When Does a Fever Warrant a Trip to Urgent Care?

If you or a loved one has ever spiked a high fever, you know how unsettling it can feel. A fever is your body’s natural response to infection.

This symptom is like a signal that your immune system is fighting off a virus or bacteria. In most cases, fevers are mild and manageable at home. Typical symptoms include:

• Elevated body temperature (above 100.4°F)
• Chills and sweating
• Body aches and fatigue
• Headache
• Loss of appetite

While some fevers resolve with rest and fluids, others can point to a more serious condition that may need medical attention. 

So, how can you tell when a fever needs urgent care? At Mercy Medical Urgent Care in Lake City, Florida, our board-certified providers offer expert support and care — including on-site testing to help you find fast answers and treatment for fevers.

Keep reading to learn the signs and symptoms that mean it’s time to seek urgent care for a fever and find out how we can help.

1. You have a high fever that just won’t come down

For adults, a fever over 103°F is considered high. When a high fever lasts for more than two days or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications, it’s time to seek medical advice. 

Persistent high fevers can signal a bacterial infection that may require prescription medication, such as antibiotics.

High fevers in children can be even more concerning. An infant under three months with a fever of 100.4°F or higher should receive immediate medical attention. 

For older children, a fever over 102°F that persists for longer than a day warrants a visit to urgent care.

2. You have a fever with other symptoms 

Sometimes, it’s not just the fever but other symptoms that determine the need for urgent care. Seek immediate help if your fever is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• Severe headache or neck pain
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Confusion or changes in mental alertness
• Rash or skin discoloration
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

These symptoms may indicate a more severe condition, such as meningitis, a respiratory infection, or sepsis. 

We evaluate these symptoms on-site at Mercy Medical Urgent Care, providing diagnostic tests and treatments as needed.

3. Your fever leads to dehydration and weakness

Fevers can lead to dehydration, especially when accompanied by sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. Signs of dehydration include:

• Dry mouth and lips
• Dark urine or infrequent urination
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Lethargy or confusion

Urgent care can provide treatments like intravenous (IV) fluids to restore hydration and ease symptoms. 

This can be especially important if a child or older adult has a fever, as the very young and old are more susceptible to dehydration during illness.

4. You have a recurring fever that comes and goes

Recurring fevers, also called periodic fevers, come and go over days or weeks. This may mean you have an ongoing infection or an inflammatory condition. 

Seeing an urgent care provider can help you identify the underlying cause of a recurring fever and provide a treatment plan to manage the condition. 

Mercy Medical Urgent Care has on-site labs and diagnostic tools that offer quick insights, so you don’t have to wait for answers.

5. You get a fever after traveling

If you’ve recently traveled, particularly to tropical or subtropical regions, and develop a fever when you get home, it’s time to seek medical attention. 

Diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika can cause fever and require specific treatments. Early treatment is often essential for travel-related infections.

Urgent care assesses your symptoms, considers your travel history, and conducts tests to rule out serious conditions. 

How personalized urgent care can help

While mild fevers may be managed at home, any severe, persistent, or unusual fever warrants medical evaluation. 

Our providers are here to help you determine the cause of your fever and provide personalized treatment recommendations to get you feeling better.

For reliable, expert care when you need it most, visit Mercy Medical Urgent Care in Lake City, Florida, or call 386-758-2944 today.