Temperature of almost 40 in an adult

[SnowStupid]

I never even owned a thermometer until, now adult, DS1 bought on when his GF was ill. I used to judge how ill people were by feeling their forehead and watching their behaviour.

Anyway, GF is lovely, but often ill and seems (compared to my normal) to consult a doctor a lot for things I'd wait for. But is it me?

So, she has a temperature of 39 point something, according to DS's thermometer. She's clearly not well but she's awake, drinking, breathing OK, chatting. Personally I wouldn't call the doctor (111) but DS is very worried and wants to.

Would you? Obviously she's an adult and will make the decision herself, just interested in opinions. Apparently NHS website says you should seek advice from GP for any temperature over 39 in an adult, but in my (old) world I wouldn't have known exactly how hot they were and wouldn't have worried unless they were very listless or not drinking.

So what is it he thinks 111 can do? That can’t be done at home?
Obviously watching out for any warning signs of sepsis or deterioration a high temp in otherwise healthy adult who is conscious, chatty managing fluids etc isn’t a big worry.

39 isn't that high and symptoms described can be managed at home. Not sure where you heard any temp over 39 should be checked out as that is simply not true. Actual temperature doesn't matter as much as symptoms - if she gets really unwell (can't hold conversation, is in lots of pain, etc) then obviously seek medical advice. Otherwise manage at home with lots of fluids, paracetamol and ibuprofen. Hope she gets well soon.

If she's clearly got a virus but is coping OK with it and her temp is over 39, what would she expect a doctor to do? NHS website for fever does not say anything about a fever of 39 being a reason to call doctor and actually says it isn't necessary to take your temp. Ridiculous reason to call 111.

We've all had fevers of 40 this week. It's majorly sucked. Diagnosed with strep. Only other time i had a fever like this was for covid. Haven't contemplated calling a doctor yet

How have you been diagnosed with Strep if you haven't spoken to a doctor? I thought they were giving everyone precautionary antibiotics, so I would call a doctor for that.

I agree that GF doesn't need a doctor. DS has been to a doctor about twice in his life, but the GF's family seem to over react to any illness and he's keen to fit in I suppose.

Then how have you been diagnosed with strep? 🤔

Ds1 has been diagnosed with strep and ds2 with scarlett fever. We haven't left the house in a week. It can't be anything else - I've only just caught it and have the same symptoms as ds1

🤣🤣🤣

Sorry. I was paraphrasing

Many young and not so young adults don't k ow how to manage Illness, have never been taught. People escalate to a HCP much more frequently as health anxiety is through the roof thanks to social media. When you ask a general question in a setting that thousands have access to everyone knows that one outlier whose sisters, dousing, ex boyfriends friend had that and it was fatal. I just accept it as the norm from many people now.

Mine was 39.something yesterday and Friday.

Paracetamol based medicine, plenty of fluids and rest as much as she can. If she starts getting delirious or listless or other concerning symptoms then yes seek advice.