When to Go to the ER with a Fever

A fever is a temporary increase in body temperature. When a fever occurs, it means that something isn’t right in your body. A fever is commonly a sign that your body is trying to fight off a virus or bacteria. The higher temperatures signal from a part of the brain known as the hypothalamus, responsible for controlling your body temperature.

The average normal body temperature is around 98.6 F (37C). The higher temperature associated with a fever makes your body a less welcoming host for replicating bacteria and viruses. When you’re suffering from a mild fever, it’s usually a good sign that your immune system is working normally. However, infections aren’t always to blame for a fever. In some cases, fever can be a sign of alcohol withdrawal, amphetamine abuse, environmental changes, and more.

Generally, mild fevers usually go away within a few days or hours. Over-the-counter medications can also help lower a fever. However, fever shouldn’t be ignored, especially in children. If you have a body temperature of 39.4 C or higher or your child has a slightly elevated temperature, you should seek immediate treatment in an ER near me.

Symptoms of Fever

If your body temperature rises beyond the normal range, about 98.6 F (37C), you likely have a fever. However, your normal temperature can vary by a degree or more. Your fever tends to be lower in the morning and slightly higher in the late evenings and afternoons.

To take your body temperature, you can use a variety of thermometers such as oral, ear (tympanic), forehead (temporal artery), and rectal. Rectal and oral thermometers provide the most accurate results.

Depending on the underlying cause, additional signs and symptoms to watch out for include:

• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Chills and shivering
• Sweating
• Irritability
• Dehydration
• General weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Febrile seizures in children

Causes of Fever

Generally, fever is caused by:

• A virus and bacterial infection
• Heatstroke and exhaustion
• Certain inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis cause an inflammation of the lining of the joints.
• A malignant tumor
• Some medication like antibiotics and medication used to treat seizures and high blood pressure
• Immunizations including diphtheria, acellular pertussis (DTaP), tetanus, and pneumococcal vaccine

In some cases, the underlying cause of fever may be impossible to diagnose.

When to Visit the ER for a Fever

While having a fever is a good sign that your immune system is at work, sometimes a fever can rise to unhealthy levels. For instance, if a fever rises to 105°F or higher, it exposes the body’s proteins and fats to temperature stressors, interfering with their functioning. Prolonged exposure can cause complications such as cellular stress, neurosis, delirium, infarction, and seizures.

To prevent these conditions from happening, below are signs that you warrant a visit to the nearby ER.

• Babies and children