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Fever in adults for colds — the evidence
Fever is the body doing its job — most cold fevers in adults stay under 39 °C and pass in two to three days. Paracetamol or ibuprofen reduce the fever and the aches; they do not shorten the illness. The temperature alone is less important than how the person looks and breathes.
What the evidence says
Verdict: Works. Fever is the body doing its job — most cold fevers in adults stay under 39 °C and pass in two to three days. Paracetamol or ibuprofen reduce the fever and the aches; they do not shorten the illness. The temperature alone is less important than how the person looks and breathes.
What to actually do
Treat the discomfort, not the number: if a fever of 38.5 °C feels tolerable, drink and rest; if 38 °C feels awful, take paracetamol or ibuprofen at the label dose. See a doctor when fever passes 39.5 °C and does not come down, lasts past three days, or comes with confusion, breathlessness, a stiff neck or a rash.
Source: NICE CKS — common cold · checked 2026-09-07
Self-care reference, not medical advice. Children, older adults, pregnancy and anyone with a long-term condition should have a lower bar for calling a clinician. Severe or worsening symptoms, trouble breathing or confusion: get medical help.