Fever in Adults and Children: When to Worry and When to Visit the ER

Fever in Adults and Children When to Worry and When to Visit the ER1 iCare ER & Urgent Care

A mild fever often means your immune system is doing its job. If you’re healthy and alert, a slightly elevated temperature may not be a reason to panic. However, a higher or persistent fever can signal a more serious illness that requires medical attention.

Because so many conditions cause similar symptoms, it’s not always easy to know what’s behind a fever. At iCare ER & Urgent Care, with convenient locations in Frisco, Fort Worth, and Forney, our board-certified doctors provide fast evaluation, testing, and treatment for both adults and children.

Below, we’ll cover what causes a fever, how long it typically lasts, and when it’s best to visit urgent care or the emergency room.

What Is a Fever?

Normal body temperature for most adults falls between 97 °F and 99 °F. A temperature of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher is generally considered a fever according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Common symptoms that may come with a fever include:

  • Sweating and chills

  • Headache

  • Muscle aches and fatigue

  • Loss of appetite

  • Dehydration or weakness

To check temperature accurately, use a reliable thermometer—oral, ear, rectal, or forehead scanners are all acceptable options. (Mayo Clinic)

Fever in Adults and Children When to Worry and When to Visit the ER2 iCare ER & Urgent Care

What Causes a Fever?

Fever is the body’s natural way of fighting infection. When your immune system detects a virus or bacteria, it raises your internal temperature to make it harder for germs to survive.

Common fever causes include:

  • Viral infections such as the flu, RSV, or COVID-19

  • Bacterial infections including pneumonia, strep throat, or urinary tract infections

  • Heat exhaustion or dehydration

  • Gastrointestinal illness (“stomach bug”)

  • Recent vaccinations, especially in children

(Mayo Clinic: Fever Causes)

If fever comes with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or confusion, it may indicate a more serious underlying problem that needs medical attention.

How Long Does a Fever Last?

The length of a fever depends on what’s causing it and the person’s overall health.

  • Viral fevers, such as influenza, usually last 2–4 days.

  • Bacterial fevers often continue until treated with antibiotics.

  • Prolonged fevers, lasting over a week, may point to deeper infections or other illnesses.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a fever that persists for several days, worsens, or comes back after improving should always be checked by a healthcare professional.

If your child’s fever lasts more than 3–4 days or your own fever doesn’t improve with rest and fluids, visit iCare ER & Urgent Care for evaluation.

How High Is Too High?

A temperature around 102 °F can be uncomfortable but is usually manageable with rest and hydration. A fever of 103 °F or higher is considered high-grade and should be evaluated by a medical provider. (Cleveland Clinic)

In infants younger than 3 months, any fever over 100.4 °F (38 °C) requires immediate medical care. (Mayo Clinic)

Prolonged or very high fever can lead to dehydration, confusion, and—in rare cases—seizures. Getting care early helps prevent these complications.

When to Visit the ER for a Fever

While many mild fevers can be treated at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications, certain signs mean it’s time to go to the emergency room.

Go to the ER or call 911 if you experience:

  • Fever of 103 °F or higher

  • Fever with chest pain, trouble breathing, or confusion

  • Severe abdominal pain, headache, or neck stiffness

  • Rash that spreads rapidly

  • Seizure or inability to stay awake

  • Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration

  • Any fever in an infant under 3 months

(Mayo Clinic – First Aid for Fever)

At iCare ER & Urgent Care, our emergency physicians can quickly identify the cause of your fever, run on-site tests and imaging, and start treatment immediately. If a patient’s condition is critical, our ER team will stabilize and safely transfer them to the nearest hospital for ongoing care.

When to Visit Urgent Care for a Fever

For mild or moderate fevers, our urgent care services are often the right choice.

Visit urgent care if:

  • Your fever is below 103 °F but not improving

  • You have accompanying cold or flu symptoms

  • You suspect strep throat, ear infection, or urinary tract infection

  • Your child’s fever lasts longer than 3 days

  • You want a medical evaluation for peace of mind

Our urgent care centers in Frisco, Fort Worth, and Forney provide rapid testing for flu, COVID-19, strep, and other infections. Results are typically available within minutes, allowing our team to create an immediate treatment plan.

How Fever Is Treated

Fever treatment depends on its cause. At iCare ER & Urgent Care, your visit may include:

  • Medical evaluation and vital signs check

  • Laboratory testing, such as blood work or urinalysis

  • Imaging (like chest X-rays) if an infection is suspected

  • Fluids to prevent dehydration

  • Antibiotics or antivirals when appropriate

  • Fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

(Mayo Clinic – Fever Treatment)

Our clinicians will guide you on at-home care, when to return for follow-up, and how to manage a fever safely for yourself or your child.

Fever in Children and Infants

Fever in young children is common, but parents should know when to get help.

For children:

Seek care if your child’s fever:

  • Lasts more than 3–4 days

  • Comes with rash, lethargy, vomiting, or refusal to eat

  • Reaches 103 °F or higher

  • Causes signs of dehydration or fast breathing

For infants:

Any fever in a baby under 3 months requires immediate evaluation. Babies’ immune systems are not yet developed enough to fight infections safely without medical help.

(American Academy of Family Physicians)

Our pediatric-trained teams at iCare ER & Urgent Care know how to evaluate fevers in infants and children quickly and gently, ensuring they receive the right level of care.

feed a cold starve a fever image from a persons point of view looking down at a thermometer in left hand and holding a spoon in a soup bowl with right hand

Home Care Tips for Mild Fevers

If your fever is low-grade and you’re otherwise healthy, home care can help you feel better faster:

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, electrolyte drinks, or clear broths. (Mayo Clinic)

  • Rest: Allow your body to recover. Overexertion can raise temperature.

  • Dress lightly: Avoid heavy blankets or overheating.

  • Take fever reducers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can lower temperature and ease discomfort.

  • Monitor temperature: Use a reliable thermometer and keep track of changes.

If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a few days, come to iCare for a full checkup.

Why Choose iCare ER & Urgent Care

With clinics in Frisco, Fort Worth, and Forney, iCare ER & Urgent Care offers both urgent and emergency services under one roof. Whether your fever is mild or severe, our dual-hybrid model ensures you get the right level of care without delay.

What sets iCare apart:

  • On-site labs and imaging for faster results

  • Board-certified emergency physicians on staff

  • Family-friendly environment for adults and children

  • Seamless ER-to-hospital transfer if needed

Our goal is to treat your fever quickly, identify the cause, and help you recover safely—so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.

When in Doubt, Get Checked

Most mild fevers go away with rest, but high or persistent fevers should never be ignored. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and ensures the right treatment.

Visit iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco, Fort Worth, or Forney for prompt, compassionate care from our experienced medical team.

References

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