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Fever – Ages 12 and over - Adults

Infants (Ages 0–2)Children (Ages 3–17)Adults (Ages 18–74)Seniors (Ages 75 and Older)

What it is

A fever is when the body temperature is higher than normal. It often happens when someone is sick or when the body is fighting an infection. 

What you can do at home

What to do
  • Get rest to help the body heal. 
  • Drink water or other fluids frequently, such as herbal teas or broths. 
  • Eat according to your appetite. 
  • Keep the room at a comfortable temperature. 
  • Adjust blankets or clothing as needed to avoid feeling too hot, too cold, or experiencing chills. 
  • Keep a record of symptoms and temperature readings. This information may be helpful when calling 811 or during a medical consultation. 
  • To relieve pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). If in doubt, ask your pharmacist for advice. 

Important: Ibuprofen is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age. 

What to avoid 
  • Rubbing alcohol on the skin.  
  • Applying ice.  
  • Cold showers or baths.  

When to seek medical attention

  • The fever lasts more than 72 hours (3 days), despite taking medication. 
  • The fever returns after being gone for 24 hours. 
  • The person has travelled abroad and returned within the past 12 weeks from a country with health risks identified by the Government of Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/. 
  • For a person aged 75 years and older: fever accompanied by difficulty performing one or two activities of daily living (for example, preparing meals or bathing). 

When to go to the hospital right away

Unusual fatigue, difficulty staying awake, or drowsiness.
Severe headache.
Severe chills that last longer than one hour, even after following the recommended self-care measures.
Fever accompanied by back or side (flank) pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Reduced responsiveness to what is happening around them.
Confusion, agitation, or unusual behaviour.
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real).
Decreased appetite, decreased thirst, and difficulty carrying out usual activities.
Stiff neck or neck pain.
Signs of dehydration:
  • very dry mouth;
  • little or no urine output (pee) despite drinking plenty of fluids.
Severe difficulty breathing, especially if:
  • breathing becomes increasingly difficult, even at rest;
  • there is a high-pitched sound when breathing (stridor);
  • the chest or abdomen pulls inward with each breath (retractions).

Need help?

Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.  

Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.  

Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.  

If you do not have a family doctor, go to https://gap.soinsvirtuels.gouv.qc.ca/en or call 811, Option 3.   

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