A mother comforting her child and checking her temperature for a fever.
You probably know that the average body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. However, normal body temperature varies from person to person and fluctuates throughout the day. A fever is when your body temperature is higher than normal, usually 100 degrees F or higher.
Although fevers are a common response to illness or infection, there are times when a fever should be cause for concern — especially for babies and young children — and warrants a trip to the hospital.
When to go to the emergency room for a fever
Fever isn't usually dangerous, and minor fevers will generally run their course within a few days. But there are certain signs you should look for to determine whether you or a loved one should go to the emergency room.
When should I bring my child to the ER for a fever?
It can be scary when your child has a fever, but it's a good sign that their immune system is fighting off infection. You can check your child's temperature many different ways including by mouth (oral), armpit (axillary), forehead (temporal), ear (tympanic) or rectal.
You usually will not need to give your child fever-reducing medicine unless they are in pain or uncomfortable. It can also be helpful to call your child's pediatrician before taking them to the emergency room. However, a fever of 105 degrees F or higher in any child is considered a medical emergency, and you should go to the emergency room immediately.
Newborns to Adolescents
Call your doctor if your child has a temperature of 100.4 degrees (38 degrees Celsius) or higher. You should go to the emergency room if your child has a fever and any of the following symptoms:
- Rapid or difficult breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty waking up
- Nonstop crying (inconsolable)
- Rash
- Vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Inability to urinate
- Abdominal pain
- Stiff neck
- Seizure
- Severe headache
When should an adult go to the ER for a fever?
Fever in healthy adults isn't usually dangerous. But, if your fever reaches or surpasses 103 degrees (39.4 C) and is followed by any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention:
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Painful urination or urine that smells bad
- Seizure
- Severe pain (abdominal pain, headache, muscle pain)
Fever in those with autoimmune diseases
Recurring fever is a common symptom of many autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. When you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Fever occurs as a result of your body trying to fight off a perceived infection or illness. Some medications can also cause fever as a side effect. These types of fever will usually last a few days, but you should still call your doctor if you have a high fever with other symptoms, such as dizziness, fatigue or vomiting.
Fever after travel
Getting sick after returning home from a vacation or travel abroad is common. Many people develop a fever after a trip, often due to a viral infection. Fever is common for people returning from areas where malaria is prevalent, including the Caribbean, Central and South America, south central and Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa.
Malaria occurs when you are bitten by a mosquito infected with parasites, which then enter your bloodstream. It is important to start treating malaria as soon as possible once a diagnosis is confirmed. So, if you start experiencing a fever or other concerning symptoms after travel, it's a good idea to see a doctor for an evaluation and treatment.
While most fevers will go away on their own, knowing when to go to the emergency room for a fever is critical. Prompt treatment can make a huge difference in outcomes, especially for young children.