Fever warning signs.
Recognize these signs early — quick treatment leads to better outcomes.
Common causes.
Understanding what's causing your fever helps guide the right diagnostic tests and treatment.
- ✓Bacterial infections (UTI, pneumonia, strep)
- ✓Viral illness (flu, COVID-19, RSV)
- ✓Sepsis or bloodstream infection
- ✓Appendicitis or abdominal infections
- ✓Skin & soft-tissue infections
- ✓Mononucleosis
- ✓Tick-borne illness
Don't wait. Come now if…
- ▸Fever above 103°F that won't come down
- ▸Any fever in a baby under 3 months
- ▸Fever with stiff neck, severe headache or rash
- ▸Fever in someone with cancer, HIV or on immunosuppressants
- ▸Fever with confusion, severe weakness or dehydration
Not sure? Call us.
Our nurses can help you decide.
Treatments we offer.
Our Fort Worth ER is fully equipped to evaluate and treat fevers around the clock.
On-site lab panel
Complete blood count, blood cultures, and infection markers within an hour.
Rapid flu, strep & COVID testing
PCR-level testing for the most common causes of fever — results in under an hour.
Imaging when needed
Chest X-ray, CT or ultrasound to find hidden sources of infection.
IV fluids & fever reducers
Rapid rehydration and temperature control for severely dehydrated patients.
IV antibiotics
Started immediately for bacterial infections and sepsis — every minute counts.
Observation services
Extended monitoring for patients who need repeat labs or watchful waiting.
Why ER Of Fort Worth for fever.
Average wait under 10 min
High fevers are triaged immediately — you're brought back quickly.
Board-certified ER physicians
Every patient is evaluated by an emergency-medicine-trained physician, 24/7.
On-site imaging & labs
CT, ultrasound, X-ray and full lab — same-visit diagnosis.
All major insurance
BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UHC, Humana, Medicare, Tricare. See full list →
Frequently asked questions.
When is a fever an emergency?
Any fever in a baby under 3 months, fever above 103°F in adults, fever with stiff neck or confusion, or fever lasting more than three days needs ER evaluation.
Do you treat fever in children?
Yes. Our ER physicians are trained in pediatric emergency care and we treat infants, children and adolescents. See our Pediatric ER page.
How long until I get test results?
Most blood work and rapid swab results come back within 30-60 minutes. Cultures take 24-48 hours but treatment starts immediately when needed.
Can urgent care treat my fever?
Mild fevers in healthy adults can often be managed at urgent care, but high, persistent or pediatric fevers belong in the ER. Read our ER vs urgent care guide.
Will I need IV antibiotics?
Only if we identify or strongly suspect a bacterial infection. We don't give antibiotics for viral illness — that wouldn't help and could cause harm.
Fever care across North Texas.
We serve fever patients from Fort Worth and surrounding communities including: