Fever in Adults and Children: When it is Necessary to See a Physician

A fever can be mild. Often, you can have a fever as your body tries to fight off an infection. You can have a fever because of common colds, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and other infections. But, if you have a concerning fever that gives you a very high temperature, you should see your physician right away. 

When to See a Doctor?

You need to visit your doctor if you are feverish for at least 48 hours and suffer diarrhea or vomiting for more than 12 hours. It is also a major concern to have a fever that comes and goes as well as gives you night sweats. If your temperature stays above 103 degrees even if you have taken medication and other measures to cool your body down, you must go to your doctor. 

Moreover, you may need emergency medical care for a fever that comes with a serious headache, mental confusion. chest pain, breathing difficulties, neck pain and stiffness, as well as persistent vomiting. You should also seek immediate medical attention if you experience seizures, serious stomach pain, unusual sensitivity to light, and pain when urinating. 

Experiencing a mild fever for one or two days is not a major cause of concern; however, if it makes you more uncomfortable than the first day, you must see a doctor. Use a thermometer to monitor your temperature. Sometimes, your fever and its symptoms may subside on their own. But, if your symptoms get worse, you should not delay your visit to a doctor.

Low-Grade Fever vs High Fever

You have a fever if your body temperature is above 100.4 F. A low-grade fever is when the body temperature is between 100.4 and 102.2 F. Often, a low-grade fever does not require treatment unless it is suffered by a young infant or when it comes with other concerning symptoms. This fever can be brought down by bathing in lukewarm or cool water or wearing minimal clothing. Also, it is important to consume lots of fluids to hydrate the body. 

On the other hand, high fever is when the body temperature rises above 102.2 F, which indicates a more severe infection. The majority of fevers will resolve in a few days; however, it might be important to see a doctor if the fever does not respond to medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. 

Fever in Children

Children can have high fevers frequently because of their susceptibility to infections. Although fevers in children don’t always mean something serious, you should take your child to a doctor if you are worried and unsure. Sometimes, a call to a doctor’s office is enough to give you the answers you need. 

Your child’s body temperature does not tell you how sick they are, so stay calm whenever your child has a fever. Your little one can have a 105 F body temperature and be running around the house playing. Other children can have 100.4 F and be seriously sick. Regardless of your child’s temperature, you must contact their doctor if they are breathing fast and hard, irritable, vomiting, and not sleeping or eating well.