What to Do When Your Child Has a Fever: ER vs Home Care

A fever in children can come on fast and feel alarming. It might signal a minor viral illness or point to something more serious.

Victoria ER in Victoria, TX, provides full-service pediatric emergency care 24/7. We typically see most patients within five minutes, and every child is treated in a private, comfortable room by board-certified ER physicians.

Understanding fevers in children

Fever is the body’s way of responding to illness, but it doesn’t always reflect how sick your child is. It matters what caused it, how high it lasts, and how your child is coping.

What is a fever and why does it happen?

A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature — typically 100.4°F (38°C) or above. It’s part of the immune system’s defense response and is most often triggered by infections, both viral and bacterial.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a fever can help the body fight illness by making it harder for germs to survive.

Normal vs. high fever in kids

While mild fevers are common, it’s important to know when they signal something more serious. A temperature of 100.4°F or higher should be taken seriously, especially if it doesn’t improve with medication or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

If your child becomes lethargic, unusually sleepy, irritable, or unresponsive, don’t wait. These signs may indicate more than a simple viral fever.

Visit Victoria ER right away for expert evaluation and prompt treatment from our board-certified emergency physicians, available 24/7 to care for children of all ages.

Common causes of fever in children

Most fevers are caused by common viral infections, such as the flu or the common cold. Others come from bacterial infections like strep throat or ear infections. Some children may develop fevers from pneumonia or urinary tract infections.

If your child also has trouble breathing, becomes unusually tired, or develops a spreading rash, it may be more than a routine illness and should be evaluated immediately at Victoria ER.

How to keep your child comfortable during a fever

Create a quiet space where your child can rest. Try to keep the lights dim and the room at a comfortable temperature.

Let your child sleep or rest on the couch with a favorite blanket or toy. Remember that simple comfort measures reduce stress and can help bring the fever down naturally.

When to take your child to Victoria ER for a fever

Fevers can turn serious quickly, especially in infants or children with underlying health conditions. It’s important to know when home care is no longer enough.

Danger signs of a serious fever in kids

Seek emergency evaluation at Victoria ER if:

• Your child has a fever that is accompanied by other serious symptoms
• Your child is hard to wake or doesn’t respond quickly to your voice
• Breathing becomes shallow or noisy
• Signs of dehydration appear, such as a dry mouth
• There’s a rash that spreads quickly, or it comes with bruising
• Your child has a seizure

Pay special attention to fever coupled with changes in their alertness or breathing.

Victoria ER is open 24 hours a day for pediatric emergencies. We provide little to no wait times, private exam rooms and a calm, child-friendly environment.

Complete pediatric emergency care in Victoria, TX

We provide emergency care built with families in mind. Every child receives attentive, timely support from physicians who understand how to ease their fear while delivering the answers you need.

Why choose Victoria ER for your child’s emergency care

Victoria ER is a fully licensed emergency room with advanced imaging, a full lab, IV care and board-certified ER physicians on-site 24/7.

Our team treats fevers, infections, seizures, and other childhood emergencies without the wait times so common in larger hospital systems.

Our pediatric rooms help children feel safe, even during stressful moments. Each space features soft lighting and even a television to offer distraction and comfort when they need it.

How pediatric emergency doctors treat fever at Victoria ER

When you arrive at Victoria ER, we focus on finding the cause of the fever and relieving your child’s symptoms quickly, with the care that you expect.

Diagnostic tests for fever

Depending on your child’s age and symptoms, we may run:

• Bloodwork to look for signs of infection
• Urine testing to rule out a urinary tract infection
• A chest X-ray to look for pneumonia

Treatments for fever in children

Treatment begins with the basics: fluids, temperature-lowering medication, and a reassuring voice. If tests reveal a bacterial cause, the doctors may start antibiotics.

Ensuring quick and comfortable care for kids

At Victoria ER, we understand that caring for a sick child means caring for the whole family. We explain every test in simple terms, use child-friendly approaches to reduce stress, and check in with you again after you leave.

Prevention and long-term children’s health

The CDC recommends that children ages 6 months and up receive a flu vaccine each year. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious viral illnesses and reduce the risk of high fever.

Other important habits include:

• Teaching children how to wash their hands thoroughly
• Avoiding shared utensils or drinking cups
• Disinfecting toys and surfaces your child contacts often
• Keeping your child at home until they’ve been without fever for at least 24 hours

These practices are especially important during cold and flu season, but they help all year round.

When to schedule pediatric follow-ups after fever

After your ER visit with us, a follow-up with your child’s regular pediatrician is always a good idea. It ensures that symptoms continue to improve and gives your provider the opportunity to review test results.

Victoria ER provides complete documentation, including imaging and lab results, so your pediatrician has everything needed for next steps in care.

24/7 Pediatric Emergency Care in Victoria, TX

When your child has a fever, you don’t have to wait or wonder, Victoria ER is ready around the clock to provide fast, compassionate care.

Our board-certified ER physicians specialize in evaluating and treating children’s fevers and other urgent conditions, ensuring your child is seen within five minutes or less in a calm, private environment.

From infants to teens, every child receives attentive, family-centered care with on-site labs, imaging, and pediatric-friendly exam rooms designed for comfort.

If your child’s fever is rising, not responding to medication, or paired with other worrisome symptoms, visit Victoria ER immediately for expert evaluation and treatment.

We’re open 24/7, 365 days a year, nights, weekends, and holidays included, so you can always count on us when it matters most.

No appointment is needed. Visit us at 6703 N Navarro St, Victoria, TX 77904, walk in anytime, or use our optional online check-in tool to let us know you’re on your way.