When to Go to Urgent Care for Fever Treatment?

A fever is a common symptom that often indicates your body is fighting an infection. While many fevers can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications, there are certain situations when visiting Prima Urgent Care is advisable.

You should consider coming to Prima Urgent Care if your fever is 103°F (39.4°C) or higher and does not respond to medication, or if it lasts more than three days without improvement. Our experienced providers can evaluate your symptoms and offer appropriate treatment. Additionally, seek urgent care if you experience any of the following, along with a fever:

• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Confusion
• Seizures

People with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, or those who have recently had surgery should also be cautious and seek medical advice at Prima Urgent Care if they develop a fever. Our healthcare professionals at Prima Urgent Care are here to help you and your family get the care you need, when you need it. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, illness, or need preventive care, our compassionate team is dedicated to providing personalized treatment in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Trust us to deliver high-quality healthcare that fits into your busy schedule and helps you feel better faster.

The threshold for seeking urgent care for a fever depends on age, underlying health conditions, and accompanying symptoms, not just the number on the thermometer.

Here’s a clear breakdown:

• For Adults
Seek urgent care if the fever is ≥103°F (39.4°C) or persists for more than 3 days.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these occur:

• Fever ≥104°F (40°C)
• Severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, or seizures
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Rash or signs of dehydration
• Severe abdominal pain

For Children

• Infants under 3 months: Any fever ≥100.4°F (38°C) requires immediate medical evaluation.

• 3–12 months: Fever ≥102°F (38.9°C), especially if the child is irritable, lethargic, or not feeding well.

• 1–3 years: Fever ≥104°F (40°C) or a fever that lasts more than 3 days.

• Any age child: Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing, seizures, persistent vomiting, dehydration, or unusual sleepiness.

Other Considerations

• People with weakened immune systems (e.g., chemotherapy, transplant, HIV) should contact a doctor at lower fever thresholds.
• Chronic conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease also warrant earlier attention.

At Prima Urgent Care, we understand that a high fever can be worrying, which is why our experienced team is ready to provide fast, compassionate care. Whether it’s a sudden spike in temperature or concerning symptoms, we’re here to evaluate, treat, and give you peace of mind when you need it most.

If you have a mild fever, you may be wondering whether it’s necessary to seek medical attention at Prima Urgent Care. In most cases, a mild fever—typically defined as a body temperature between 100.4°F (38°C) and 102°F (38.9°C)—does not require immediate medical evaluation and can often be managed at home. Fever is a common response to many minor illnesses, such as the common cold or mild viral infections, and is part of your body’s natural immune defense.

We recommend monitoring your symptoms carefully. Be sure to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and consider over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help you feel more comfortable. However, Prima Urgent Care is here for you if your mild fever is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Confusion
• New skin rash

These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition that requires prompt attention. Most mild fevers in otherwise healthy individuals can be managed at home. Our experienced team at Prima Urgent Care is here to provide you with the care and peace of mind you need. If your fever persists or is accompanied by severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or a rash, it’s important to seek medical attention. We offer prompt evaluations and treatments to help identify the underlying cause and ensure you receive the appropriate care. Whether it’s a viral infection or another condition, we’re here to support your recovery and guide you through your healing process.

Urgent care can play an important role in evaluating and managing a fever caused by a viral infection. While most viral infections, such as the common cold or seasonal flu, typically resolve on their own without the need for antibiotics, it is essential to determine the underlying cause of the fever. Urgent care providers are trained to assess the patient’s overall health, rule out more serious bacterial infections, and identify any warning signs or complications that might require immediate medical attention. This careful evaluation ensures that patients receive the right level of care promptly, rather than waiting at home and risking worsening symptoms.

In addition to diagnosis, urgent care centers provide effective symptom management for viral fevers. Medical professionals can recommend or administer fever-reducing medications, offer guidance on proper hydration, nutrition, and rest, and provide advice on safely monitoring the patient’s condition. They also educate patients and caregivers about what to expect during the course of the illness, how to watch for signs of complications, and when to escalate care to an emergency room if necessary. This combination of professional evaluation and practical support helps patients feel more comfortable and reduces unnecessary anxiety during a viral illness.

At Prima Urgent Care, our experienced and compassionate team is dedicated to providing timely evaluation and supportive care for patients with fevers caused by viral infections. We focus on delivering thorough assessments, personalized guidance, and reassurance to ensure every patient feels confident in their care plan. By addressing both the medical and emotional aspects of managing a fever, Prima Urgent Care helps patients recover safely, comfortably, and with peace of mind, making urgent care an accessible and reliable option for families and individuals alike.

At Prima Urgent Care, Susane Njomo, a board-certified nurse practitioner, is committed to providing comprehensive care for fever management. She begins by thoroughly evaluating your symptoms to determine the underlying cause of the fever, whether it’s a viral infection, bacterial infection, or another condition. Susane ensures that you receive the most effective treatment plan, whether it’s medication to lower the fever or guidance on managing symptoms at home.

In cases where fever is accompanied by concerning symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or dehydration, Njomo will provide prompt interventions and advice on next steps. Her goal is to offer you peace of mind and the best care possible to ensure a swift recovery. With her compassionate and professional approach, Susane helps you navigate through your fever and get back to feeling your best as quickly as possible.

For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3903 Fair Ridge Dr Suite Q, Fairfax, VA 22033. We serve patients from Fairfax VA, South Riding VA, Dulles VA, Chantilly VA, Stone Ridge VA, Oakton VA, Legato VA, Burke VA, Oak Hill VA, Lees Corner VA & BEYOND! Our Fairfax location is close to Fair Oaks Hospital, Fair Oaks Mall, and Greenbriar Shopping Center.