Fever: when to worry and what to do?

I'm Dr. Aurélia Nha-Huyen Nguyen Gouez, a family physician and medical director of French origin. After completing my training and practicing in France, I moved to Quebec in 2016. Drawing on my CLSC experience in home care, I founded Allodocteur.ca to offer patients more accessible and responsive medicine, with medical consultations at home and online, within a fast turnaround time, just like in France.

What is fever?

A fever is a rise 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: colds, flu, COVID-19, gastroenteritis

-Bacterial infections: otitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infection

-Other causes: heat stroke, inflammation, reaction to medication

When should I consult a doctor?

Although fever is often benign, certain signs should raise the alarm:

🔹 In adults:

- Temperature above 40°C

- Fever lasting more than 3 days

- Confusion, excessive drowsiness

- Stiff neck, difficulty breathing

- Severe abdominal pain

🔹 In children:

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

- Amorphous child, difficult to wake up, refuses to drink

- Persistent fever despite antipyretics

What to do if you have a fever

✅ Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration

✅ Rest to let the body recover

✅ Take an antipyretic (paracetamol or ibuprofen) in case of poorly tolerated fever .

✅ Lighten clothing and avoid overheating

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

Should fever be treated systematically?

No! Fever is a natural defense mechanism. If it's well tolerated, it's not always necessary to bring it down immediately.

Need a doctor fast?

At Allodocteur.ca, we facilitate access to care with home consultations or teleconsultations, offered by family doctors registered with the Ordre des médecins du Québec. No more waiting hours in a waiting room!

📅 Book an appointment easily online at Allodocteur.ca and get a medical opinion as soon as possible.