Fever in Adults: When to Worry?

Overview

Most fevers in adults are harmless and clear up on their own. However, sometimes a high temperature signals something more serious. Knowing when to rest at home and when to seek medical attention or head to the hospital can make all the difference, especially in Australia, where the diverse climate, geographic isolation, and varying health services pose unique challenges.

Symptoms

Here are symptoms you’ll often see:

Common symptoms:

• Chills and shivering

• Feeling hot and sweating

• Headache 

• Muscle or joint aches

• Feeling low or general fatigue

More severe symptoms:

• Dehydration

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Rash (especially sudden, spreading, or with bleeding)

• Confusion or drowsiness

• Chest pain

• Difficulty breathing

Causes

Fever is a symptom, not a disease. Here are some common causes in Australia:

Infections:

• Viral: flu, common cold, COVID-19, gastroenteritis

• Bacterial: pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), throat infections
• Others: fungal, parasitic (usually travel-related)

Inflammatory conditions:

• Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease

Heat-related illness:

• Heat exhaustion, heat stroke (Australia’s climate makes this more relevant)

Other causes:

• Blood clots

• Food poisoning

• Reactions to medications

• Tropical diseases (if you’ve travelled)

Need a day off to recover from a fever? Request a medical certificate online now.

How do you know a fever is serious in adults?

Here’s a checklist. If your fever matches any of these warning signs, seek medical advice without delay. See a doctor if the fever is:

• Above 39°C (or about 102.2°F)

• Lasting more than 3 days, despite home care

• Accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing

• With confusion, a severe headache, or a strange rash

• In someone with a weakened immune system, chronic illness, or who has just been out of the hospital

What temperature is too high for adults?

Here’s what qualifies as mild, high, or potentially dangerous:

• Normal body temperature: around 36.5-37.5°C

• Mild fever: 38.0-38.9°C

• High fever: 39.0°C or higher–time to consider seeing a  GP

If you’re unsure or if the fever spikes suddenly, call your GP or book a telehealth appointment.

When to see a GP vs when to go to the hospital in Australia

Determining whether a fever is harmless or requires medical attention can be challenging. Here’s how to tell.  

When to See a GP (or Book a Telehealth Consult)	When to Go to the Hospital or Call 000
Your fever is above 39°C and isn’t coming down with paracetamol	You have severe chest pain or trouble breathing
Your fever lasts more than 3 days, even with rest and care	You’re feeling confused or disoriented
You have mild to moderate symptoms like body aches, chills, or nausea, but you’re still alert and able to eat and drink	You have a headache and are sensitive to light
You have a chronic condition (e.g. asthma, diabetes) or are on medication that lowers immunity	You’ve had a seizure or your muscles are shaking involuntarily
You’ve recently travelled and now have a fever	You see blood in urine, stool, or vomit
You’re unsure and want to check with a doctor	You’re vomiting constantly, unable to keep anything down, or dehydrated
A GP (in person or online) can give advice, prescribe medications, and help decide if you need further care.	Your condition is deteriorating quickly, even if it started mildly.
	If unsure and it feels urgent, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.

 

Home treatment

In most cases, you can help your body heal with simple home care:

• Stay well hydrated- drink enough water and clear fluids

• Rest- avoid strenuous activity, let your body rest and recover

• Eat light meals that are easy to digest

• You may take a paracetamol if suitable to ease discomfort. Follow dosage guidelines and check with a GP or a pharmacist if you’re unsure or have other health conditions.
• Keep the environment calm and comfortable.

Is telehealth a good option for treating fever in adults?

Yes, telehealth is effective in many cases. With Hola Health, you can:

• Consult to GP online without leaving home

• Get straightforward advice on fever care and when to seek further medical help

• If required, obtain an eScript so you don’t have to pick up medications physically

• If symptoms are severe, they can help you identify when hospitalisation might be necessary

Telehealth doesn’t replace emergency care, but it can prevent unnecessary trips when you’re unsure and symptoms are mild.

Conclusion

Most fevers aren’t dangerous, but it’s important to know when to seek help. Telehealth provides Australians with fast and safe support without the need to leave home.

 FAQ

When should adults see a doctor for a fever?

You should see a doctor if your fever is above 39°C, lasts more than 3 days, or comes with symptoms like chest pain, breathing difficulty, confusion, or rash. A GP—either in person or via telehealth—can assess your condition and advise whether further tests or hospital care are needed.

What temperature is considered too high for adults?

A high fever in adults is generally 39°C or higher. At this point, you should consider speaking with a GP, especially if it doesn’t respond to paracetamol, or if other symptoms like dizziness or weakness appear.

Can I treat a fever at home?

Yes, mild fevers can usually be managed at home with rest, hydration, proper medicine. Eat light meals, avoid overexertion, and keep your environment cool. However, if your condition worsens or you develop severe symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Is telehealth a safe option for fever treatment?

Yes. Telehealth consultations are a convenient and safe option for managing fever when symptoms are mild or moderate. Services like Hola Health let you consult a GP online, get medical advice, and even receive an eScript for medication—all without visiting a clinic.