When to Go to Urgent Care for a Fever

Like your cough or stuffy nose, you may not consider a fever a big deal. Most of the time, your high temperature goes away without having to trek out to see the doctor. 

But you shouldn’t ignore all fevers.

At Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland, our medical specialists provide immediate care for many illnesses that cause fevers. Your high body temperature is a symptom that may need a diagnosis when it’s too high or lasts longer than normal.

Many people ignore their symptoms in hopes that they’ll go away on their own, but it’s important to know when to go to urgent care for a fever.

What is a fever?

Normal body temperature is about 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit. But your own “normal” body temperature can be a bit higher or lower. 

In medicine, a body temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher is a fever, but any body temperature higher than your normal temperature is a fever. Your fever may also present with chills, aches, and fatigue. 

Your elevated temperature usually means your immune system is trying to protect you from a foreign invader, such as a virus, bacteria, or allergen. But fevers can occur for many reasons. Vaccinations, certain medications, and noninfectious diseases — such as cancer or autoimmune diseases — can also cause fevers.

When to go to urgent care with a high temperature

As noted, your fever may go away on its own without the need for medical care. But you shouldn’t ignore your symptoms based on previous experiences. 

We recommend a visit to urgent care if your fever lasts more than two days or is 101 degrees or higher and you don’t know why. You may also benefit from care if you have low-grade fever (99.5 F to 100.3 F) that lasts more than five days. A fever that comes and goes is a concern as well.

You may also want to come to urgent care if you suspect your fever is caused by the flu.

These are fever guidelines for children and adults. However, any fever in an infant 3 months or younger needs emergency medical care. Infants have a weak immune system and a tougher time fighting infections. Immediate diagnosis and treatment is vital for vulnerable babies. 

Treatment for a fever

When you come in for care, we review your symptoms and medical history. We also complete a physical exam. Based on our initial findings, we may request diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out the cause of your fever, such as a urinalysis for a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a nasal swab for a COVID test.

Once we determine the cause of your fever, we provide recommendations for treatment, which may include rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to lower the fever, or antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection.

If you have the flu and we catch it within the first couple of days, we can prescribe an antiviral medication that may lessen the duration of your illness. 

We may also refer you to your primary care physician or to a specialist if you need more in-depth testing or treatment.

Have a fever? We’re here for you

A fever isn’t fun. It may not always need urgent care, but knowing the cause may help you get better faster. 

If you have a concerning fever, call Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland at 989-765-0055 or book an appointment online. We can diagnose the cause and provide the best treatment.