- Layer up to trap warmth in your body.
- Stay dry and change into dry, warm clothes if you get wet.
- Keep active to generate heat.
- Stay hydrated and nourished to help regulate body temperature.
- Avoid substances like alcohol and drugs that can lead to heat loss.
- Be mindful of the temperature and dress accordingly for the weather conditions.
- Seek shelter and warmth if you start feeling cold.
- Be alert to weather conditions that may elevate the risk of hypothermia. Take shelter during a snowstorm.
- If driving in cold weather, dress warmly and keep the heater on low to be prepared for any accidents or snowstorms.
- Wear multiple layers of natural fiber clothing to stay warm.
- Use a weatherproof outer layer to stay dry.
- Wear gloves, scarves, and socks, and have extras in case they get wet.
- Put on insulated boots and warm headwear.
- Avoid tight clothing and footwear to promote blood circulation.
- Stay hydrated, eat regularly, and take breaks to prevent physical exhaustion.
- Monitor body temperature with a thermometer and change out of wet clothes promptly.
- Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine. Keep waterproof matches in your kit.
Use a buddy system
When engaging in outdoor activities that may put you at risk of hypothermia, use the ‘buddy system’ and watch for warning signs, especially if you experience mental confusion. Consider getting first aid training.
Hypothermia at home
Factors that increase the risk of hypothermia at home include age and existing medical conditions. Seek free assistance from nurses or doctors through Healthdirect Australia.
Healthdirect Australia offers access to nurses or doctors for medical guidance.
If a baby under 3 months old has a fever above 38℃, seek urgent medical attention.
It is important to monitor the temperature of the room where the baby is located and dress them appropriately to maintain a comfortable body temperature. Make sure to consult a healthcare professional for further advice on managing fever in infants.
Additional information
- Fevers are usually a sign that the body is fighting off an infection, such as a cold or the flu.
- In some cases, a fever may indicate a more serious condition, so it’s important to monitor your symptoms closely.
- If your fever is above 103°F or lasts more than a few days, seek medical attention.
- You can help reduce a fever by taking over-the-counter fever reducers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and by resting and staying hydrated.
- If you experience a high fever accompanied by severe headache, shortness of breath, chest pain, or confusion, seek immediate medical help.
What is a fever?
Body temperature varies based on age, activity level, and time of day. A fever is indicated by a temperature above 38℃. Use a thermometer for confirmation.
A thermometer measures temperature across different body parts. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for accurate results.
Common symptoms of a fever include sweating, shivering, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, and general weakness.
If you or someone you know has a fever, it is important to stay hydrated, rest, and consult a healthcare provider if the fever persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
What symptoms are related to a fever?
A fever above 38℃ can lead to sweating, chills, shivering, and muscle aches. These are signs of the body’s immune response to an infection.
In addition to these symptoms, a fever may also cause headache, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and dehydration. It is important to stay hydrated and rest when experiencing a fever to help the body fight off the infection more effectively.
What causes a fever?
The immune system reacts to infections by causing a fever. Seek medical assistance if you have a persistent fever or new symptoms. Check your symptoms using the Symptom Checker.
How is the cause of a fever diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose fever by assessing symptoms and may conduct tests. Inform your doctor about recent travels for an accurate diagnosis.
When should I see my doctor?
For infants under 3 months with a high fever, seek emergency care.
Consult a doctor for prolonged fever or if you have additional concerns.
- Recent hospital discharge or surgical procedure
- Recent travel or immune-suppressing treatments
- Other concerning symptoms
When to seek urgent care
Adults with severe symptoms and fever should go to an emergency department. For children showing concerning signs, head to the emergency department immediately.
How is fever treated?
Self-care at home
To manage high temperatures, stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and avoid cold baths until symptoms improve. It is also recommended to get plenty of rest and take over-the-counter fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the recommended dosage.
Source:
Various health sources provide insights into managing fever.
Last reviewed: March 2024
Recommended links
- Find recommendations for children’s medication at choosingwisely.org.au
- Ask your doctor these 5 questions (visit choosingwisely.org.au)
Related pages
- Infographic on fever in babies and children
- Information on fever in children
- Tips for managing fever in infants and toddlers
- Common causes of fever in children
Search our site for
- Thermometers – Check out our wide selection of thermometers to monitor your temperature accurately.
- Fever relief medicines – Explore our range of fever relief medicines to help alleviate symptoms and provide comfort during illness.
Need more information?
These reliable information partners cover more on this topic.
Fever and high temperature: kids and teens – Raising Children Network
If your child’s temperature exceeds 38°C, it likely indicates a fever. Fever is a sign of illness. Here’s what to do when your child has a fever.
Read more on the raisingchildren.net.au website
Fever in Children – Rahma Health
A fever is when the body temperature goes over 38 degrees Celsius.
Read more on Rahma Health website
Fever – Better Health Channel
A mild fever up to 39°C can actually aid the immune system in fighting off an infection.
Read more on Better Health Channel website
Typhoid fever – MyDoctor
Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi infection. Most cases in Australia are seen in travelers returning from developing countries.
Read more on MyDoctor website
Fever – MyDoctor
A fever occurs when the body temperature rises above normal. Learn about taking temperature, treating a fever, and knowing when to see a doctor.
Read more on MyDoctor website
Fever in babies – Pregnancy, Birth & Baby
Discover how to take your baby’s temperature with a thermometer and what constitutes a normal temperature for a baby. Find out what to do if your baby has a fever.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Fever in babies and children – infographic – Pregnancy, Birth & Baby
Learn what to do when your child has a fever, when to seek medical attention, and how to manage your child’s fever at home.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Fever – Children’s Health Queensland
Explore the causes of fever, how to treat it, and when to seek professional help.
Read more on Queensland Health website
Fever factsheet – The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network
A fever occurs when the body elevates its temperature to combat illness and infection.
Read more on Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network website
Febrile convulsion factsheet – The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network
A febrile convulsion or seizure is a temporary loss of movement control due to a high fever in the body.
Read more on Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network website
Hypothermia: Reversible Causes of Cardiac Arrest – Ausmed
Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F). Primary hypothermia happens when a person’s ability to maintain core body temperature is overwhelmed by extreme cold temperatures. Secondary hypothermia is linked to acute events or illnesses.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
Disclaimer
Healthdirect Australia does not bear responsibility for content and advertisements on the external website being accessed.
Related pages
- Infographic on fever in babies and children
- Information on fever in children
- Tips for managing a child’s fever at home
- Common causes of fever in children
- When to seek medical attention for a child’s fever
Search our site for
- Thermometers
- Fever relief medicines
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