/births-deaths-and-marriages/find-a-civil-registration-service/) - [GP visit cards](https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/gp-visit-cards/gp-visit-cards/) - [Health A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/) - [Services](https://www2.hse.ie/services/) - [Living well](https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/) - [Mental health](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/) - [Pregnancy and birth](https://www2.hse.ie/pregnancy-birth/) - [Babies and children](https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/) - [Jobs](https://about.hse.ie/jobs/job-search/) - [HSE Staff](https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/) - [About the HSE](https://about.hse.ie/) - [Health A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/) - [Services](https://www2.hse.ie/services/) - [Living Well](https://www2.hse.ie/living-well) 1. [Home](https://www2.hse.ie/) 2. [Health A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/) [Back to Health A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/) ### Warning notification:Warning Unfortunately, you are using an outdated browser. Please, upgrade your browser to improve your experience with HSE. The list of supported browsers: 1. [Chrome](https://www.google.com/intl/en_ie/chrome/ "Chrome") 2. [Edge](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge?form=MA13FJ&exp=e00 "Edge") 3. [FireFox](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/ "FireFox") 4. [Opera](https://www.opera.com/ "Opera") 5. [Safari](https://www.apple.com/safari/ "Safari") # Fever in adults Normal body temperature is different for everyone. It changes as you get older and also during the day, but is usually between 36 and 36.8 degrees Celsius. A high temperature or fever is when your body temperature is 38 degrees Celsius or higher. It can be a sign that you are unwell. It usually means you have an infection, such as a cold. But it can also be a sign of something more serious. For example, a cold, flu or COVID-19 (coronavirus). A fever is usually caused by your body fighting a viral or bacterial infection. It usually lasts around 3 to 5 days. Most people recover from a mild fever with self-care at home. This page has general information about fever in adults. If you have a child with a fever, see [the information on fever in children](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/high-temperature/). ## Symptoms Your symptoms will depend on the type of fever you have. ### Mild fever (38 to 38.9 degrees Celsius) With a mild fever, you might: - have flushed cheeks - feel tired - be warm to the touch You will usually be able to carry out normal daily activities. ### High fever (39 to 39.9 degrees Celsius) With a high fever, you might: - feel hot to the touch - not feel well enough to go to work - have aches and pains ### Very high fever (40 degrees Celsius or higher) With a very high fever, you: - might want to stay in bed or be inactive - do not feel well enough to carry out normal activities - feel hot to the touch - may have lost your appetite ## When to see a GP Most people, including children and infants older than 3 months, do not need medical treatment for a mild fever. You should contact your GP if you: - have a very high fever (40 degrees Celsius or higher) - are still feverish after 3 days or your symptoms get worse - are shivering, cannot stop shaking, or have chattering teeth, and it does not stop within an hour or so - have a severe headache that does not get better after taking painkillers - have trouble breathing - are confused or drowsy - have travelled overseas recently ### Urgent advice: Contact your GP immediately if you have a fever and notice the following symptoms: - severe headache - stiff neck - sensitivity to light These symptoms may be a sign of [meningitis](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/meningitis-and-septicaemia/). This needs urgent medical attention. ### Pregnant women If you are pregnant and have a temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius, or any fever lasting for 3 days or more, see your GP. They need to monitor the effects of the fever on your baby. [Fever in babies and children](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/high-temperature/) ## Causes of fever Fever is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Fever is your body's way of fighting infection. Raising your body temperature helps to kill the virus or bacteria. Common conditions that can cause fevers include: - respiratory tract infections - flu (influenza) and flu-like conditions - colds - tummy bugs (gastroenteritis) - ear infections - [infection of your tonsils (tonsillitis)](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/tonsillitis/) - kidney or urinary tract infections You might also have a mild fever after getting a vaccine. ## Treatment Medicine is not needed for a mild fever. You can use paracetamol if you also have a headache, pain or distress. ### Managing a fever yourself Drink plenty of fluids, especially water (little and often is best). Try to drink 2 to 3 litres in 24 hours while you have a fever. This will reduce the [risk of dehydration](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/dehydration/). ### Do - get plenty of rest - make sure the room temperature is comfortable - not too hot or too cold - open a window for ventilation if you can, but avoid draughts - wear lightweight clothing and use lighter bedding - use a cool cloth to wash your face, hands and neck - change bed linen and clothing regularly ### Don't - do not use hot water bottles or electric blankets * Content supplied by the [NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/) and adapted for Ireland by the HSE Page last reviewed: 7 March 2026 Next review due: 7 March 2029 This project has received funding from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 123. ![](https://assets.hse.ie/media/images/slaintecare_nobackground.width-320_gke68yF.png) ## HSE Live - we're here to help Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm Saturday: 9am to 5pm Sunday: Closed Bank holidays: Closed Freephone: [1800 700 700](tel:1800700700) From outside Ireland: [00 353 1 240 8787](tel:0035312408787)** - [HSE Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HSElive/) - [HSE Instagram](https://instagram.com/irishhealthservice) - [HSE TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@hselive) - [HSE YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNNhGGAYkdavsSXp1iVzCg) - [HSE LinkedIn](https://ie.linkedin.com/company/health-service-executive) - [Complaints and feedback](https://www2.hse.ie/complaints-feedback/) - [Emergencies](https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-urgent-emergency-care/) - [Cookie settings](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/fever-adults/) ## Support links - [Cookie statement](https://www2.hse.ie/cookie-statement/) - [Accessibility](https://www2.hse.ie/accessibility-statement/) - [Privacy statement](https://www2.hse.ie/privacy-statement/) - [Disclaimer](https://www.hse.ie/disclaimer/) © Health Service Executive
Readable Markdown	Normal body temperature is different for everyone. It changes as you get older and also during the day, but is usually between 36 and 36.8 degrees Celsius. A high temperature or fever is when your body temperature is 38 degrees Celsius or higher. It can be a sign that you are unwell. It usually means you have an infection, such as a cold. But it can also be a sign of something more serious. For example, a cold, flu or COVID-19 (coronavirus). A fever is usually caused by your body fighting a viral or bacterial infection. It usually lasts around 3 to 5 days. Most people recover from a mild fever with self-care at home. This page has general information about fever in adults. If you have a child with a fever, see [the information on fever in children](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/high-temperature/). ## Symptoms Your symptoms will depend on the type of fever you have. ### Mild fever (38 to 38.9 degrees Celsius) With a mild fever, you might: - have flushed cheeks - feel tired - be warm to the touch You will usually be able to carry out normal daily activities. ### High fever (39 to 39.9 degrees Celsius) With a high fever, you might: - feel hot to the touch - not feel well enough to go to work - have aches and pains ### Very high fever (40 degrees Celsius or higher) With a very high fever, you: - might want to stay in bed or be inactive - do not feel well enough to carry out normal activities - feel hot to the touch - may have lost your appetite ## When to see a GP Most people, including children and infants older than 3 months, do not need medical treatment for a mild fever. You should contact your GP if you: - have a very high fever (40 degrees Celsius or higher) - are still feverish after 3 days or your symptoms get worse - are shivering, cannot stop shaking, or have chattering teeth, and it does not stop within an hour or so - have a severe headache that does not get better after taking painkillers - have trouble breathing - are confused or drowsy - have travelled overseas recently ### Urgent advice: Contact your GP immediately if you have a fever and notice the following symptoms: - severe headache - stiff neck - sensitivity to light These symptoms may be a sign of [meningitis](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/meningitis-and-septicaemia/). This needs urgent medical attention. ### Pregnant women If you are pregnant and have a temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius, or any fever lasting for 3 days or more, see your GP. They need to monitor the effects of the fever on your baby. [Fever in babies and children](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/high-temperature/) ## Causes of fever Fever is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Fever is your body's way of fighting infection. Raising your body temperature helps to kill the virus or bacteria. Common conditions that can cause fevers include: - respiratory tract infections - flu (influenza) and flu-like conditions - colds - tummy bugs (gastroenteritis) - ear infections - [infection of your tonsils (tonsillitis)](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/tonsillitis/) - kidney or urinary tract infections You might also have a mild fever after getting a vaccine. ## Treatment Medicine is not needed for a mild fever. You can use paracetamol if you also have a headache, pain or distress. ### Managing a fever yourself Drink plenty of fluids, especially water (little and often is best). Try to drink 2 to 3 litres in 24 hours while you have a fever. This will reduce the [risk of dehydration](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/dehydration/). ### Do - get plenty of rest - make sure the room temperature is comfortable - not too hot or too cold - open a window for ventilation if you can, but avoid draughts - wear lightweight clothing and use lighter bedding - use a cool cloth to wash your face, hands and neck - change bed linen and clothing regularly ### Don't - do not use hot water bottles or electric blankets *** Content supplied by the [NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/) and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
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