Persistent Fever in Kids: When to Choose Urgent Care vs. Telemedicine

A fever can make any parent worry — but how can you tell if your child needs urgent care or if a telemedicine visit is a better choice? Read on to learn when each option makes sense, so you can help your child get better as quickly as possible.

Fever is a common reason why many parents seek medical care for their kids, and for good reason: While fever is part of the body’s natural defense response against infection and germs, it can also cause serious health complications. Having a skilled medical team on your side is the best way to protect your child.

Today, telehealth makes it easier than ever to get the care you need to keep your child well, but there are times when an urgent care visit is the better choice. Fortunately, our team at Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy provides both options. Here’s how to decide which is better for your child’s needs.

Fever 101: Understanding the basics

Most fevers happen in response to infection: By heating up your body a degree or two, your immune system makes your body inhospitable to many germs that thrive and multiply at normal body temperature. That’s why in most cases, mild fevers under 102°F can be safely managed at home with fluids, rest, and a little TLC.

That said, there are circumstances that make medical care essential. For instance, if your child’s fever lasts for more than two or three days, rises to 104°F or higher, or is accompanied by other symptoms, like lethargy, breathing troubles, or nausea, it could be a sign of something more serious.

If your child has a fever, don’t just focus on the number on the thermometer; watch how your child acts and looks. If they’re eating and drinking normally, getting plenty of rest, and still responsive and alert, their fever might not be anything to worry about. But if they’re becoming dehydrated or appear weak or unusually fatigued, it’s absolutely time to visit our team.

When to choose telemedicine for a fever

Telemedicine has become a trusted, effective, and convenient way to get skilled, professional medical guidance without leaving home. When it comes to managing your child’s fever, it can be an ideal choice for symptoms that are mild or have recently appeared.

If your child has a low-grade fever and minor symptoms, like a runny nose or scratchy throat, a virtual visit with our team can help relieve those symptoms and determine if your child needs additional care or in-person testing or treatment.

During a telemedicine appointment, we review your child’s symptoms, evaluate them visually using your device’s camera, and recommend appropriate care options based on your child’s needs. With telemedicine, your child can continue to rest at home while still getting the care they need to manage mild illness.

When a fever warrants an urgent care visit instead

On the other hand, an urgent care visit is typically a better option if your child has a high fever, if their fever has rapidly spiked, or if it’s persistent, lasting more than a couple days. It’s also a good choice if your child has symptoms like a severe sore throat, swollen neck glands, vomiting or diarrhea, a severe headache, or breathing difficulties.

Dehydration can happen rapidly in kids, too, so if your child has little or no interest in eating or drinking, or if they show signs of dehydration, like infrequent urination or dry lips, you should bring them in right away.

During an urgent care visit, our team reviews your child’s symptoms, performs a physical exam, and runs lab tests on the spot. Once those test results are in hand, we can prescribe medicine targeted at the specific illness or germ for fast relief.

Sometimes, a combination approach is best. Many parents have an initial visit with our team via telehealth, then come into the office if we recommend testing or an in-person evaluation.

The best medical care for your ill child

No matter which option you choose for your child, you can rest easy knowing our team will provide the most skilled and appropriate care for their health and well-being. If your child has a fever or any other signs of illness, or if you’d like to schedule a well visit for your child, we’re here to help.

Request an appointment online or over the phone with Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy in Kihei, Kahului, and Lahaina, Hawaii, today, or visit our walk-in clinic anytime.