Now that the kids are back in the school rhythm once more, we hope you are, too! All of the homework, activities, sports and chores come back with a vengeance and life as a parent gets busier once again.

It always seems like once you have your routine nailed down that someone in the household gets sick. While there are many different illnesses circulating about at any given time, one common symptom across those illnesses is a fever.

Fevers may be frightening, but most of them are actually helpful! Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Hickory team explains what fevers are and how they can actually help your child feel better in the long run.

Why Does a Fever Happen?

Your body’s goal is always to maintain homeostasis, which is a tricky word that basically means “in balance.” Infections are something that naturally don’t occur in our bodies, so as soon as one appears, our bodies jump into action to get rid of it. A fever is part of this natural immune response process.

Infections can’t grow and replicate as easily in warmer environments, so our body temperature will start to rise as a defensive mechanism. As our bodies fight the infection, the fever will eventually fade away. If your child is feeling OK other than experiencing an elevated temperature, feel free to let the fever work to help your child recover faster.

Possible Illnesses That Produce Fevers

• Influenza
• Ear infections
• Chickenpox
• Respiratory infections
• Urinary tract infections

When Will My Child Start to Feel Better?

All illnesses are different and all people fight off infections differently, but fevers only last until your body starts to win the war against the infection. Typically this timeframe is a couple of hours to a few days. In the meantime, keep taking his or her temperature to make sure it isn’t going too high and encourage rest and fluids.

If your child’s fever reaches 103 degrees or lasts longer than three days, it may indicate a more serious condition and you should come see us. We can evaluate your child and we will all work together to make sure your little one is taken care of.

Symptoms of a Serious Fever

• Sensitivity to light
• Confusion
• A spreading rash
• Seizures
• Stiff neck

Fevers can be frustrating to deal with at home. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Hickory any day of the week.