Should You Go to the ER or an Urgent Care if you have a Fever?

When Should You Go to the ER or an Urgent Care with a Fever?

Fevers reveal themselves in multiple ways. Headaches, muscle aches, sweating, and the chills are all the familiar signs of a fever that we know and dread. However, a fever is actually only a symptom of an illness – it is not an illness in itself. Therefore, a fever is the body’s way of fighting an infection.

So, what exactly is a fever?

Doctors classify a fever as having a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) and higher. Chemicals are produced by your body in response to an invasion from a microorganism or other intruder, which causes your body temperature to rise. As a result, your body readies itself by producing antibodies to ward off the infection. (As a positive, your body will recognize the infection if it returns and be more prepared to fight it in the future.)

It is essentially up to the body to then maintain its normal body temperature after the fever hits. The brain, skin, and blood vessels all play important roles when it comes to lowering your body temperature. In order to accomplish this, your body will either increase or decrease sweat production, depending on necessity. Blood will also be regulated as needed, either moving closer or farther from the skin.

These are some conditions that can cause a fever:

• Infectious diseases (such as the flu, strep throat, pneumonia, or chickenpox)
• Heat stroke
• Certain kinds of cancer
• Some autoimmune diseases
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Brain disorders
• Some kinds of medications
• Blood transfusions
• Dehydration
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Overexposure to sunlight, or a bad sunburn

When is a hospital visit necessary?

Rest is usually the best solution for most adults and kids with a fever of under 102 degrees F. Keep your room cool, but not cold, and drink plenty of liquids.

Here are some signs that it is time to skip the home care solutions and immediately visit an emergency room or urgent care center (also known as a walk-in clinic) instead:

• You have a temperature of about 105 F
• You are wheezing or having a difficult time breathing.
• Your speech is altered or confused.
• You are experiencing a sudden skin rash, blisters, or a red streak on your arm or leg.
• Your lips appear blue or discolored.
• You have a history of serious illness such as heart disease, AIDS, cancer, or diabetes.
• You have extreme pain in your lower abdomen.
• You have a severe sore throat and/or have coughed up blood.
• You are vomiting repeatedly, along with stomach pain and persistent diarrhea.
• You experience pain while urinating.
• Your sore throat and/or headache lasts for more than 48 hours.
• You are experiencing convulsions or seizures.

The Heights Is One Of The Most Recent And Innovative Urgent Care Walk-In Clinics In Redford, MI. Our Mission Is To Provide Cost-Effective Professional Medical Services To Our Friends In Need In Redford, MI And The Surrounding Areas. Visit The Heights For Your Minor Injuries And Illnesses.  We Are Located In Redford Michigan. Click Here For Hours And Directions.