As the number on the thermometer rises, so does your level of concern. Whether it’s you or your child experiencing a fever, it can be quite scary as you pass 100… 101… then 102. However, fevers are not always bad or cause for concern. Despite the common misconception that fevers are bad, they are not actually harmful – they are your body’s way to make it less hospitable for viruses and bacteria.
Fevers: When Should You Be Concerned?
A fever is medically defined as when the core body temperature exceeds 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. But how do you know when a fever is cause for concern and you should seek medical attention? There are a few variables, but we’ve broken it down by age to help you determine whether you should come in for an exam.
In teens and adults, severe fevers are cause for concern when they exceed 103°, or if they last more than seven days and are not improving with over-the-counter medicines. Seek immediate medical attention in these cases.
No matter the age, treatment should be sought for fevers that occur with the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Difficulty swallowing
- Drooling
- Excessive vomiting
- Headaches
- Hot and swollen areas of the skin
- Leg swelling
- Neck stiffness
- Painful urination and/or blood in stool
- Rash or hives
- Seizures
- Sore throat
- Trouble breathing
For infants under three months of age, every fever needs medical attention. This is because the immune system in infants is underdeveloped, putting them at a greater risk for pneumonia and other diseases. Many times, the only visible sign of a serious illness in such young babies is a fever, but one of our nurse practitioners can detect subtle symptoms upon a thorough medical exam.
Signs of dehydration such as diapers that aren’t as wet as normal or a sunken soft spot on the head, especially when accompanied by a fever, need to be evaluated by one of our healthcare professionals.
For babies over four months, toddlers, and children, seek medical attention if the fever exceeds 103° and lasts more than five days without improvement from over-the-counter fever-reducing medicines, or if the child is just not acting like him- or herself.
In children, illnesses or infections that cause fevers can lead to dangerous levels of dehydration, and high fevers can even lead to febrile seizures. These complications are easily avoided with intervention from healthcare professionals, so err on the side of caution, especially with children.
Most of the time, fevers are a naturally occurring part of fighting off minor illnesses and infections, and are merely uncomfortable. However, they may point to more dangerous or even life-threatening conditions, so trust your feelings for your child and for yourself. If something just doesn’t’ seem right when a fever is present, seek medical attention.
Our knowledgeable and compassionate nurse practitioners at FamilyCare of Kent are ready to help you or your children when fevers occur. We can determine the cause and establish a treatment plan to bring fevers down and fight off the germs that have you feeling ill.
Certified Nurse Practitioner Kathy Kleiver has been in the nursing field since 1973. She has helped many patients and parents find relief from high fevers, colds, the flu, and other illnesses. Call (253) 859-2273 today or request an appointment online, to meet with Kathy or one of our other outstanding nurse practitioners at FamilyCare of Kent.