What is a low grade fever? When should you worry?

What is a low-grade fever?

A low-grade fever is a body temperature of between 100.4 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38 to 38.9 Celsius). A low-grade fever can be indicative of various illnesses such as the flu, strep throat, or a sinus infection. There are varied degrees of severity when it comes to a fever, and we don’t recommend leaving it to chance. In this article, we will explain how to identify a low-grade fever (without just a thermometer), what this means for your health, and when it’s time to visit our urgent care.

Does a low-grade fever mean you are sick?

It depends, a persistent low-grade fever can be occurring for many reasons. A fever is often the body’s first reaction to being sick. It is an immune response to fight off whatever virus, bacteria, or other foreign substance has entered your body. The fever is a sign that your body is trying to regain its homeostasis by actively working on getting rid of the infection. Sometimes, this reaction is triggered when you aren’t “sick.” What some people don’t realize is that a low-grade fever can be caused by stress, fatigue, or allergies.

Long story short, a low-grade fever can provide a wide variety of severity when it presents. What is important is understanding the symptoms, causes, and underlying conditions that cause a low-grade fever so you can properly decide when and if to see a medical professional.

What symptoms accompany a low-grade fever?

When you have a low-grade fever, there are often other symptoms associated with it. Depending on the cause of your fever, common signs of a low-grade fever can include:

strange rash that rapidly worsens
confusion
persistent vomiting
seizures
pain when urinating
stiff neck
severe headache
throat swelling
muscle weakness
difficulty breathing
hallucinations
sweating
body aches and pains
congestion & coughing
chills
loss of appetite

It is important to note that your symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause. What we can tell you is that if you are experiencing a low-grade fever and more than one of these symptoms, it’s time to consider visiting our urgent care. This is a clear sign there may be something wrong, worth treating.

What Causes a Persistent Low-Grade Fever?

A low-grade fever can be caused by a variety of different illnesses. Common causes may include the following:

The Flu
Strep Throat
UTI’s
Autoimmune disease
Thyroid Issues
Respiratory infection
Sinus Infection
Allergies
Stress or Fatigue

What you should expect during a trip to Urgent Care

When you come to our urgent care presenting a low-grade fever, you should expect a prompt and courteous visit. We will take your temperature, and interview you to understand the cause of your fever and any other symptoms that may be present. To treat your condition properly, we will likely recommend blood work and/or other testing as well. This is why it’s important to come in so we can help you prevent further health issues and properly treat your illness.

When to Should I Be Concerned About a Low-Grade Fever?

If your low-grade fever persists for more than 3 days, it is time to come to our urgent care. We can diagnose the cause and provide you with an appropriate treatment plan. Remember, if you are presenting 2 or more of the accompanying symptoms of low-grade fever, its a good sign your body is telling you to get help.

Should I Go to Work With a Fever of 99 Degrees?

No, if you have a fever of 99 degrees or higher, it’s best to stay home. This is the body’s way of telling you that something might be wrong and resting will do your body good. A low-grade fever is less concerning however, 98.6 – 100.4 Fahrenheit should still raise concern. It’s important to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest while the fever passes.

If you are experiencing any type of fever, particularly one that is not passing after a day or two, schedule an appointment at iCare Urgent Care as soon as possible.

Visit iCare Urgent Care in Argyle, TX

At Argyle Urgent Care we are best positioned when treating and addressing the symptoms associated with a low-grade fever. We provide low-cost care accepting many major insurance providers. Additionally, we have available appointments and accept walk-ins with little wait time. When it’s serious or minor. We can get you back on the right track quickly! Visit us today!