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Everyone gets a fever from time to time. It’s your body’s natural response to infection, and it often goes away on its own. But sometimes, a fever is a sign of something more serious, and knowing when to seek urgent care can make all the difference in how quickly you recover.
At Maniya Health in Hamilton, Hopewell, and Robbinsville, New Jersey, our urgent care, which is certified by the Urgent Care Association of America, offers same-day and walk-in visits.
Our team shares guidance on when to go to urgent care for a fever.
A few facts about fevers
A fever isn’t a condition; it’s a symptom of something else going on. A fever is a temporary rise in your body temperature, usually caused by an infection.
A normal body temperature is around 98.6°F, but anything above 100.4°F is considered a fever. Your body heats up to help fight off germs, such as viruses or bacteria.
Common fever symptoms include chills or shivering, sweating, headache, body aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
You'll likely have other symptoms depending on what’s causing your fever. For example, strep throat may cause a fever and a sore throat, while an infected tooth may cause tooth pain, facial swelling, and a fever.
When a fever needs medical attention
You don’t always need to rush to the doctor for a fever, but here are some signs it’s time to go to urgent care:
Your fever is very high
If your temperature is 103°F or higher, getting checked out is a good idea, especially if it doesn’t go down with medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Your fever has lasted for several days
Fevers that last longer than three days could mean your body is fighting a more serious infection, like the flu, strep throat, or even pneumonia.
You have concerning symptoms
Go to urgent care if your fever is accompanied by:
- Rash
- Stiff neck
- Trouble breathing
- Severe headache
- Confusion
- Sensitivity to light
- Chest pain
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
These symptoms could be signs of serious conditions like meningitis or a severe infection.
What happens at urgent care if you have a fever?
When you visit our urgent care for a fever, our medical team will take your temperature and vital signs, ask about your symptoms and how long they’ve lasted, and run tests if needed, such as a flu swab, strep test, COVID-19 testing, RSV test, or chest X-ray.
Your treatment may include medication such as antibiotics, fluids, or referrals to a specialist if necessary.
Don’t wait — get peace of mind
Fevers can be uncomfortable, and it’s not always easy to tell when they’re serious. If you’re unsure, it’s better to be safe.
Walk in or call ahead — we’re ready when you need us.