High Fever

A fever is a normal, healthy response to infections or other conditions. A normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (F). A fever is anything higher. The temperature for high fever is determined by your age:

• High fever in adults – 103 degrees F
• High fever in children – 104 degrees F
• Go to the emergency room for high fever in infants 3 months old or younger – 100.4 degrees F

This can be a sign of a serious viral or bacterial infection. If you have a high fever, find treatment at Urgent Care Goshen Physicians. We have a team of experienced providers who deliver the convenient, personal care you need.

Our urgent care center is open after hours and on weekends. To make an appointment for a high fever, call (574) 535-1700.

High fever symptoms

Symptoms that often accompany a high fever include:

• Chills
• Body aches
• Weakness or fatigue
• Loss of appetite

See your primary care provider or come to our urgent care center if your high fever lasts more than 48 hours. If you don’t have a primary care provider, our team can connect you with one who can look out for your complete health and well-being.

You should also seek medical care if you have a chronic medical condition or have recently traveled out the country and have a high fever.

Not sure whether to go to urgent care or the ER? If you have serious symptoms, such as hallucinations, severe headache or shortness of breath, with your high fever, seek emergency care.

How our urgent care center treats high fever

Your high fever treatment depends on the cause. Medicines like acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help bring your fever down. Our providers can offer the right care for any underlying infection. We also recommend to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and get plenty of rest to fight infection.

A normal body temperature for kids is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (F). A fever happens when your body temperature rises above this number. It’s your immune system’s response to viral and bacterial infections, such as meningitis, pneumonia or influenza, and other conditions such as heatstroke.

A high fever in children is a temperature above 104 degrees F. A high fever in babies is anything over 100.4 degrees F. If you’re not sure when to go to the emergency room, a good rule is to seek medical care if your child’s temperature is above these numbers.

Also seek medical care for a high fever in children in these situations:

• He or she just received vaccinations. A high fever may be a sign of a severe immunization reaction.
• Your child has a chronic medical condition.
• Your child has been outside of the country recently.

Our team at Goshen Hospital Emergency Department is equipped to treat high fever in children. With experienced physicians and nurses, leading-edge technologies and a compassionate environment, we provide advanced care that prioritizes the well-being of your family.

Symptoms related to a high fever in kids

Along with a high fever, children may also experience chills, sweats, body aches, weakness, fatigue and loss of appetite.

Seek medical care right away for these signs and symptoms:

• Confusion, disorientation or hallucinations
• Symptoms of dehydration, including decreased tear or urine production
• Purplish-red, dotted rash
• Rapid pulse or heart rate
• Severe headache, severe sore throat, stiff neck or abdominal pain
• Seizures
• Shortness of breath
• Unusual drowsiness, lethargy, fussiness or high-pitched crying

Treating high temperature in children

At our emergency room, we diagnose what's causing the high fever and provide the appropriate treatment. If the condition is severe, we may transfer him or her to a qualified children's hospital. We have well-established relationships with nearby facilities and can ensure a smooth transition.

At home, you can help your child feel better with these tips:

• Give him or her children's versions of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to bring down the fever. Ask your doctor which one is better for your child. Don't give your children aspirin due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a life-threatening medical disorder.
• Apply cold compresses or have your child take a lukewarm bath that's slightly cooler than his or her body temperature. Avoid cold baths, which could trigger shivering, and alcohol and other rubs, as they absorb through your child's skin.
• Give your child plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Use layers of clothing or covers for easy adjustment when your child is chilled or breaks into sweats.