5 Reasons to Seek Urgent Care for a Fever

A fever is usually a sign that your immune system is at work fighting something. In a lot of cases, that fever goes away on its own within a few days once your body beats the infection.

That said, there are some instances in which a fever should warrant a trip to the doctor — and soon. That’s where our providers at Triad Internal Medicine come in. With expertise treating a broad range of illnesses at our two offices in Asheboro, North Carolina, we can help you figure out what’s behind your fever. We make our urgent care services available via appointment or walk-ins, so you can get the medical attention you need if your fever comes with other concerning signs.

Visit us as soon as possible if any of the following applies:

#1: Your fever tops 102.4 degrees Fahrenheit

A fever is considered high-grade when it reaches 102.4 degrees Fahrenheit or more. At this point, it’s a serious risk to your health. If you see the thermometer reach this mark or higher, come see our team as soon as possible.

If it hits 105, go to the emergency room. 

#2: The fever is accompanied by specific other symptoms

If the fever isn’t the only symptom you’re experiencing, carefully monitor what else you’re feeling. The fever could be a sign of a serious health concern if you have it along with:

• Neck pain or stiffness
• Difficulty breathing
• Night sweats
• A cough that produces green, yellow, or bloody mucus
• Seizures/convulsions
• Sensitivity to light
• Loss of consciousness
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• A severe headache
• Pain when urinating
• A rash

Also, if you have severe pain anywhere in your body, especially if that area’s swollen or hot to the touch, it’s worth a trip to see our team. You might have a serious infection in that area that your body is trying to fight — and it may need help. 

#3: The fever doesn’t respond to medication

Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen and ibuprofen should help to moderate your fever. If you take one of these and your fever doesn’t get lower within a day, see a doctor. 

#4: It’s been more than three days

If your fever isn’t getting better and it’s been a few days, it’s time to get a medical professional involved. At the three-day mark, your immune system should have taken care of whatever it’s fighting. If you still have an elevated temperature, it could indicate that you need additional treatment to clear up whatever’s going on. 

#5: You just started a new medication

If you get a fever shortly after starting a new prescription, come visit our office. It’s highly likely that your body is having an adverse reaction to the medication.

That said, don’t stop taking that medication until you talk to us. Some drugs require you to wean off them to safely stop taking them. 

If any of these signs accompany your fever, come see us as soon as you can. Schedule an urgent care appointment with our team at Triad Internal Medicine or simply walk into either of our offices in Asheboro, North Carolina.