Colin Baker health: Doctor Who star was left in A&E with ‘very high temperature’ – symptom

Usually, a high temperature – known as a fever – is due to the body fighting an infection, such as a cold or stomach bug.

However, other common causes of a high temperature can include the following:

• Infections of the ear, lung, skin, throat, bladder, or kidney
• Heat exhaustion
• COVID-19
• Sunburn
• Conditions that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Side effects of medications
• Vaccines and immunisations
• Blood clots
• Autoimmune conditions such as lupus and inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
• Cancer
• Hormone disorders such as hyperthyroidism
• Illegal drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine
• Teething in babies.

The part of the brain known as the hypothalamus is responsible for controlling body temperature, and along with feeling hot to the touch, a high temperature can also cause the following:

• Chills or shivering
• Sweating
• Headache
• Feeling weak
• Being irritable
• Losing your appetite
• Being dehydrated.

The NHS recommends the best way to check your temperature if you are worried it is above normal. It explains to check if your chest or back feels hotter than usual, if you have other symptoms (such as the ones listed above) or if a thermometer says it is above 38C.