A fever (demam) is a high temperature of 38°C or above, and it is usually the body's natural response to an infection such as a cold or flu. Most fevers settle within a few days with rest, plenty of fluids and, if you feel uncomfortable, paracetamol or ibuprofen. In children, the temperature usually returns to normal within 1 to 4 days. Get urgent advice if a baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38°C or more, a baby aged 3 to 6 months has 39°C or more, a fever lasts 5 days or more, or a fever is not getting better. In Malaysia, a sudden high fever with severe headache and body aches can also be dengue.
Suhu demam: what temperature is a fever?
According to the NHS, normal body temperature is different for everyone and changes during the day. A high temperature is usually considered to be 38°C or above, in adults, children and babies. This is sometimes called a fever.
You may have a high temperature if:
- your chest or back feels hotter than usual;
- you feel hot or cold, shivery (chills), or sweaty, or your skin is warm and red;
- a thermometer says your temperature is 38°C or above.
If you feel hot, cold or shivery, you may have a high temperature even if a thermometer reads below 38°C.
How do you take a temperature correctly?
You do not always need a thermometer, but if you use one, the NHS recommends a digital thermometer:
- Adults: place the clean tip under your tongue, towards the back of your mouth, close your lips and wait until it beeps. You can also use it in your armpit, keeping your arm tight against your body.
- Children: place the thermometer inside the top of the armpit, gently close the arm over it, and leave it for as long as the instructions say.
- If your child has just had a bath or been wrapped in a blanket, wait a few minutes and try again.
Do not use a glass thermometer, which can be dangerous, or forehead strips, which are not accurate. For digital ear thermometers, follow the instructions that come with them.
What causes a fever?
Many things can cause a high temperature, and it is not usually a sign of anything serious. It is often just the body fighting an infection, such as a cold or flu; see our guide to selsema. In children, common causes include coughs and colds, chickenpox, tonsillitis and vaccinations.
A fever can sometimes be a sign of something more serious if the temperature is very high or will not come down. A fever with a cough, shortness of breath or chest pain may be pneumonia. In Malaysia, remember that a sudden high fever with a severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain can be demam denggi. A fever after contact with floodwater, rivers or waterfalls may be kencing tikus (leptospirosis). Fever with a rash in a child may be HFMD or chickenpox or measles.
Ubat demam: how to treat a fever in adults
According to the NHS, to treat a high temperature in adults:
- get lots of rest;
- drink plenty of fluids, ideally water, so that your pee is light yellow and clear;
- take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable, following the dose on the packet.
Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you no longer have a high temperature.
Get urgent medical advice if you have been treating a high temperature at home but it is not getting better or is getting worse.
Demam budak: how to care for a child with a fever
A high temperature is very common in young children, and you can usually look after them at home. According to the NHS:
Do:
- give them plenty of fluids; if your baby is breastfed, continue breastfeeding as normal;
- look out for signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies, sunken eyes or no tears when crying;
- give them food if they want it;
- check on your child regularly, including during the night, and keep them at home;
- give paracetamol or ibuprofen if they are distressed or uncomfortable, checking the packet or asking a pharmacist that it suits your child's age.
Don't:
- undress your child or sponge them down to cool them; a high temperature is a natural and healthy response to infection;
- cover them in too many clothes or blankets;
- give aspirin to children under 16;
- alternate ibuprofen and paracetamol, unless a doctor or nurse tells you to.
| Medicine | Do not give if your child... |
|---|---|
| Paracetamol | Is under 2 months old |
| Ibuprofen | Is under 3 months old, weighs under 5 kg, has chickenpox, is dehydrated, or has asthma (unless a doctor has recommended it) |
| Aspirin | Is under 16 years old |
Suhu demam bayi: when a fever in a baby is urgent
Babies need extra care. According to the NHS, get urgent medical advice if your child:
- is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature;
- is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39°C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature;
- has other signs of illness, such as a rash, as well as a high temperature;
- has had a high temperature for 5 days or more;
- does not want to eat, or is not their usual self and you are worried;
- is dehydrated, for example nappies that are not very wet, sunken eyes and no tears when crying.
If a newborn baby's skin or the whites of their eyes look yellow, see our guide to kuning bayi (newborn jaundice), which also lists the warning signs that need urgent help.
What is a febrile seizure (sawan demam)?
A febrile seizure (sawan demam) is a fit that can happen when a child has a high temperature. According to the NHS, it usually affects children between 6 months and 6 years old, and usually lasts 2 to 3 minutes. The child may become stiff, twitch or shake, become unconscious, or not respond, and may be sleepy or confused for up to an hour afterwards.
A febrile seizure can be frightening, but it is unlikely to harm your child or cause long-term effects. Still, get medical help if your child has a seizure, and call 999 if it is their first fit or it does not stop.
When is a fever an emergency?
Call 999 or go to the emergency department, according to the NHS, if a child with a fever:
- has a stiff neck;
- has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it;
- is bothered by light;
- has a fit for the first time, or cannot stop shaking;
- has unusually cold hands and feet, or blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue;
- is drowsy and hard to wake, extremely agitated or confused;
- has difficulty breathing, breathes very fast, or makes grunting noises;
- is not responding like they normally do.
Sepsis in adults. Sepsis is a serious reaction to an infection that needs urgent hospital treatment. According to the NHS, symptoms in adults include confusion or slurred speech, uncontrollable shivering, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue, and not peeing all day. A high temperature is less common in older adults with sepsis, so trust your instincts and get emergency help if someone seems very unwell.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What temperature is a fever (suhu demam)?
A high temperature, or fever, is usually 38°C or above in adults, children and babies. Normal body temperature is different for everyone and changes during the day. If you feel hot, cold or shivery, you may have a fever even if a thermometer reads below 38°C.
What is demam in English?
Demam means fever, or a high temperature. In Malaysia people also use terms like demam panas (a high fever) and demam urat (fever with body aches). Most fevers are caused by the body fighting an infection such as a cold or flu and are not a sign of anything serious.
What is the best ubat demam for adults?
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken if you feel uncomfortable, following the dose on the packet. Rest and drink plenty of fluids, ideally water, so that your pee is light yellow and clear. Get urgent advice if your fever is not getting better or is getting worse.
What is the best ubat demam for children (ubat demam budak)?
Give paracetamol or ibuprofen only if your child is distressed or uncomfortable, checking the packet for their age and weight. Do not give paracetamol to babies under 2 months, ibuprofen to babies under 3 months or under 5 kg, or ibuprofen to children with chickenpox or dehydration. Never give aspirin to children under 16, and do not alternate the two unless a health professional advises it.
Should I sponge my child with cold water to bring the fever down?
No. The NHS advises not to undress your child or sponge them down to cool them, because a high temperature is a natural and healthy response to infection. Instead, give plenty of fluids, avoid too many clothes or blankets, and check on your child regularly, including at night.
When is a fever in a baby serious (suhu demam bayi)?
Get urgent medical advice if a baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38°C or higher, or a baby aged 3 to 6 months has a temperature of 39°C or higher. Also get help if a child's fever lasts 5 days or more, they are dehydrated, have a rash, or are not their usual self.
When should I go to the emergency department for a fever?
Call 999 or go to the emergency department if a child with a fever has a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade when you press a glass on it, is bothered by light, has a first fit, has blue, grey or blotchy skin, is very drowsy or hard to wake, or has difficulty breathing. Adults with confusion, slurred speech, uncontrollable shivering or difficulty breathing may have sepsis and need emergency care.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or pharmacist. Health supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
