Fever at home: when to wait and when to see a doctor

Most fevers in adults resolve on their own with rest, fluids, and paracetamol. But some signs mean it's time to be seen promptly: a fever above 39°C that doesn't respond to medication, a fever lasting more than 3 days, difficulty breathing, a stiff neck, confusion, or a rash that doesn't fade when pressed. For children under 5, any fever alongside reduced feeding, unusual drowsiness, or repeated vomiting is a reason to seek care the same day, not wait it out.