A high temperature in an adult or child is one of the conditions our pharmacists can assess and treat through the free NHS minor ailments scheme — including advice on when it needs more than a pharmacy.
Our pharmacist will run through the symptoms alongside the temperature — that combination is what actually matters — and where appropriate supply paracetamol or ibuprofen free of charge under the local NHS minor ailments scheme, with clear guidance on dosing by age and weight.
Free NHS treatment is available if you are registered with a participating local GP and do not pay for prescriptions; everyone else can still get expert advice and low-cost treatment. Use our one-minute eligibility checker and our pharmacist will be in touch to arrange your consultation — or just walk in.
What it is, what to look out for, and what actually helps — from the pharmacists who deal with it every day.
A fever is the body raising its own temperature to fight infection — usually 38°C or above. It is a symptom, not an illness, and in most cases it means a virus is being dealt with exactly as it should be. The number on the thermometer matters far less than how the person looks and behaves: a child with 39°C who is drinking and still playing is generally less worrying than one at 38°C who is listless and refusing fluids.
Treatment is about comfort rather than driving the number down. Paracetamol or ibuprofen help someone feel well enough to drink and rest, which is what actually speeds recovery. Fluids come first, always. Our pharmacists can confirm the right medicine and dose for age and weight, and are equally clear about the situations that need a GP, 111 or 999 instead.