Fever is one of the most common reasons people contact their doctor or visit emergency departments, yet knowing when to seek help can be confusing. While fever itself is rarely dangerous and often helps fight infection, certain situations require prompt medical evaluation. Understanding these warning signs helps you respond appropriately and avoid both unnecessary worry and dangerous delays.
This guide provides clear, age-specific guidance on when fever warrants medical attention, helping Australian families make confident decisions during illness.
Call 000 or go to the emergency department immediately if anyone with fever experiences: difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, confusion or altered consciousness, seizures, inability to walk or stand, severe abdominal pain, or a rash that doesn't fade when pressed (the "glass test").
Age-Specific Fever Guidelines
Age significantly affects how we should respond to fever. The same temperature that might be routine in a school-aged child could be a medical emergency in a newborn.
Newborns (0-3 Months)
Seek immediate medical attention if temperature is 38°C or above.
In very young babies, fever can be the only sign of serious bacterial infection. Their immune systems are still developing, and they can become very ill very quickly. Don't wait to see if the fever resolves on its own—contact your doctor or visit an emergency department right away.
- A fever in this age group is always considered significant
- Babies may need blood tests, urine tests, or lumbar puncture to rule out serious infection
- Don't give fever-reducing medication before medical evaluation unless directed
Infants (3-6 Months)
Seek same-day medical attention for temperatures of 38.5°C or above, or any fever lasting more than 24 hours.
While serious infections become less common at this age, careful evaluation is still important. Contact your GP or visit an after-hours clinic if:
- Temperature reaches or exceeds 38.5°C
- Fever persists for more than 24 hours
- Baby seems unusually irritable or lethargic
- Feeding patterns have changed significantly
Children (6 Months to 3 Years)
Seek medical attention for temperatures of 39°C or above, or fever lasting more than 48-72 hours.
At this age, most fevers are caused by viral infections and resolve on their own. However, seek medical advice if:
- Temperature is 39°C or above
- Fever lasts more than 2-3 days
- Child is not drinking or producing wet nappies
- Child is unusually drowsy or difficult to wake
- Rash develops alongside fever
Older Children and Adults
Seek medical attention for temperatures of 39.5°C or above, or fever lasting more than 3 days.
Generally, healthy older children and adults can safely manage fever at home. Consult a doctor if:
- Temperature exceeds 39.5°C despite treatment
- Fever persists beyond 3 days
- New symptoms develop (worsening headache, rash, neck stiffness)
- The person has underlying health conditions
Key Takeaway
The number on the thermometer is only part of the picture. How the person looks, acts, and responds is equally important. A child running around with a temperature of 39°C is less concerning than a listless child with 38.5°C.
Warning Signs at Any Age
Regardless of the temperature reading, certain symptoms accompanying fever require prompt medical evaluation:
Breathing Problems
- Rapid or laboured breathing
- Nostrils flaring with each breath
- Visible rib movements when breathing
- Blue tinge to lips or fingernails
- Grunting sounds with breathing
Neurological Changes
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck (inability to touch chin to chest)
- Confusion or unusual behaviour
- Sensitivity to light
- Seizures or convulsions
- Difficulty staying awake
Signs of Dehydration
- No wet nappies for 8+ hours (babies)
- No urination for 12+ hours (children/adults)
- Dry mouth and lips
- No tears when crying
- Sunken eyes or fontanelle (soft spot in babies)
Skin Changes
- Rash that doesn't fade when pressed (do the glass test)
- Unusual paleness or mottled skin
- Cold hands and feet despite fever
Press a clear glass firmly against a rash. If the rash doesn't fade under pressure, seek emergency medical care immediately. This could indicate meningococcal disease or other serious conditions.
Special Circumstances Requiring Medical Attention
Chronic Health Conditions
People with certain conditions should seek medical advice earlier for fever:
- Heart disease or heart conditions
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD)
- Autoimmune disorders
Immunocompromised Individuals
Those with weakened immune systems need prompt evaluation for any fever:
- Cancer patients, especially during chemotherapy
- Organ transplant recipients
- People taking immunosuppressive medications
- HIV/AIDS patients
Recent Medical Procedures
Fever following recent medical events may indicate complications:
- Surgery within the past 4-6 weeks
- Recent hospitalisation
- Recent dental procedures
- Catheter or other medical device insertion
Recent Travel
Fever after international travel may indicate travel-related illness:
- Malaria (can present weeks after returning from endemic areas)
- Dengue fever
- Other tropical infections
What to Expect at the Doctor
When you seek medical attention for fever, be prepared to provide:
- Temperature readings and when they were taken
- How the temperature was measured (ear, forehead, oral, etc.)
- When fever started and how it has progressed
- Other symptoms present
- Medications given and their effect
- Recent exposures to illness
- Medical history and current medications
The doctor will typically examine the patient and may order tests such as blood tests, urine tests, throat swabs, or chest X-rays depending on the presentation.
When You Can Safely Manage at Home
Not every fever requires medical intervention. Home management is usually appropriate when:
- Temperature is below the concerning thresholds for age
- The person is alert, responsive, and interacting normally
- Fluid intake is adequate
- There are no warning signs listed above
- The fever responds to simple measures (fluids, rest, light clothing)
Parents and caregivers know their loved ones best. If something feels wrong, even if you can't put your finger on it, seeking medical advice is always appropriate. Doctors would rather reassure you than have you delay when something serious is developing.
Australian Healthcare Options
Understanding your healthcare options helps you access appropriate care:
- GP/Family Doctor: First choice for non-urgent concerns during business hours
- After-Hours GP Services: For urgent but non-emergency situations outside business hours
- Healthdirect (1800 022 222): 24/7 health advice line staffed by registered nurses
- Hospital Emergency Department: For emergencies and when other options aren't available
- 000: Life-threatening emergencies requiring ambulance
Remember, seeking medical advice is never wrong. Healthcare professionals are there to help, whether the outcome is treatment for a serious condition or reassurance that everything is fine.