Fever: when to worry and what to do?

I am Dre Aurélia Nha-Huyen Nguyen Gouez, a family physician and medical director of French origin. After completing my studies and practicing in France, I settled in Quebec in 2016. Drawing on my experience at the CLSC in home care, I founded Allodocteur.ca to offer patients more accessible and responsive medical care, with medical consultations at home and online, provided quickly, as is the case in France.

What is fever?

Fever is an increase in body temperature above 38°C, generally caused by an infection. It is a normal reaction of the immune system to fight viruses and bacteria.

The most frequent causes

• Viral infections: cold, flu, COVID-19, gastroenteritis

• Bacterial infections: ear infection, pneumonia, urinary tract infection

• Other causes: heatstroke, inflammation, reaction to a medication

When should you consult a doctor?

Although fever is often benign, certain signs should be cause for concern:

🔹 In adults:

• Temperature above 40°C

• Fever lasting more than 3 days

• Confusion, excessive drowsiness

• Stiff neck, difficulty breathing

• Severe abdominal pain

🔹 In children:

• Infants under 3 months with a fever of 38°C or more (medical emergency)

• Lethargic child, difficult to wake, who refuses to drink

• Persistent fever despite taking antipyretics

What to do in case of fever?

✅ Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration

✅ Rest to allow the body to recover

✅ Take an antipyretic (paracetamol or ibuprofen) if the fever is poorly tolerated

✅ Wear light clothing and avoid overheating

✅ Apply a damp cloth to the forehead or take a lukewarm bath

Should fever always be treated?

No! Fever is a natural defense mechanism. If it is well tolerated, it is not always necessary to lower it immediately.

Need a doctor quickly?

At Allodocteur.ca, we facilitate access to medical care with consultations at home or via telemedicine, offered by family physicians registered with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). No more waiting for hours in a waiting room!

📅 Easily book an appointment online at Allodocteur.ca and obtain medical advice as soon as possible.