Child Fever: Same-Day Help

Managing Child Fever: When to Consider Urgent Care

Fever in children is one of the most common reasons parents seek medical help. While most fevers are not dangerous, they can be alarming — especially when they appear suddenly or come with other symptoms. At Marpeh Urgent Care & Family Health Center in Niles, IL, we offer same-day visits and short-term pediatric support to help families manage these situations with confidence.

What Is a Fever in Children?

A fever is the body’s natural response to infection. In children, a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is considered a fever. It can be caused by:

• Viral infections (like colds or flu)
• Bacterial infections (such as strep throat or ear infections)
• Teething (in infants)
• Immunizations
• Overheating

Most fevers resolve on their own, but some may require medical attention.

When to Visit Urgent Care for a Child’s Fever

At Marpeh Urgent Care, we can evaluate and treat many fever-related concerns that do not require an emergency room visit. Please consider a same-day urgent care appointment if your child:

1. Has a fever lasting more than 3 days
2. Shows mild to moderate signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers)
3. Has a rash, mild breathing discomfort, or persistent but not severe vomiting Is more tired or irritable than usual, but still responds to you

⚠️ Call 911 or go to the Emergency Room right away if your child:

• Has severe difficulty breathing
• Is unresponsive, very hard to wake, or shows sudden confusion
• Has a stiff neck, seizure, or other concerning neurological signs
• Appears severely dehydrated (no urination for 8+ hours, sunken eyes, dry lips)
• Shows any alarming signs or symptoms

What You Can Do at Home

While waiting for care or monitoring mild symptoms, here are some practical steps:

1. Keep your child hydrated — offer water, clear fluids, or electrolyte drinks
2. Dress them lightly — avoid heavy blankets or clothing
3. Use fever-reducing medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (based on age and weight)
4. Monitor temperature regularly and note any changes in behavior

Why Choose Urgent Care for Pediatric Fever?

Urgent care centers like Marpeh Urgent Care are ideal for non-life-threatening but time-sensitive issues. We offer:

• Walk-in availability
• Same-day evaluation
• Short-term pediatric guidance
• Referrals to pediatricians or specialists if needed

Visit Marpeh Urgent Care in Niles, IL

If your child has a fever and you’re unsure what to do, visit Marpeh Urgent Care & Family Health Center for fast, compassionate help. Our team is ready to assist with same-day care and child-focused support.

Discover how we support families with short-term pediatric care!