Dependable Care for High Fever in Southern California

Experiencing fever is a normal part of life. Your body temperature increases as a response to infections like the common cold, changes in the environment, and certain medical conditions. However, a body temperature too high can be a sign of a serious condition. Our skilled emergency services staff at Dignity Health is trained to ease the symptoms of a high body temperature and diagnose the underlying cause of high fever in Southern California.

If you or someone you care for has a body temperature over 103, 104 for children, or 100.4 rectally for infants three months and younger, visit an emergency department at Dignity Health Southern California.

Symptoms of Fever

If you have a high fever, you may have loss of appetite and experience chills, sweats, body aches, and weakness. These symptoms usually get better with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication. 

To care for symptoms of a high fever at home, follow these tips:

• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
• Dress in layers
• Eat what you can
• Rest 

When to See a Doctor at Dignity Health Southern California

A fever becomes a medical emergency if it lasts more than 48 hours or is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Abdominal pain
• Purplish-red, dotted rash
• Shortness of breath, or rapid pulse or heart rate
• Confusion or hallucinations
• Seizures
• Dehydration
• Unusual drowsiness or lethargy 

The symptoms above require immediate medical attention, especially if you have a chronic medical condition or have recently traveled outside of the US.

Rely on the emergency departments at Dignity Health Southern California to carefully assess and treat your high fever with promptness and compassion.

Around-the-clock emergency services at Dignity Health diagnose and treat high fever in Southern California.