Running Hot — The Benefits of Getting Help for a Fever

A fever is a side effect of many types of illness and disease. Because a fever can be a warning sign of something serious, it’s always best to seek an accurate diagnosis when your body temperature is running hot.

The medical team at Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic offers urgent care services when you have an unexplained fever and need expert care. They recommend a visit for a full health evaluation if you develop a fever and other unusual symptoms that signal an underlying medical problem.

Why you might have a fever

Your normal body temperature hovers around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Some people may have a temperature that’s slightly higher or lower the average.

However, if you’re not feeling well and you have a higher than average temperature, you’re considered to have a fever — a sign your body is fighting off a type of viral or bacterial infection or inflammatory condition.

You can also develop a fever if you have heat exhaustion, a condition where sun exposure or strenuous activity causes your body to overheat.

Following immunizations or the start of a new medication, it’s common to develop a fever. This is especially common in children and generally doesn’t require treatment.

When to seek help for a fever

At the first sign of a fever, it’s important that you take over-the-counter medications and get some rest to see if your fever subsides. You can also take a cool bath or shower to help bring down your body temperature more efficiently.

If home care isn’t treating your fever or if your temperature climbs to 103 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s important that you get an accurate diagnosis from the team at Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic to prevent complications.

A health evaluation is also necessary if you develop a fever in conjunction with symptoms like:

• Chronic fatigue
• Sweating or chills
• Changes in your appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Persistent diarrhea or constipation

Children with any type of fever need to see a doctor as soon as possible, especially infants and toddlers and those with underlying health conditions. Uncontrolled fevers in kids can increase their risk for seizures and other potentially serious medical complications. 

Benefits of urgent care for a fever

The Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic staff make your health a priority. They offer several on-site services to determine the root cause of your fever. In addition to a full health evaluation, the providers can administer blood or urine tests in-office to quickly identify underlying infections or illness.

Some of the benefits of a prompt diagnosis for a fever include:

Timely treatment

An accurate diagnosis of a fever ensures you get the care you need quickly. Without treatment, infections can spread throughout your body and increase your risk for more serious health complications.

Identification of underlying health issues

If you have an underlying health condition, a fever may be the first warning sign that something is wrong. Because a fever can indicate anything from a mild cold or flu to a chronic disease, it’s important that you have the proper testing to get a timely diagnosis.

Better safe than sick

Even if the root cause of your fever isn’t anything that requires treatment or is a cause for concern, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult with the knowledgeable medical team at Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic.

You can visit the clinic as a walk-in or schedule an appointment ahead of time online or by phone to request an evaluation for a fever.