Fever

A fever is a sign that your immune system is fighting disease or inflammation. If you’re concerned about a possible fever, contact Wesleyan Urgent Care in Owensboro, Kentucky, where Sara Doolin-Thompson, DNP, and the team can find the root cause of your fever and offer treatment. Call the office immediately when you have a high fever, or use this website to book an immediate appointment.

When should I be concerned about a fever?

The average body temperature is 98.6°F. If you’re an adult and your temperature is higher than 100.4°F, you have a fever. Whether a child is found to have a fever depends on how temperature is measured. 

A fever indicates that your body is fighting an infection. 

Not all fevers need to be lowered. The rise in temperature is a normal response, and sometimes your body needs to run the fever to get rid of potential disease or infection. 

Mild fevers that are just a couple of degrees higher than average aren’t usually of major concern, but if you are an adult with a fever above 102°F, it should be treated. Children who have a fever above 100.2°F should also be monitored.

For fevers accompanied by seizures or convulsions, visit your nearest emergency room immediately. Adults with a fever above 105°F and children with one above 103°F should also seek emergency care.

What causes fevers?

A fever usually indicates infection from a virus or bacteria. It can also be caused by:

• Colds
• Certain inflammatory conditions
• A malignant tumor
• Certain medications, like those to treat high blood pressure or seizures
• Heat exhaustion
• Some vaccinations

Fevers are a way for your body to reset your internal temperature. As a result, your body warms up, but soon you might feel cold and experience shivering and chills.

What fever signs should I look out for?

Fevers are sometimes accompanied by:

• Chills or shivering
• Body aches and pains
• Weakness and fatigue
• Sweating
• Headache
• Flushed or red face and cheeks
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Dehydration

Fevers can last a few days and usually break on their own. Over-the-counter medications can help reduce your fever as well. Sara and the team at Wesleyan Urgent Care can help you determine the best ones for your case.

How do you treat fevers?

If you have a high fever, Sara and the team conduct a thorough physical exam to determine the likely cause. If you have a mild fever, rest and increased hydration can help ease any discomfort.

The team may also recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to relieve uncomfortable symptoms. Prescription medications, like antibiotics for a bacterial infection or antivirals for viruses, may be required for your fever. 

If you’re concerned about fever, reach out to Wesleyan Urgent Care to get quick medical attention. Call today or use this website to book an appointment.