No one wants to think about sickness striking during the summer months. But unfortunately, it can—and it does.

While some sickness comes with a variety of symptoms, sometimes only a fever is present. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Knoxville wants you to understand what a fever means and when it is time to seek medical attention.

What Is a Fever?

When your body temperature goes above 98.6 (which is considered normal), you are considered to be running a fever. But there are different grades of fever, depending on the temperature.

If your temperature is above 98.6 but under 100.4, you are thought to have a low-grade fever. If your fever is above that, it’s important to seek medical attention, particularly if you’re also experiencing symptoms associated with fever.

Signs of a Fever

• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Shivering
• Sweating

Can I Treat a Fever at Home?

Some fevers can be treated at home by drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough rest, applying a cold, damp washcloth on the forehead, and taking an over-the-counter medicine.

But there are some signs that indicate you definitely need medical attention to determine the underlying cause of your fever.

When to See a Doctor for a Fever

• Your temperature is 103 or higher.
• The fever has lasted more than three days, whether low- or high-grade.
• You have other symptoms, such as severe headache, throat swelling, skin rash, mental confusion and/or vomiting.

Have you had a fever for a while and nothing seems to work to stop it? Visit AFC Urgent Care Knoxville today for a medical evaluation to get you back to feeling your best.