Having a fever from an illness can majorly impact your day-to-day life. Everyone is familiar with the body aches, shivers, and general discomfort that comes with a fever. Unfortunately, fevers are a common symptom of many different illnesses. This is because a fever is a part of an immune response that your body reacts when it is fighting off an infection. Fevers raise your body temperature to kill off any pathogens, however, they can cause severe discomfort.
If you’re suffering from a fever, it is important to seek medical treatment. Fevers indicate an infection that may require medical care. At AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction, our board-certified medical providers are equipped to provide same-day care for a variety of common illnesses. Simply walk into our clinic at 1942 E Main St in Cortez, CO - or pre-register in advance online using the button below.
Common Causes of a Fever
A fever is caused by an immune response. When your body senses an intruder such as a virus or bacteria it reacts and takes measures to neutralize the threat. In some cases, your body can successfully fight off the infection easily. However, if the infection is severe, your body may heat your body up to a higher temperature to try to kill the pathogens causing the infection.
There are many different kinds of illnesses that can lead to a fever. In healthy individuals, fevers tend to be caused by severe infections such as bacterial infections or the flu. However, there are some individuals who are more likely to experience a fever for a minor illness including the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals.
When to Seek Medical Care for a Fever
Fevers are your body's way of protecting itself by killing off any pathogens that are infecting your body. Fevers are not harmless though. Fevers can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms including chills, body aches, and lack of appetite. Fevers tend to be short lived and last a few hours to a day. However, having your body temperature raised for more than a day can be harmful. This is especially true for anyone with a weakened immune system. If your fever has not resolved after a day or is over 105°F - seek urgent medical care in the emergency room.
Fever Treatment
Treating a fever usually requires treating the underlying infection. Fevers can be caused by a variety of different infections. Understanding exactly what is causing the fever will allow for the most effective course of treatment and the fastest recovery. In order to stay comfortable while you’re sick, there are a variety of over-the-counter fever-reducing medications available. You should always speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medication to manage a fever. Resting and staying hydrated is the best way to allow your body to fight off the infection as quickly as possible.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Cortez for Illness Symptom Diagnosis & Treatment in Cortez, CO
Fevers can be an indication of a serious illness. If you have a fever, AFC Urgent Care Cortez is here to provide same-day illness care. Our clinic is open 7 days a week and accepts walk-in patients daily for patients who live in Cortez, CO, or any of the surrounding communities. Simply walk into the clinic for affordable and convenient same-day care. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable rates for our care. For additional information about the illnesses that we treat, contact the clinic directly by calling (970) 516-5500.
