Fever: Basic Home Monitoring

Family Health · Last reviewed: August 2026

Correct measurement and simple record keeping help the doctor understand the pattern of a fever.

Measuring temperature

• Use a digital thermometer.
• Clean it before and after use.
• Note the reading, the date and the time.
• Measure again if the person feels worse.

What to record

• Highest temperature and the timings
• Other symptoms such as cough, vomiting, loose motions, rash or pain
• Medicines given, with dose and time
• Food and fluid intake, and urine output

General home care

• Give fluids regularly.
• Allow rest.
• Use light clothing.
• Give medicine only in the dose advised by a doctor.

Seek medical attention if

• Fever is very high or continues beyond 24 hours despite home care.
• There is drowsiness, confusion or fits.
• Breathing is difficult.
• There is reduced urine or persistent vomiting.
• The person is a baby, elderly, pregnant or has other health conditions.