Are you feeling sick? Many illnesses are circulating already for the season, so chances are that you are experiencing some unpleasant symptoms. One of those symptoms could certainly be a fever!

If you have a fever, your body is working hard to overcome whatever illness you have, but sometimes they can make us feel even worse while they are present. Our AFC Urgent Care Monroe Rd. team explains the importance of fevers below, so keep reading!

What Do Fevers Do?

Our bodies naturally maintain an internal temperature of around 98.6 degrees. Our daily temperatures can fluctuate a little around this baseline, so an official fever diagnosis does not occur until your temperature reaches 100.4 degrees or higher. But many fevers don’t need to be treated. When you develop a fever, your body is working hard!

It has recognized an invader is present, so your temperature rises to create a less hospitable environment for the infection to spread and replicate. The rise in temperature also encourages more white blood cell production and kicks your immune system into high gear. The human body is so cool! While fevers are generally beneficial for us, they can make us feel downright sickly.

Possible Fever Side Effects

• Elevated body temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher
• Chills, shivering or shaking
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Sweating or flushed skin

Should I Be Concerned About a Fever?

In most cases, fevers don’t indicate an emerging medical emergency. While they are inconvenient, they typically don’t last longer than three days at most. If it fails to go away or comes and goes for days, keep an eye on it. Any fevers that reach 103 degrees or higher are considered high-grade fevers and need to be investigated by a medical provider.

While rare, high-grade fevers can start to damage our internal systems. Over time, it can lead to organ damage or even brain damage. Remember, this is a rare occurrence, but it can still happen. Most fevers can be successfully treated with fluids, rest and some OTC medication.

Red Flags Accompanying Fevers

• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• High fever with a rash
• Seizures
• Dehydration

Do you have a fever that just won’t break? Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Monroe Rd.