When To See A Doctor For A Fever

If you or your child has a fever, it’s not an immediate cause to rush to the emergency room. Fevers are not always serious, and a fever is not actually an illness. A fever typically a symptom of an illness, which may or may not call for a doctor visit. There is no magic number on the thermometer that tells you when it’s time to call the doc versus treat with over-the-counter medication, but there are a number of circumstances to consider.

Call the doctor if your fever is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

Fever persists beyond 48 hours
An infant 3 months or younger has a temperature of 100.3F or above
Diarrhea or vomiting for 12 hours or with evidence of blood
Cough that produces green, yellow, brown or bloody mucus
Night sweats or swollen lymph nodes with a fever that comes and goes
Fevers (even low-grade) that come and go for longer than five days
Sore throat and fatigue with mild fever
Sore throat and headaches that lasts beyond 48 hours
Earache
Recently started new medication and have no other symptoms of illness
Temperature maintains at 103 degrees or above despite medicine or cooldown efforts like a cold compress or cool shower

A fever could be a sign of an emergency situation if it is accompanied by the following symptoms:

Severe headache
Time spent in heat and the inability to lower your temperature after cooling efforts like a cold drink and cool compress
Feeling disoriented or confused
Strange rash that appears to worsen or spread
Continuous vomiting
Chest pain or breathing difficulties
Seizure
Vomiting, nausea and extreme stomach pain
Burning sensation or pain during urination, may be partnered with back or stomach pain
Uncommon sensitivity to light

What Is A Fever?

A fever is the body’s natural way of fighting off an infection and isn’t a sickness; it’s the sign of an illness. You just have to determine how serious the sickness is to decide if a doctor’s visit is necessary. Because a fever could be signs of a larger health issue, it’s recommended to go to a doctor near you if the fever persists for two days or more without breaking so a medical professional can evaluate your overall health.

Kids And Fevers

It’s natural to be concerned as a parent when your child develops a fever, but being mindful of their behavior more than the number on the thermometer will help know if you should call the doctor. Unless your child is 3-months-old or younger, try a fever-reducing medicine before rushing to the hospital (see note above about infants under three months with a temperature). Try a fever-reducing medicine and evaluate any changes. If the fever continues and your child is unable to hold down food, has a severe stomachache or a headache and is low in energy, it’s time to call the doctor.

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