Most fevers are caused by infections, and they are part of our body’s response to fight off the infection. By themselves they are not typically a reason for alarm of concern, nor do they always necessitate a trip to the doctor. Deciding whether a fever needs medical care should be determined by how long the fever lasts and how high the fever is. Fever: when should you go to urgent care?
Why We Get Fevers
Most fevers are simply our body responding to an infection of some kind. It could be the flu, the common cold, an ear infection, UTI, pneumonia, sinus infection, and other types of more serious infections.
Letting a fever run its course by resting at home, staying hydrated, taking some over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Advil is usually the best course of action.
Of course, there are many variables.
Getting More Specific
Normal temperatures run from 98.6 through 99.5.
Children
Be concerned if your 3 to 6 month old child has a temperature of 102, if your 6 month to 24 month child has a temp of 102 for more than one day, or if a child of any age has a fever of 102 that lasts more than 3 days. Lastly, be concerned if an infant 0 to 3 months old has any fever.
Be aware never to give children or teens any aspirin.
Don’t wait to seek medical care at Right Choice Urgent Care in Cypress, TX with the following additional symptoms:
- Tummy ache
- No wet diapers for 10 hours
- Crying without tears
- Swollen painful joints
- Headache
If there are additional concerning symptoms, you can always call Right Choice Urgent Care and ask whether an Emergency Room is a better choice.
Adult Fevers
If an adult fever reaches 103, it can be concerning. Drink plenty of fluids, take over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and Advil, stay warm and rest.
However, be concerned it you experience the following additional symptoms:
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Rash
- Dehydration and dark urine
- Trouble breathing
- Severe headache
- Vomiting
When you are concerned about your fever or that of a child’s, contact Right Choice Urgent Care at (281) 944-7900. It is the most effective solution to immediate medical care.
