When a Fever Warrants a Trip to Urgent Care

Although fevers are common, they can be overwhelming, particularly for children. Unsure when to seek medical help versus relying on rest and hydration? Our experts have the answers.

Have you ever wondered when a fever can go away with hydration and rest or when it's time to rush to urgent care?

Urgent care is for injuries and illnesses that aren't life-threatening yet cause a lot of distress. Think of having to deal with a broken leg. Emergency care is for life-threatening conditions such as stroke.

Our experts at Pediatric Practitioners of Oklahoma understand the worry of many parents who, at some point in their lives, will see their babies feverish and won’t know what to do next. To help you out, we asked them when a fever warrants a trip to urgent care.

Understanding what a fever is

Fevers help fight diseases as long as they don’t get too high.

When your child’s temperature rises, white blood cells in their bone marrow are prompted to take action. Their role is to destroy pathogens. Higher temperatures also help T cells (cells that identify pathogens), as they move faster when the body is warmer.

Most animals have this defense mechanism. Those who can’t regulate their temperature internally often seek areas where they can bathe in the sun so they can raise their temperature using heat from external sources.

Temperatures vary from individual to individual, but anything above 100.4°F is considered a fever.

Children are more sensitive to high fevers

While most adults get better on their own, children may need to see a medical provider as soon as they see a sign of an infection.

Signs your child benefits from a trip to urgent care include:

Fever of 100.4°F or higher for children under the age of 3
No tears when crying
Restlessness and irritation
Headaches
Tummy pain

In some rare cases, fevers may prompt emergency care; this happens if your child’s fever is accompanied by the following:

Difficulty breathing
Severe vomiting
Severe diarrhea
Severe headache
Fever of 105°F or higher

Children are more sensitive to certain medications. Aspirin isn’t recommended for children as it can cause Reye syndrome, a disease in which the brain and liver swell. Always follow your medical provider’s recommendations regarding the dosages and types of medications used to lower fever.

Get peace of mind by scheduling an appointment with us

Seeing your child distressed is no fun, especially since children’s bodies are much more sensitive than adults'.

So, if you are unsure what to do next, give us a call to schedule an appointment. We offer same-day sick visits. You’ll be able to speak with a medical provider on the same day you call us and ensure your child is taking the right medication and doing well.