Fever
Fever is a temperature above 38°C and usually means the body is fighting an infection. Most fevers in adults are due to viral illness and settle within a few days with rest and fluids. See a GP promptly if fever is high, prolonged over 3 days, or accompanied by red-flag features such as breathlessness, confusion, rash, severe headache or dehydration.
Key information
- Symptom
- Fever
- Category
- General symptoms
- Common possible causes
- Viral upper respiratory tract infection, Influenza, COVID-19, Urinary tract infection
- Tests that may be considered
- Full blood count, CRP, Kidney and liver function, Blood culture where sepsis suspected (hospital)
- Clinic assessment
- Available same day
- Home doctor visit
- Available across Dubai
- Home blood test
- Available across Dubai
- Date reviewed
- 2026-07-01
What this symptom means
Fever is the body’s response to infection or inflammation and is defined as a temperature ≥38°C. Persistent or high fever needs medical assessment.
Common possible causes
- · Viral upper respiratory tract infection
- · Influenza
- · COVID-19
- · Urinary tract infection
- · Gastroenteritis
- · Tonsillitis
- · Sinusitis
- · Chest infection
Less common possible causes
- · Skin or wound infection
- · Dental infection
- · Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
- · Travel-related infections (dengue, malaria, typhoid)
Serious causes that must not be missed
- · Sepsis
- · Meningitis
- · Endocarditis
- · Pneumonia
- · Malaria
- · Dengue fever
- · Confusion, drowsiness or difficulty waking
- · Fast breathing or breathlessness at rest
- · Non-blanching rash (does not fade under pressure)
- · Neck stiffness and severe headache
- · Not passing urine or very dark urine
- · Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
- · Fever after recent travel to a malaria area
Call 998 (UAE ambulance) or attend the nearest emergency department for any of the above.
When a same-day GP is appropriate
- · Fever lasting more than 3 days
- · Fever above 39.5°C
- · Fever with cough, urinary or abdominal symptoms
- · Fever in a person with a long-term condition
When a routine GP appointment is fine
- · Recurrent low-grade fevers without red flags
- · Follow-up after a viral illness
Questions a doctor may ask
- · How high has the temperature been?
- · How many days have you had the fever?
- · Any cough, sore throat, urinary symptoms, diarrhoea or rash?
- · Any recent travel?
- · Any long-term conditions or immunosuppressive medication?
- · How much fluid are you managing?
History factors that may matter
- · Recent travel
- · Immunosuppression or chemotherapy
- · Chronic conditions (diabetes, kidney disease)
- · Recent surgery or procedures
What may happen during the examination
- · Temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation
- · Ears, nose, throat, chest, abdomen and skin examination
- · Focused examination based on symptoms
Tests that may be considered
Blood tests
- · Full blood count
- · CRP
- · Kidney and liver function
- · Blood culture where sepsis suspected (hospital)
- · Malaria film if travel-related
- · Dengue serology where indicated
Urine tests
- · Urine dipstick and culture where UTI suspected
Other tests
- · Throat swab where indicated
- · Chest X-ray if respiratory infection suspected
When a specialist referral may be considered
- · Infectious diseases for travel-related, prolonged or unexplained fever
- · Emergency care immediately if any red flags
Possible treatment approaches
- · Fluids and rest
- · Paracetamol for symptom relief
- · Antibiotics only when a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected
- · Antiviral or antimalarial treatment where indicated
Safe self-care
- · Regular fluids — water, oral rehydration solution
- · Rest
- · Cool, light clothing (Dubai’s heat can worsen dehydration)
- · Paracetamol for comfort if needed
Best avoided
- · Taking leftover antibiotics without medical assessment
- · Ignoring persistent or high fever
- · Sponging with cold water — can cause shivering
How Aafiyah can help
- · Same-day GP assessment in clinic or at home
- · Rapid bedside tests and blood work
- · Prescription of appropriate medication
- · Onward hospital referral where needed
Related tests
Related conditions
- Influenza
- Urinary tract infection
- Pneumonia
- Gastroenteritis
Related symptoms
Frequently asked questions
How high is a dangerous fever?+
Any fever above 39.5°C in an adult, or a fever with red-flag features (confusion, breathlessness, non-blanching rash, neck stiffness), needs urgent medical assessment. Elderly and immunocompromised people can be seriously unwell with lower temperatures.
Should I take antibiotics for fever?+
No — most fevers in adults are viral and antibiotics do not help. A doctor should assess whether antibiotics are appropriate based on the cause.
Can I get a home visit for fever in Dubai?+
Yes — our doctors and nurses provide same-day home visits across Dubai for fever assessment, bedside tests and treatment.
Medical references
- · NICE CKS — Feverish illness in adults — cks.nice.org.uk
- · NHS — Fever in adults — nhs.uk
Medically reviewed by: Dr Shahbaz Afzal — British-trained Family Medicine Consultant, DHA-licensed
Written: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed: 2026-07-01 · Next review: 2027-01-01
This page provides general medical information for people in Dubai and the UAE. It does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified clinician about any medical concern.
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