Do you run a fever with a cold?

Question

My son has a bad cold with a runny nose and cough, but no fever yet. I was wondering if it's normal to get a fever with a common cold, or if it usually means something else is going on?

Sandeep Nair · Accepted Answer

While a mild fever can sometimes happen, especially in kids, my physician told me that a high fever usually points to a flu or secondary infection. For a standard common cold, you typically just get a runny nose, scratchy throat, and mild body aches without much temperature.

Preeti Patel · Answer

Sometimes a mild fever happens, but it is usually low. Keep resting and drink plenty of warm water.

Siddharth Malhotra · Answer

Normally, a cold shouldn't give you a high fever. If your temperature is shooting up, it's likely viral or flu, not just a simple cold. Get a paracetamol and consult your doctor if it doesn't go down in a day.

Manish Gupta · Answer

I once ignored a low fever thinking it was just a cold, and it turned into severe bronchitis. Please monitor your temperature closely with a thermometer. If the fever stays high or you feel chest tightness, see a doctor immediately.

Ritu Sharma · Answer

Don't just assume every temperature rise is a simple cold and start taking random pills. If your fever is high or lasts more than three days, you must consult a doctor. Google will tell you it's normal, but it's always safer to get a professional opinion.

Do you run a fever with a cold?

5 answers

Consult a internal medicine specialist

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