Should You Risk a Crowded Urgent Care With Your Child’s Persistent High Fever?
Short answer
It depends. If your child’s high fever is persistent and other worrisome symptoms develop, urgent medical evaluation may be needed, but the risks of crowded waiting rooms should be weighed against the need for prompt care.
Context
Parents worry about exposing their child to other illnesses in crowded urgent cares but don’t want to delay care if high fever could signal something serious.
When it might be safe
- Going to urgent care if the child is alert and symptoms are stable but cannot be managed at home
- Using a mask and practicing hand hygiene in the waiting area
- Choosing a less crowded time or clinic if possible
- Confirming estimated wait times with staff before arriving
When it is not safe
- Crowded waiting rooms may increase risk of catching other infections
- Children may be exposed to COVID-19, flu, or RSV
- Delaying care too long if symptoms worsen can be risky
- Missing signs of severe illness at home without in-person evaluation can be dangerous
Possible risks
- Fever above 39°C for over 24 hours can indicate underlying infections
- Dehydration, lethargy, or breathing trouble could develop
- Long waits may cause distress or fatigue for a sick child
Safer alternatives
- Call an on-call pediatrician or nurse hotline for advice
- Use telemedicine if available for initial assessment
- Monitor for red-flag symptoms like trouble breathing, unresponsiveness, or seizures, which require immediate ER visit
- Ask urgent care clinics about quieter/minimally crowded times
- Consider at-home fever management with over-the-counter medications as advised by your provider
Bottom line
Bottom line: Persistent high fever in a child may need prompt evaluation, especially with concerning symptoms. If your child has trouble breathing, is unresponsive, has a seizure, or shows any severe symptoms, go to the emergency room or call emergency services immediately. If immediate evaluation is necessary and no safer alternatives exist, urgent care may be justified—just take extra precautions to limit exposure.
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