Fever

A fever is a body temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, and it is usually a sign the body is fighting an infection. A high fever, above 103 degrees, feels miserable but is rarely dangerous by itself. Age, other symptoms, and how the person is acting matter more than the number.

What Is It

Most fevers come from viral infections like colds, the flu, COVID, and stomach bugs. Bacterial infections, like strep, ear infections, UTIs, and pneumonia, also cause fever. Fever helps the body fight germs. In babies under 3 months, any fever needs to be checked right away.

Symptoms

Temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher
Chills and shivering
Sweating as the fever breaks
Headache and body aches
Tiredness and poor appetite
In kids, fussiness, flushed cheeks, or fast breathing

Not sure what is causing the fever? Fever with body aches and cough is often the flu. Fever with ear pain in a young child may be an ear infection.

Treatment

At your visit: The goal is to find the cause of the fever. Testing may include flu, COVID, strep, and urine tests, and sometimes a chest X-ray. Treatment depends on the cause, along with fever control and fluids.

At home:

Drink plenty of fluids
Rest, and dress in light layers
Use fever reducers as directed on the label for the person’s age and weight
Never give aspirin to children or teens

Most fevers from viral infections last 2 to 3 days.

When to Get Care for a Fever

Watch at Home

A fever under 103 degrees in an older child or adult who is drinking and acting okay
A fever that comes down with medicine
Lasting less than 2 days

Come to Urgent Care Today

A fever of 100.4 degrees or higher in a baby 3 to 6 months old
A fever above 103 degrees, or lasting more than 3 days
Fever with ear pain, sore throat, burning when peeing, or a bad cough
Fever with signs of dehydration
A fever that went away and came back

Go to the Emergency Department

Any fever of 100.4 degrees or higher in a baby under 3 months
Fever with a stiff neck, severe headache, or confusion
Fever with trouble breathing or blue lips
Fever with a rash of purple spots that do not fade when pressed
A child who is very hard to wake or will not stop crying

FAQ

What temperature is a high fever?

A high fever is generally 103 degrees or higher. Any fever of 100.4 degrees or higher in a baby under 3 months needs to be checked right away.

When should I worry about a fever in an adult?

Worry about a fever in an adult when it is above 103 degrees, lasts more than 3 days, or comes with a stiff neck, confusion, trouble breathing, or a rash.

How long does a fever last?

A fever from a viral infection usually lasts 2 to 3 days. A fever lasting more than 3 days should be checked to look for a bacterial infection.

Should I treat a fever or let it run?

A fever does not always need medicine. Treat it when it makes you or your child uncomfortable, using the dose on the label for age and weight.

Can urgent care treat a fever?

Yes, urgent care can find and treat the cause of a fever. Vitality Urgent Care offers testing for flu, COVID, strep, and UTIs, and X-ray is available on site.

When is a fever an emergency?

A fever is an emergency in a baby under 3 months, or when it comes with a stiff neck, confusion, trouble breathing, or purple spots that do not fade.

Last reviewed October 2026