Infections and Fever Treatment Clinic Q&A

If your child is experiencing a high fever (over 102ºF) for two days or more, or if any of these symptoms accompany a fever, seek medical attention immediately:

• Abdominal pain
• Cannot keep fluids down
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Does not look well
• Does not urinate
• Experiences burning while urinating
• Not eating
• Rash
• Stiff neck

For fever in adults, seek medical care right away if they are experiencing a fever that lasts longer than two days, or if the fever is accompanied by any of these symptoms:

• A headache pain you’ve never felt before
• Abdominal pain
• Burning during urination
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• If you may have a compromised immune system
• If you have recently had chemotherapy

Infections can develop in any type of wound. Wounds can be surgical and made during an operation or caused by an injury or trauma. Traumatic wounds could be a result of accidents, falls, bites, fights, or weapons. They may be cuts, abrasions, lacerations, or grazes. Developing an infection is more likely in certain types of wounds. Wound infections can be prevented. An infected wound may:

• Become more painful, instead of gradually improving.
• Look red around the skin edges, which may feel warm or hot.
• Look swollen.
• Ooze a yellow material (pus) that may have a foul odor.
• If the infection continues to spread, the redness will develop in more areas of the skin. You may feel a general state of illness or unease (malaise), with a temperature and aches and pains.

Yes, infections are one of the primary causes of fevers. When your body is fighting off an infection caused by a virus or bacteria, the body temperature is raised and this manifests as a fever. Common infections that cause fevers include influenza, meningitis, encephalitis, and sinus infections.

While urgent care clinics are great healthcare facilities to receive a broad range of care, they are not designed to handle emergency situations. In the case of an infection and a high fever, this can quickly lead to a serious situation and should be handled as such. When an infection causes a high fever (over 102ºF), especially in children, it is imperative to visit the ER, as an urgent care facility is not equipped for medical emergencies.

If you or someone you know has an infection, come to Columbia Clinic Urgent Care for treatment today. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating infections and fevers and can help you get on the path to wellness. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Tibbetts St Portland, Milwaukie OR, Oak Grove OR, Stark Street Portland, Fairview OR, Happy Valley OR, Gladstone OR, Cedar Mill OR, Tigard OR, Lake Oswego OR, Tualatin OR, Oregon City OR.