fever: questions your doctor may ask
fever is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. knowing what questions to expect can help you prepare for your appointment and provide the information your doctor needs.
what is fever?
fever is when your body temperature rises above its normal range. it's typically a sign that your body is fighting an infection or responding to another condition.
normal body temperature varies person to person, but is generally around 98.6°F (37°C). fever is usually considered a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
questions doctors commonly ask about fever
about the fever itself
- when did the fever start?
- what was the highest temperature you measured?
- how did you measure it (oral, ear, forehead)?
- is the fever constant or does it come and go?
- does it follow a pattern (higher at night, for example)?
- have you taken any medication for the fever?
- did the medication bring the temperature down?
about other symptoms
- do you have a cough, sore throat, or runny nose?
- any body aches or headache?
- any nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea?
- any painful urination or frequent urination?
- any rash on your body?
- any neck stiffness?
- any shortness of breath?
- any abdominal pain?
about possible exposures
- have you been around anyone who was sick?
- have you traveled recently?
- any recent insect bites?
- have you eaten any unusual foods?
- have you been in contact with animals?
- are there similar cases in your household or workplace?
about your medical background
- do you have any chronic health conditions?
- what medications are you taking?
- have you started any new medications recently?
- have you had any recent surgeries or procedures?
- are you immunocompromised?
what information to prepare before your visit
- temperature log: write down temperatures you've recorded and when
- symptom timeline: when each symptom started and how it's progressed
- medication list: everything you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- fever treatments: what you've taken and whether it helped
- recent activities: travel, sick contacts, new exposures
- medical history: relevant conditions and previous similar episodes
general red flags with fever
certain symptoms alongside fever may warrant more urgent medical attention. these include:
- very high fever (above 103°F/39.4°C in adults)
- fever lasting more than 3 days
- severe headache or neck stiffness
- difficulty breathing
- confusion or unusual drowsiness
- persistent vomiting
- rash that doesn't fade with pressure
- severe abdominal pain
- signs of dehydration
this list is not exhaustive. when in doubt, seek medical attention.
what doctors are trying to determine
when evaluating fever, doctors are generally trying to figure out:
- is there an infection, and if so, what type?
- is it bacterial (may need antibiotics) or viral (usually doesn't)?
- where in the body is the source?
- how severe is the condition?
- are any tests needed to confirm?
- what treatment is appropriate?
frequently asked questions
should I let a fever run its course?
fever is part of the body's defense mechanism. mild fevers in otherwise healthy adults don't always need to be treated. but this depends on many factors — discuss with your doctor.
should I avoid eating when I have a fever?
staying hydrated is important. eating light, nutritious food when you can is generally fine. listen to your body, but don't force eating if you're nauseated.
why does fever often feel worse at night?
body temperature naturally rises slightly in the evening. combined with a fever, this can make nights uncomfortable. this pattern is common and not usually concerning on its own.
do I need antibiotics for fever?
not always. antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. many fevers are caused by viruses, which don't respond to antibiotics. your doctor will determine if antibiotics are needed.
disclaimer: this article is for general educational purposes only. it is not medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition. fever can be a sign of many different conditions, some serious. always consult a qualified healthcare provider for proper evaluation, especially if fever is high, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.