What’s Considered a Fever And When to See a Doctor
Friday, May 20th, 2022
A fever is your body’s method of protecting itself against infection. When you have a fever, your body temperature will temporarily rise. It’s considered a low-grade fever if it reaches a temperature of at least 99℉ and a high fever if it reaches a temperature of 102℉ or higher.
When To See a Doctor For a Fever
In most cases, you won’t need to head to the doctor’s office for a fever. Most fevers aren’t a reason to worry and pass on their own within a couple of days.
However, you should promptly visit a doctor for an evaluation if you experience:
- A fever that reaches or exceeds 103℉
- A fever that persists for a week or longer
- Have an underlying medical condition
Additionally, adults should receive medical attention if they experience any of the following symptoms along with a fever:
- Rash
- Severe headache
- Neck pain and stiffness when bending the head forward
- Recurrent vomiting
- Confusion, odd behavior, or changes in speech
- Abnormal light sensitivity
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Pain while urinating
- Seizures or convulsions
When To Visit a Doctor If Your Child Has a Fever
The guidelines for seeking medical care for children with fever differ from the guidelines for adults.
You should contact your doctor if you have:
- An infant younger than three months old with a temperature of 100.4℉
- An infant between three and six months old with a temperature over 102℉
- A child between seven and 24 months old with a temperature over 102℉ that lasts longer than a day (if symptoms other than the fever are present, you may call sooner)
- A child older than three months old with a temperature over 104℉
Additionally, if your child has a fever and isn’t responsive, contact your child’s medical provider immediately.
At Suncoast Urgent Care, we offer prompt care for fevers in adults and children. Contact us today for more information.