Fever: when to see a doctor online and when to call 998

What usually causes a fever

The NHS describes a high temperature as usually a symptom of infection, and says it is not usually a sign of anything serious. Colds and flu are common causes. In children, it can come with common childhood illnesses such as chickenpox and tonsillitis, and sometimes after vaccinations.

You may have a high temperature even if your thermometer says less than 38C, if you feel hot, cold or shivery. A fever is more of a concern when it is very high or will not come down.

In the UAE, think about the heat as well. Heat exhaustion can cause a high temperature along with heavy sweating, dizziness, a headache, cramps and feeling sick. Our article on heat illness and when to call 998 explains what to look out for.

Looking after a fever at home

• Rest, and stay at home and away from other people until your temperature is back to normal.
• Drink plenty of fluids, water ideally, so that your pee is light yellow and clear.
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable, checking the leaflet first.
• For a child, do not undress them or sponge them down, and do not wrap them in too many layers. Never give aspirin to anyone under 16.
• If heat may be the cause, move somewhere cool, take off extra clothing, drink water and cool the skin with water and a fan. The NHS says people should start to feel better within 30 minutes.

When a video consultation suits a fever

The NHS suggests speaking to a doctor if you have been treating a high temperature at home and it is not getting better or is getting worse. A video call is a reasonable way to start that conversation. Under the DHA telehealth standard, the doctor decides whether telehealth suits you, and complex or emergency cases are referred for face-to-face or emergency care.

Expect the doctor to ask:

1. When the fever started, the highest reading and how you took it.
2. What else you have noticed, such as a cough, sore throat, pain when peeing, a rash, diarrhoea or vomiting.
3. How much you are drinking and peeing.
4. Whether you have recently travelled or spent a long time in the heat.
5. Which medicines you have taken and when, plus any long-term condition or pregnancy.

When you need to be seen in person

A doctor may need to listen to your chest, examine you or arrange blood or urine tests to find the cause, and none of that can happen on screen. For children, get urgent advice the same day if a baby under 3 months has 38C or more, a baby aged 3 to 6 months has 39C or more, a fever has lasted 5 days or more, there is a rash as well, or your child seems dehydrated, with fewer wet nappies, sunken eyes or no tears when crying.

Signs that need 998

Call 998 or go to an emergency department if someone with a fever is confused, has slurred speech or is not making sense, is breathing very fast, has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue, has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it, has a stiff neck and cannot look at bright lights, or has a seizure for the first time. These can be signs of sepsis or meningitis. In a child, also call 998 if they are drowsy and hard to wake, have unusually cold hands and feet, or are struggling to breathe. After time in the heat, call 998 if someone is still unwell after 30 minutes of cooling, has hot skin that is not sweating, a fast heartbeat or confusion.

Which doctor to see

A general practitioner or family medicine doctor is the usual first call for an adult with a fever. For a baby or child, a paediatrician is a good choice, and a parent or legal guardian should stay on the call. Doctors on medicAI work at independent clinics and hospitals licensed by DHA in Dubai or DoH in Abu Dhabi, and those facilities are responsible for your care. medicAI is the technology platform you book through.