Fever and Illness
Get help quickly
See a GP. A fever lasting more than 3 days can point to a bacterial infection needing antibiotics. Self-care is no longer enough without a diagnosis.
Do this
• Make a same-day appointment with your GP
• Keep taking paracetamol to keep the fever manageable
• Drink at least 2 litres of fluid a day
• Note how high the fever was and when it started
• Watch for new or worsening symptoms
Warning signs
• The fever rises above 40°C
• New symptoms appear such as earache or pain passing urine
• The person is barely eating or drinking
• A child becomes floppy or less active