Fevers- When to Be Worried

Medical experts define a fever as an elevated body temperature, or anything over the accepted average human temperature change. The average adult body temperature is range is from 96.5 to 99.9. However, it is important to realize that certain fevers require the attention of a medical professional to assess and treat the underlying cause.

Fevers occur as a symptom of a wide range of conditions ranging from the ordinary- such as a cold, allergies, or the flu- to the severe- like meningitis and autoimmune disorders. Individuals with chroninc conditions like diabetes, cancer, RA, etc. should always monitor the duration and intensity of their fevers. Likewise, fever symptoms in infants, children, and the elderly should be closely monitored.


For most individuals, however,  fever is a symptom that can be managed at home or by a PCP. Some fevers, though, require prompt attention, and treatment for these fevers can be rendered via the nearest local urgent care center.

When to See Urgent Care for Pediatric Fever

Children are prone to illness, and often times, their pediatrician's office is not open on the weekends. Sometimes, a fever with the following chraracteristics cannot wait until a doctor's appointment to be assessed and treated:

  *   The fever is higher than 104 degrees Farenheight/40 degrees Celcius
  *   The fever has had a duration longer than 5 days
  *   The child is dehydrated and can not/will not drink water
  *   The child is disoriented
  *   The child is presenting with febrile seizure

It is important to remember that fevers are a common symptom of many pediatric illnesses, including seasonal viruses. In many cases, a physician may only be able to treat the symptoms, especially if the cause is viral. Your local urgent care may prescribe over-the-counter pain reliever to lower the fever, or if the child is dehydrated, they may receive IV fluids.

When to See Urgent Care for Adult Fever

Adults can experience fever with much of the same illnesses as children, namely viruses. Although an urgent care physician will not be able to prescribe medicien to treat the virus (antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections), they can treat fever symptoms with analgesics, IV fluids, and triage symptoms. Adults working on the weekdays often take advantage of an urgent care's services over the weekend for quick and convenient treatment. Adults should seek medical help if their fever symptoms sound like any of the following:

  *   The fever is higher than 103 degrees Farenheight/ 39.4 degrees Celcius
  *   The fever has had a duration of longer than 7 days
  *   The fever and associated symptoms worsen