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A body temperature above 38°C (100.4°F). Usually a sign your body is fighting an infection. Common and usually not serious in adults.
There are several possible causes. Here are the most common ones:
The most common cause of fever in adults.
You might suspect this if you have:
Various bacterial infections can cause fever.
You might suspect this if you have:
Fever is a common symptom of COVID-19.
You might suspect this if you have:
Some inflammatory or autoimmune conditions cause recurrent fevers.
You might suspect this if you have:
Important: This information is for general guidance only and should not be used to self-diagnose. A doctor can properly assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice.
Call 000 or go to Emergency immediately
Fever is not a disease — it is the immune system's response to infection, and in most cases it is actually helpful. A temperature of 37.5-38.5°C in an otherwise well adult does not usually need treatment. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are for comfort, not to 'treat' the fever. What I assess when someone presents with fever is the clinical context: a fever with cold symptoms is almost certainly viral. A fever with a productive cough and breathlessness raises concern for pneumonia. A fever with urinary symptoms suggests UTI. Fever with rash, neck stiffness, or confusion requires urgent assessment. The height of the fever is less important than the overall clinical picture — a person with 38°C who looks unwell concerns me more than someone with 39°C who is drinking fluids and alert. In adults, fever rarely causes brain damage (that concern applies to very young children with febrile convulsions).
Medical certificate guidance: A fever above 38°C typically warrants staying home — both for your recovery and to avoid spreading infection to colleagues. Most febrile illnesses resolve in 2-5 days. You should be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to work.
All clinical decisions are made by AHPRA-registered doctors following our clinical governance framework. We never automate clinical decisions.
A fever is generally considered a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above. Normal body temperature varies slightly throughout the day.
Not necessarily. Fever is your body's way of fighting infection. However, if you're uncomfortable or the fever is high, paracetamol or ibuprofen can help.
Yes. Having a fever is a clear sign you're unwell and potentially contagious. It's a valid reason for a medical certificate.
In adults, seek urgent care for temperatures above 39.5°C, fever with severe symptoms (stiff neck, confusion, rash), or fever lasting more than 3 days.
If your symptoms are keeping you from work or study, you can request a medical certificate through InstantMed. A doctor will review your symptoms and issue a certificate if clinically appropriate — typically for 1 to 3 days depending on severity. You don't need to be dramatically unwell; feeling genuinely too rough to function is reason enough.
Yes. Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and issue valid medical certificates via telehealth. You fill in a detailed health questionnaire, a doctor reviews it, and if appropriate, your certificate is delivered digitally. No waiting room required.
You complete a structured health questionnaire covering your symptoms, duration, severity, and relevant medical history. The reviewing doctor uses this information — the same clinical reasoning they'd apply in a face-to-face consult — to determine whether a certificate, advice, or referral is appropriate.
A medical certificate covers the period stated on the document. If your symptoms worsen or don't improve as expected, you should see a GP in person or visit your nearest emergency department if it's urgent. Your certificate doesn't replace ongoing care — it's a point-in-time clinical assessment.
In some cases, yes. If a doctor reviewing your request determines that a common, non-restricted treatment is appropriate, they may issue a prescription as part of a consultation. Not all symptoms require or qualify for a prescription — the doctor will advise you on next steps.
Medical certificates are typically issued in under 30 minutes, available 24/7. Other requests are reviewed within 1–2 hours during operating hours (8am–10pm AEST, 7 days). You'll receive an email notification once your request has been reviewed.
If your symptoms suggest something that requires a physical examination, diagnostic tests, or specialist referral, the doctor will let you know and recommend appropriate next steps. Your safety is the priority — telehealth is a great option for many things, but it's not a replacement for hands-on assessment when that's what's needed.
No Medicare card is required for medical certificates. If you're requesting a prescription or consultation, a valid Medicare card is needed. Our service is private and does not attract a Medicare rebate, though any prescriptions issued can still attract PBS subsidies at the pharmacy.
Pain in any region of the head, ranging from sharp to dull, that may occur with other symptoms. One of the most common health complaints.
General muscle pain and discomfort throughout the body. Often accompanies viral infections.
A reflex that helps clear your airways. Can be dry or productive (with mucus), and acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting weeks).
Our Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and provide advice, treatment, or medical certificates if needed.
Get assessed nowThis information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health. Content on this page has been reviewed by AHPRA-registered Australian doctors but does not replace a personalised medical consultation.