Fever in Kids: When to Bring Your Child to Urgent Care (Fort Lauderdale Parents’ Guide)

A fever in a child is one of the most common reasons parents seek care — and one of the most anxiety-provoking. This practical guide helps Fort Lauderdale parents decide when to manage a fever at home, when to visit Pronto Urgent Care, and when to go to the ER. You’ll also find clear first-aid steps, what to bring, testing options (flu/COVID/strep), and what to expect during a visit.

What Is a Fever? Quick Facts

• Fever = body temperature higher than normal; often a sign the body is fighting infection.
• Normal temperature varies but is typically around 98.6°F (37°C).
• Fever thresholds (by method):
  • Rectal: ≥100.4°F (38°C) — most accurate for infants
  • Oral: ≥100.4°F (38°C)
  • Tympanic/ear: ≥100.4°F (38°C) (variable in young children)
  • Axillary/underarm: lower than rectal — use with caution

Fever itself is not always dangerous — it’s a symptom. Focus on how the child looks and behaves, not just the number on the thermometer.

How to Accurately Measure Temperature

• Infants (under 3 months): use a rectal thermometer — it’s the most reliable.
• Toddlers & older kids: oral (if cooperative), tympanic (ear) or temporal artery thermometers are convenient.
• Avoid relying only on underarm readings for decisions in infants.
• Always follow the thermometer manufacturer’s instructions and clean it between uses.

Age-Based Guidance: When to Call or Go In

Newborns & infants (0–3 months)

• Any fever ≥100.4°F (38°C) — call your doctor or go to urgent care / ER immediately. Infants are at higher risk for serious bacterial infections.

Infants 3–6 months

• Fever ≥101°F (38.3°C) or any fever with poor feeding, extreme sleepiness, or unusual irritability — call or seek care.

Children 6 months – 2 years

• If fever is high (≥104°F / 40°C), persistent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms (see Red Flags), seek care.

Children 2 years and older

• For mild fevers and normal activity, home care is usually appropriate. Bring to urgent care if fever persists >48 hours, worsens, or the child looks ill.

Red Flags — When You Should Go to the ER Now

Seek emergency care (or call 911) if your child has any of the following:

• Trouble breathing, very fast or very slow breathing
• Blue lips or face, or signs of poor circulation (cool, mottled skin)
• Severe, persistent vomiting or cannot keep fluids down
• Extremely sleepy, difficult to wake, or new confusion
• Seizure (new onset febrile seizure that doesn’t stop) lasting >5 minutes
• A bulging fontanelle in infants (soft spot) or severe dehydration signs
• Stiff neck with fever (possible meningitis)

When in doubt — trust your instincts. It’s better to get checked than to wait.

When to Bring Your Child to Urgent Care (Pronto Fort Lauderdale)

Urgent care is a great option when a child has a fever plus non-life-threatening symptoms such as:

• Persistent fever >101°F despite home measures, lasting >24–48 hours
• Fever with ear pain, sore throat, or cough (possible strep, flu, or pneumonia)
• Mild dehydration (decreased urine output, dry lips) needing assessment and oral fluids or IV fluids for moderate dehydration
• Fever with localized pain (ear infection, urinary symptoms)
• Your child had a febrile seizure but returned to baseline quickly — follow-up evaluation recommended

Why choose Pronto Urgent Care in Fort Lauderdale? We offer:

• Pediatric-friendly staff and exam rooms
• On-site rapid testing (flu, COVID-19, strep) and basic labs
• X-ray available if a related injury is suspected
• Walk-in convenience and shorter wait times compared to ER

If your child shows moderate symptoms but is stable and you want fast, affordable evaluation — come to urgent care.

Home Care Tips for Fevers

1. Keep them comfortable: lightweight clothing, light blankets only if shivering.
2. Hydration: small, frequent sips of water, oral rehydration solutions for vomiting/diarrhea.
3. Antipyretics: acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen as age-appropriate to reduce fever and improve comfort. Follow dosing instructions by weight and age. Do not give aspirin to children.
4. Cool compresses: lukewarm sponging can help; avoid cold baths that can cause shivering.
5. Monitor behavior: playing, smiling, and drinking are good signs even if a fever is present.
6. Rest: allow the child to rest; limit strenuous activity until recovered.

If fever persists >48 hours or symptoms worsen, bring them in.

Testing & On-Site Services at Urgent Care

At Pronto Urgent Care Fort Lauderdale we commonly offer:

• Rapid flu tests — results in minutes; treatment may start same visit.
• Rapid COVID-19 antigen tests and PCR options — fast results depending on test.
• Rapid strep tests for sore throats — immediate results and antibiotics if positive.
• Urinalysis (to check for UTI) when urinary symptoms present.
• Point-of-care blood tests (e.g., fingerstick glucose) or basic labs if ordered.
• IV fluids for moderate dehydration when oral hydration fails.
• Chest X-ray if lung infection or pneumonia is suspected.

If advanced imaging (CT/MRI) or inpatient care is needed, we’ll refer you to the appropriate facility and coordinate the transfer.

What to Bring to Urgent Care & How to Prepare

To make the visit fast and effective, bring:

• Photo ID & insurance card (if available) and method of payment for self-pay families.
• The child’s current medication list and any allergies.
• Recent temperatures and timing of antipyretic doses (helpful to the clinician).
• A copy of immunization records if possible (important for infants and school-age kids).
• Comfort items (toy, blanket) — they help keep children calm during exams.
• If the child had a seizure, note the duration and what you observed.

Pro tip: complete any online check-in or intake forms before you arrive to reduce wait time.

Cost & Insurance — What to Expect

• Urgent Care Visit (self-pay): typically lower than the ER — Pronto offers transparent pricing and self-pay discounts.
• Testing costs: rapid tests (flu/strep/COVID) may be billed separately. Ask about bundled visit + test pricing.
• Insurance: we accept major insurers, Medicaid, and Medicare where applicable — present your card at check-in.
• No insurance? Ask about self-pay options and flexible payment plans.

Always ask for an itemized receipt if you need to submit claims to your insurer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Should I bring my child to urgent care for a fever at night?
A: If the child is stable (breathing normally, drinking, playing a bit), you can often wait until morning — but if you’re unsure or symptoms worsen, come in. Pronto’s extended hours help families after work and school.

Q: Can urgent care treat fever in infants?
A: Infants under 3 months with any fever should be evaluated immediately — many clinics recommend ER or direct physician evaluation for this age group. Call before you go if possible.

Q: Do you treat febrile seizures?
A: Yes — if a child has a febrile seizure but has returned to baseline and is stable, urgent care can evaluate and provide guidance. If the seizure is ongoing or the child is not waking up normally, call 911.

Q: How soon can my child return to school after a fever?
A: Generally, children may return 24 hours after their fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medicine and when they are feeling well enough to participate.