When Should I Go to Urgent Care for a Fever?
You should go to urgent care for a fever if it is persistent, unusually high, or accompanied by severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a rash. Dr. Kevin Penwell (D.O.) and his staff can provide immediate evaluation and treatment to address the underlying cause and alleviate discomfort. Visit Immediate Care of Oklahoma today! For more details, contact us or you can also book an appointment online or simply walk in. We have convenient locations to serve you in Edmond OK, Norman (24th) OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Tecumseh OK, West Moore OK, I-240, and Sooner RD OK, Yukon OK, and Choctaw OK.
Table of Contents:
When should I be concerned about a fever?
What conditions can cause a fever?
How do you treat a fever?
Should you go to urgent care for a high fever?
While fevers are common and can occur due to various illnesses, such as ear infections, strep throat, or viral gastroenteritis, there are certain circumstances when you should seek prompt medical care for a high temperature. If you have a high fever, which is classified as a body temperature of 103°F (39.4°C), it could be a sign of a serious infection and lead to complications if not treated.
In addition, if your fever has persisted for longer than three days without significant improvement, it’s a good idea to visit urgent care to be assessed by a medical professional. Fevers that are accompanied by severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, rash, persistent vomiting, confusion, or a stiff neck are a cause for concern.
If your baby is three months or younger, a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher requires immediate medical attention. For older kids, a fever accompanied by diarrhea, lethargy, irritability, or dehydration should be promptly evaluated at an urgent care clinic.
A fever is a common symptom of various conditions, including:
Viral infections: Often, viral infections like COVID-19, influenza, and gastroenteritis cause fever.
Bacterial infections: Your fever may be a result of a bacterial infection, like strep throat, an ear infection, or pneumonia.
Heat exhaustion: Being out in sweltering weather or vigorously exercising can lead to heat exhaustion, where the body’s ability to regulate its temperature is overwhelmed.
Inflammatory conditions: Autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, cause chronic inflammation, leading to recurrent fevers.
Certain medications and immunizations: Those who have recently received a vaccination or are taking certain medications, such as anti-seizure drugs, may experience fever as a side effect.
When you have a fever, there are several things you can do at home to minimize your discomfort and reduce your temperature. Most importantly, it’s essential to stay well hydrated and rest as much as possible to allow your immune system to do its job. Applying a cool, damp washcloth to your forehead, neck, and wrists can help lower your body temperature; however, you should not use ice-cold water, as it can cause shivering and raise your temperature.
In addition, you can try over-the-counter fever relievers such as Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin to break your fever. If your fever is caused by an infection, you will need to visit an urgent care center to receive a prescription to address the root cause of your elevated body temperature.
If your fever persists for several days, worsens, or leads to confusion, dehydration, or other concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek prompt medical care. At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we offer effective fever management care to help you feel better and get back to your routine quickly.
Yes, you should go to urgent care for a high fever, especially if it is persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Prolonged high fevers signal that something is up with your health and can lead to complications such as dehydration and seizures. At urgent care, healthcare providers can perform diagnostic tests, such as lab tests or chest X-rays, to determine the cause of your fever and lower it.
After stabilizing your condition, urgent care providers can guide you on the next steps, whether it involves further tests or a follow-up with your primary care physician. Even if the fever turns out to be less serious, visiting urgent care provides peace of mind.
If you are in or near Norman, Yukon, West Moore, Edmond, Tecumseh, Choctaw, or other parts of Oklahoma City and need medical care to lower your body temperature, the skilled professionals at Immediate Care of Oklahoma can help. Whether your symptoms are caused by a chronic condition flare-up or a viral or bacterial infection, our team can address your concerns and reduce the risk of complications due to a high fever. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Oklahoma City, OK. We serve patients from West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Norman (24th) OK, Edmond OK, Yukon OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, Tecumseh OK, Choctaw OK, and Bethany OK.
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