What are typical fever symptoms?  

The average body temperature of a human is around 98-100 degrees Fahrenheit. The body will increase its temperature past this threshold to fight infection, resulting in a fever. Some common symptoms of fevers include:   

  • Sweating  
  • Chills and shivering  
  • Headache 
  • Muscle aches 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Irritability 
  • Dehydration 
  • General weakness  

Not all fevers are accompanied by these symptoms and vary from person to person. However, even though most fevers are not severe, there are moments where they indicate a severe illness. 

How to know if fevers are severe?  

The first thing to remember is that infant and child fevers are much more dangerous than adult fevers. If your infant is younger than three months old, any fever temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit warrants a call to the doctor. If they are younger than 24 months old, then fever temperatures above 102 degrees Fahrenheit is a cause for concern. 

In addition, children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years are at risk for  fever-induced convulsions. Although they sound concerning, most of these seizures have no lasting effects. However, if the seizure lasts more than five minutes, you should call your doctor.  

For adult fevers, a temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit is enough to warrant a visit to the doctor.  

However, other symptoms come along with a fever that signals a more serious condition. For instance, if you have a fever along with a severe headache, a stiff neck, throat swelling or confusion, you may have strep throat or meningitis.   

How to treat fevers and fever symptoms 

Fevers often go away after a few days of rest, but there are things you can do to make you or your loved one more comfortable  while recovering. For example, wearing minimal clothing and bathing in lukewarm or cool water can alleviate some of the heat from your skin. You should also make sure to drink plenty of fluids to counteract the dehydration from sweating. 

If you are highly uncomfortable, medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen is effective in reducing temperatures.   

If you think you’re in critical condition, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you find the best treatment you need. To find a location near you, visit PRESNow247.org/locations. If you feel your condition is a true emergency, call 911.  

Unlike most ERs or urgent care centers in the area, PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care in Albuquerque, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER and urgent care are open 24 hours a day, every day. No appointment is required for in-person visits.

PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care has four convenient locations:

  • PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Paseo/San Pedro is located at 6400 Paseo Del Norte Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, and may be reached at 505-596-2100.
  • PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Coors/Western Trail is located at 4515 Coors Blvd. NW Albuquerque, NM 87120, and may be reached at 505-596-2200.
  • PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Isleta/Rio Bravo is located at 3436 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105, and may be reached at 505-596-2300.
  • PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Menaul/Pennsylvania is located at 7400 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, and may be reached at 505-596-2400.