Temperatures in adults - when do you worry?

[ETsmum]

Dh has temp of 38.8 deg c and has had a thumping headache since he got home last night. Nothing alcohol related Seems really wiped out. Just wanted to know when I should worry re the temp (not like he's a small child I know, but he's not often really poorly.....)

I would't worry with that kind of temp just yet (TBH I wouldn't even consider it a real fever as it's under 39), he's probably just got virus that will pass within a couple of days. Give him some paracetamol.

Personally, I don't worry about temps in adults until they're over 40C.

Thanks, 40 stuck in my mind, but I'm terrible for knowing whats normal! Thanks for the reassurance. As I said, I think I worrry more as he's not normally the type to be unwell IYKWIM

although if it carries on another day or so, might be worth speaking to the GP as he could have an infection and antibiotics might shift it. Make sure he drinks plenty of water, and could he take a stronger painkiller for the headache, like a nurofen extra? I find that usually shifts it, and then the temp might go too.

Thanks clairemow, working on the water etc. Will suggest the nurofen as well. Temp sees to have come down a bit although he hasn't taken it again, headache in varying degrees, but has been pretty wiped out all day. If he wasn't quite such a bad patient I might almost feel sorry for him!