Headache and fever treatment in Huntingdon.
A headache with a fever usually means your body is fighting an infection, and the cause is often mild. Under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme our pharmacist can assess you, advise on easing your symptoms and, where suitable, supply NHS treatment — no GP referral required.
What are headache and fever?
A headache is pain or pressure in the head, face or neck. A fever is when your body temperature is higher than normal, usually 38°C or above.
No appointment needed — come in during opening hours and ask for the pharmacist.
Prefer a set time? Call and we'll book you in with the pharmacist.
Open Mon–Fri 08:45–18:00 (closed 13:00–14:00).
Common signs and symptoms
Headache and fever can occur together when your body is fighting an infection. Many causes are mild, but this combination can sometimes indicate a serious illness. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or pressure in the head
- Feeling hot, cold or shivery
- Sweating or a flushed face
- Tiredness and muscle aches
- Reduced appetite
- Sometimes a sore throat, cough, runny nose or nausea
What causes headache and fever?
Common causes include:
Such as colds, flu and COVID-19.
Including throat, ear or sinus infections.
Not drinking enough, particularly when sweating or unwell.
Overheating can cause headache and a raised temperature.
Meningitis and other severe infections can also cause headache and fever.
The cause depends on the person's age, how severe the symptoms are and whether other symptoms are present.
How can it be prevented?
A few everyday habits can help reduce the chance of picking up an infection or making symptoms worse.
This helps reduce the spread of infections.
Keep drinking fluids throughout the day.
Rest helps your body recover.
Regular meals help keep your energy up while you're unwell.
Take breaks and keep cool in hot weather.
Recommended vaccinations help protect against some serious infections.
Keep your distance from other people when you have a fever or symptoms of an infection.
Not every cause of headache and fever can be prevented, but these steps may help reduce some risks.
When should someone seek medical help?
Headache and fever are often caused by everyday infections, but this combination can occasionally signal something more serious, so it's worth knowing when to get help.
Contact your GP or NHS 111 urgently
Seek advice if:
- Your fever is not improving or is getting worse
- Your headache is worsening
- You are repeatedly vomiting
- You have signs of dehydration
- Your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C or above — they need urgent medical assessment
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately
Headache with fever can sometimes be a sign of meningitis or another serious illness. Get emergency help if there is a severe or rapidly worsening headache with any of the following — do not wait for all symptoms or for a rash to appear:
- A stiff neck
- A dislike of bright lights
- Confusion
- Unusual drowsiness
- A seizure
- A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
Remember: Headache and fever are often caused by common infections, but they can occasionally signal something serious. If symptoms are severe, unusual or rapidly worsening, seek medical help rather than relying on home treatment.
Read the NHS headache guide Read the NHS fever in adults guideCommon questions
Can a pharmacist help with headache and fever?
Yes. Under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme our pharmacist can ask about your symptoms, check how unwell you are, advise on easing your symptoms and, where suitable, supply NHS treatment. If your symptoms need further assessment, we'll tell you where to go instead.
What temperature counts as a fever?
A fever is when your body temperature is higher than normal, usually 38°C or above. Any baby under 3 months old with a temperature of 38°C or above needs urgent medical assessment.
Could it be something serious?
Headache and fever are often caused by common infections, but occasionally they signal something serious such as meningitis. Warning signs include a severe or rapidly worsening headache with a stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, confusion, unusual drowsiness, a seizure, or a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass — these need emergency help.
How much does it cost?
The consultation is free. If the pharmacist can treat you under the scheme, any NHS prescription charge that applies is the same as it would be at your GP — and free if you don't normally pay for prescriptions.
Do I need an appointment?
No — walk-ins are welcome during opening hours. If you'd rather have a set time, call us on 01480 425412 and we'll schedule one for you.
Is the consultation private?
Yes. Any consultation takes place in our private consultation room, and anything you discuss stays confidential.
Other minor ailments we can help with
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Advice and NHS treatment for constipation from our pharmacist — walk in or call to arrange a time.
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Advice and NHS treatment for conjunctivitis (pink eye) from our pharmacist — walk in or call to arrange a time.
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Walk in and ask for the pharmacist, or call us to arrange a time — free NHS advice and treatment under the Minor Ailments Scheme.