Laguna Beach Urgent Care

You Have A Fever – Should You Visit Urgent Care in Dana Point?

Posted on Apr 7, 2018 in Urgent Care | No Comments

One of the single most common symptoms of illness is a fever – the sudden increase in a person’s body temperature. A fever never occurs by itself; it’s a natural part of the body’s reaction to illness. If there is a fever, it’s guaranteed that there is some disease causing it to happen.

The issue is deciding how severe a fever is. Some fevers will pass without any care needed. Some are so serious they require an ER visit. Some, in the middle, are best treated by an urgent care clinic in Dana Point. It isn’t always easy to decide what sort of fever you have, so we wanted to offer this quick guide.

Knowing How Serious Your Fever Is

First, to establish the basics: The normal human body temperature is 98.6 °F or 37°C. The clear majority of people will regularly stay very close to this mark, although there might be minor variations. A fever, therefore, is generally defined as being a body temperature of 99°F (37.22°C) or higher.

A fever is considered serious and should be taken to an Emergency Room if:

  • An adult’s temperature rises above 102°F (38.88°C) for a prolonged period
  • An infant’s temperature ever rises above 100.4°F (38°C)
  • The fever lasts for several days without breaking
  • The fever continually rises in temperature
  • You have recently traveled to a foreign country

Also, go to the ER if the fever is accompanied by skin rashes, sensitivity to light, mental confusion, chest pains, or uncontrollable vomiting.  In these situations, “better safe than sorry” is the best policy.

On the other hand, you can visit urgent care in Dana Point if:

  • The temperature is moderately high but prolonged
  • A toddler has a fever for more than a day or two
  • There are flu-like symptoms such as coughing or a sore throat
  • There’s an ear-ache
  • There is moderate vomiting or diarrhoea

What If Your Body Temperature Drops?

While rare, it is possible for the body temperature to drop below 95 °F (35 °C) – called hypothermia. This is always a serious condition which should be referred directly to the Emergency Room.

Surfside Urgent Care in Dana Point Is Here to Help

Surfside is dedicated to providing quality medical care at reasonable prices to those with medical issues that aren’t immediately life-threatening. If you need us, just visit – walk-ins are welcome!

Disclaimer:

Please note that our Urgent Care Facilities might not be able to treat all conditions similar to those described here and these patients are referred to a local emergency room if a high-level of care is required.