Urgent Care for Fever

Everyone spikes a fever now and then. A rise in body temperature is often a sign that your immune system is fighting off an infection or other illness. Often, a fever comes down on its own as germs leave your body. But sometimes a fever is a sign of a health problem that requires treatment. Mass General Brigham emergency medicine doctor Joseph W. Kopp, MD, explains when you should seek medical care for a fever.

What is a fever?

Health care providers consider a fever to be a temperature at or above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). “We consider 98.6 degrees F (37 degrees Celsius) to be a normal body temperature,” says Dr. Kopp. “But some people have body temperatures that can run higher or lower. It doesn’t mean they have a fever.”

It’s common to have other symptoms when you have a fever, such as:

• Body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Sweating or flushed face

How to take your temperature

There are several types of thermometers to take body temperature. “Digital oral thermometers you hold in your mouth provide the most accurate readings,” says Dr. Kopp. But digital rectal thermometers are best for infants and children younger than 5 who can’t hold an oral thermometer in place. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the thermometer to get the best results.

You can also use one of these thermometers, although their results may not be as accurate:

• Ear (tympanic) thermometer
• Forehead thermometer
• Infrared thermometer
• Under-the-armpit thermometer

Your body temperature naturally fluctuates throughout the day. It’s often lower in the morning, and then gradually rises as you’re more active. To monitor a fever, it can be helpful to take your temperature at different times during the day. “You can keep a record of the time of day and temperature reading to share with your provider, but don’t average the readings,” says Dr. Kopp.

Common causes of fever

Some common causes of fevers include:

• Bacterial infections, such as strep throat or urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Ear infections
• Viral infections, such as colds, flu, and COVID-19
• Immune system response to immunizations
• Autoimmune diseases

When should you seek medical care for a fever?

You should call your primary care provider (PCP) if you or your child has:

• Temperature at or above 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) or above 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) in infants younger than 12 weeks old or in people with suppressed immune systems
• Fever that doesn’t improve with medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Fever that lasts more than 5 days
• Confusion or behavioral changes
• Racing heart rate or difficulty breathing
• Seizure
• Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination or sunken eyes
• Skin rash
• Stiff neck

Your doctor's office can recommend next steps and assist with any urgent issues. Many Mass General Brigham primary care practices for adults and children offer same-day, in-person, and virtual visits. If you don’t have a PCP or no appointments are available, virtual urgent care can be a good option.

When should you seek virtual urgent care for a fever?

Mass General Brigham Virtual Urgent Care providers care for patients aged 3 and up, including those who haven’t seen a Mass General Brigham provider before. Both new and current patients can schedule a virtual urgent care visit for that day or the next day on Mass General Brigham Patient Gateway.

“A virtual urgent care provider learns more about your symptoms and medical history to determine a probable cause of the fever,” says Dr. Kopp. “The provider may recommend coming to urgent care to get testing for a viral or bacterial infection or for an in-person visit to check for an ear infection or other cause.”

Your virtual urgent care provider notifies the urgent care about your visit. If you just need a test, you can walk in and get it without having to talk to a provider again. If you need a physical exam, the urgent care provider will have the information from your virtual urgent care appointment, helping to expedite your visit.

Treating fever at home

Many fever-inducing illnesses improve within 3 to 4 days. In the meantime, these actions can help you feel better when you have a fever:

• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Drink lots of water, electrolyte drinks, and other fluids to stay hydrated.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Soak in a lukewarm bath or take a lukewarm shower.
• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to temporarily lower body temperature.

Seek prompt medical attention if a fever persists, worsens, or occurs with symptoms mentioned above.