What is a high temperature?
Normal body temperature is different for everyone and changes during the day.
A high temperature is usually considered to be 38C or above. This is sometimes called a fever.
Check if you have a high temperature
You may have a high temperature if:
- your chest or back feel hotter than usual
- you have other symptoms, such as shivering (chills), sweating or warm, red skin (this may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
- a thermometer says your temperature is 38C or above
Important
If you feel hot or shivery, you may have a high temperature even if a thermometer says your temperature is below 38C.
Do I need to take my temperature?
You do not need to take your temperature using a thermometer, but you can if you have one.
Make sure you use it correctly to help get an accurate result. See how to take a temperature.
Treating a high temperature
There are some things you can do to help treat a high temperature.
Do
-
get lots of rest
-
drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear
-
take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable
Information:
Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you do not have a high temperature.
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you have:
- a high temperature and you've been treating it at home but it's not getting better or is getting worse
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Causes of a high temperature
Many things can cause a high temperature. It's not usually a sign of anything serious.
It's often just caused by your body fighting an infection, such as a cold or flu.
Sometimes it could be a sign of something more serious if your temperature is very high or will not come down.
Information:
Advice for children
This page is for adults. For advice about children, see high temperature (fever) in children.
Page last reviewed: 24 May 2023
Next review due: 24 May 2026