When you or a loved one spikes a high fever, it can be very scary – especially if that loved one is your child. As scary as they are, however, fevers can be a good thing. It means the immune system is working to get rid of the illness. Sometimes it’s okay to simply wait things out instead of rushing anywhere, but other times that trip to your primary care provider, local M.D. Express urgent care center or the emergency room is well warranted.
Stay Home
If a fever is not causing any discomfort in a person over the age of three months or doesn’t fall under one of the reasons to visit a provider or the ER below, you can stay home. In fact, it is now recommended to not treat a fever unless it causes the person (children included) discomfort.
For children under the age of two years, but over the age of three months, a fever under 102 which is not accompanied by emergency symptoms can be treated at home. Any fever in babies under three months should be evaluated immediately, however.
Urgent Care
If a fever is accompanied by pain or burning when urinating it should be evaluated by a medical provider as these are the symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). If the fever is accompanied with minor to moderate vomiting without the presence of blood it would also be appropriate to be evaluated.
If a fever under 101.9 has lasted five days in a person over age two and access to a primary care physician is not available, it is suggested you get checked out by a medical provider. Likewise, if a fever over 102 with no emergency symptoms has lasted longer than two days, seek medical care.
If a fever under 101.9 has lasted three days in a child between the age of six months and two years and your primary care provider is not available to see the child, you should seek an Urgent Care center. Also, if a fever of 102 degrees or higher has lasted 24 hours in a child of this age range, it’s important to seek medical care.
Emergency Room
If you have a fever of 102 degrees and are pregnant, immune compromised, or a child between the ages of three and six months, you should go to the emergency room. Likewise, if a fever in a person of any age is accompanied by the following symptoms you should head straight to the ER:
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Chest pain
- Debilitating headache
- Rash
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea with symptoms of dehydration, or anytime blood is present
Also, remember that ANY time a child under three months runs a temperature of 100.4 or higher they should be immediately taken to the hospital. A fever in an infant can cause long-term damage, or even result in death very quickly.
At Riverside Health, we're dedicated to compassionate, collaborative care. We provide a wide range of services, from childbirth to end-of-life care, delivering over 2 million services each year. Our integrated network allows us to support you seamlessly through health, illness, recovery, and wellness. With top clinicians and advanced technology, we’re here for you at convenient locations close to home and work. Visit riversideonline.com.
If you’re wondering where the best place is to get care, please see our guide below:
If your problem is life- or limb-threatening, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Primary Care – Schedule through MyChart or call your provider’s office who you go to for most health care needs.
Virtual Clinic – Schedule through MyChart or click Here to learn more about Primary Care On Demand.
MD Express Urgent Care – Click Here to find a location near you for after-hours care or when your primary care provider is busy.
If you’re not sure, call Riverside Nurse 24/7 at 1-800-675-6368
