Fever itself is not an illness but rather a natural reaction of the body signaling that it is fighting off an infection. However, a high fever or one that comes with other concerning symptoms can often cause panic.

Many people immediately consider going to the hospital when they experience a fever. However, it’s important to recognize the right time to visit the emergency room (ER) and when a trip to a clinic is sufficient.

What is Fever?

Fever occurs when body temperature rises above the normal range. The standard body temperature falls between 36-36.8°C. A temperature of 38-38.9°C is classified as a mild fever, while anything above 39°C is considered a high fever.

Fever is a sign that the immune system is actively working to combat infections, such as those caused by viruses, bacteria, or other inflammatory conditions. Some common triggers for fever include flu, reactions to vaccinations, malaria, dengue fever, urinary tract infections, abscesses, and more.

When the body detects an infection or another threat, the immune system sends signals to the brain to increase body temperature. This rise in temperature helps create an unfavorable environment for bacteria or viruses, thereby slowing their growth and activating more immune cells to fight the infection.

When Should You Visit a Clinic for a Fever?

A visit to a clinic is typically necessary if you experience a mild to moderate fever with the following conditions:

• The fever lasts for no more than three days but remains high despite taking fever-reducing medication.
• There are no emergency symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, seizures, or confusion.
• The fever is accompanied by mild symptoms, such as a cough, runny nose, or sore throat.
• The affected person is a child who remains active or a healthy adult with no underlying serious health conditions.

When Should You Go to the Emergency Room for a Fever?

The ER is meant for handling emergencies. While most fevers are not severe, there are instances when immediate medical attention is required, including:

• Extremely high fever (above 40°C), which can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children and elderly individuals.
• Fever accompanied by seizures.
• Fever combined with other critical symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, severe shortness of breath, confusion, fainting, loss of consciousness, intense chest pain, or an unusual skin rash.
• Fever that persists despite taking fever-reducing medication and continues to worsen over time.
• The presence of underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders.

Before deciding whether to visit a clinic or the ER, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, apply warm compresses, and take fever-reducing medications as recommended.

If your fever does not subside or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. You can also seek professional medical advice through the Ai Care health consultation service, available for download on the App Store and Play Store.

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