Fevers are a symptom of an infection that can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like body aches, chills, fatigue, loss of appetite, and more. A fever is an immune response that your body activates in response to an infection. Fevers raise your body temperature to kill off the pathogens that are making you sick. However, having a fever that lasts longer than 24 hours or is over 105℉ can pose a risk to your health in some cases. Keep reading to learn more about what causes a fever and when to seek medical care for treatment.
If you’re sick, walk into AFC Back Bay. Our walk-in urgent care clinic is conveniently located at 575 Boylston St. in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. We maintain short wait times and never require that you schedule an appointment in advance. Simply walk into the clinic for same-day care.
What Causes a Fever
Fevers are an immune response that is meant to kill off infections. Pathogens that cause infections like bacteria and viruses cannot survive in our bodies above a certain temperature. Your immune system will raise your body temperature to kill off any pathogens that are making you sick.
Although fevers are your body's way of protecting itself, they can cause unpleasant symptoms. Raising your body temperature can interrupt organ function and lead to symptoms like chills, body aches, headaches, nausea, loss in appetite and more.
How Long Should a Fever Last
If you’re sick and have a fever, it is important to know how long you can expect your symptoms to last. In most cases, a fever will resolve on its own within 24 hours. How long and how severe your fever is will depend on the pathogen that your body is fighting off. Viruses like colds can cause a short-lived low-grade fever that lasts only a few hours. More severe infections like the flu or a bacterial infection may cause a higher fever that lasts longer.
When to Seek Medical Care
If your fever lasts more than 24 hours, you should seek medical treatment. For severe infections, you may need medical treatment to avoid complications. Similarly, you should seek medical treatment if your fever is over 105℉. Raising your body temperature this high can cause lasting damage to your organs. Your medical provider will be able to evaluate your symptoms and perform any necessary diagnostic testing to determine the best course of treatment to get you on the road to recovery.
Visit AFC Back Bay for Same-Day Illness Care in Boston, MA
If you’re feeling under the weather and experiencing illness symptoms such as a fever, it is important to seek medical treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Back Bay, our walk-in urgent care clinic is equipped with an on-site lab for rapid diagnostic testing and accurate treatment. Our clinic is open 7 days a week, including weekends, from 8am to 8pm. We never require that you schedule an appointment. Simply walk-in when it's convenient for you!
