Fever Treatment & COVID-19 Testing in Stratford, CT
A fever is a warning signal from your body, which is telling you that something isn’t quite right. Additional symptoms may include chills, shivering, sweating, headache, and general achiness. Loss of appetite, irritability, dehydration, and weakness are also common.
At PhysicianOne Urgent Care in Stratford, Connecticut, we’re often asked, “What is considered a fever?” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a fever as a body temperature of 100.4°F or higher. Usually, a low-grade fever is not a cause for alarm—it simply means your immune system is working hard to fight off an infection, and that’s a positive thing.
When To Seek Medical Attention for Fever
If you’re feeling feverish, your best course of action is to rest in bed and stay well-hydrated. However, the CDC recommends seeing a doctor if you have:
- A body temperature higher than 101°F for more than two days
- A body temperature higher than 101°F that does not respond (at least partly) to an over-the-counter fever reducer, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- A body temperature higher than 103°F under any circumstances
- Headache with a stiff neck
- Persistent coughing
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Facial pain
- Skin rash
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Yellow or greenish nasal discharge
Most likely, your fever is a symptom of a viral or bacterial infection. A health care provider can diagnose the cause and suggest appropriate treatment, if necessary.
Could It Be COVID-19?
Of course, you’re probably aware that fever is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Because the virus that causes COVID-19 is highly contagious, you’ll need to take steps to avoid spreading it to others if you are infected. The only way to know for sure is to be tested, and the team PhysicianOne Urgent Care can take care of that for you. If you have any concerns, request a Virtual Visit, and we’ll let know you if you need to come in for a drive-up COVID-19 test.
If you’re running a fever and would like to consult a health care provider, contact PhysicianOne Urgent Care in Stratford today. Our professional and friendly team will be pleased to help you get back on the road to wellness.
