24/7 Emergency Care. Our patients are first.

Fever
When It’s an ER Emergency

Most fevers are viral and improve with rest and fluids. But some fevers are a sign of serious infection, especially in very young babies or when fever comes with red-flag symptoms.

Go to the ER right away (call 911 for severe symptoms) if fever comes with:

  • Trouble breathing, chest pulling in, grunting, or bluish lips/skin

  • Seizure, or a seizure lasting > 5 minutes

  • Stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, unusual behavior, or trouble speaking

  • Rash that doesn’t fade when pressed or purple spots

  • Severe dehydration (very dry mouth, no tears, very sleepy, far fewer wet diapers/urination)

  • Fever after being left in a hot car

  • Persistent vomiting or can’t keep fluids down

If you’re truly worried by how someone looks or acts, don’t wait. Fever isn’t just a number — it’s the whole picture.

24/7 Emergency Care in Houston (Post Oak / Galleria)

Walk in anytime for adult and pediatric ER care, with on-site CT, X-ray, ultrasound, and labs for fast answers.

Babies under 3 months

  • Any temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher needs urgent medical evaluation.

Babies 3–6 months

  • Fever around 102.2°F (39°C), or a baby who looks unwell, should be assessed promptly — and go now for breathing trouble, lethargy, dehydration, seizure, or concerning rash.

6 months and older

  • Seek urgent care/ER for the red flags above, or if fever persists beyond 3 days or your child is listless, repeatedly vomiting, or clearly not acting like themselves.

What counts as a fever?

  • In children, a high temperature is generally 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.

  • In adults, fever is commonly recognized at 100.4°F; concern rises with higher temperatures and accompanying symptoms.

Why fever can be serious

Fever is a normal immune response — but in certain situations it can signal pneumonia, urinary infection, meningitis, bloodstream infection, or other conditions that need urgent treatment. The risk is highest in very young infants and immunocompromised patients.


Adults: when fever needs emergency care

Get evaluated urgently if:

  • Your temperature is 103°F (39.4°C) or higher, or

  • Fever comes with severe headache, rash, stiff neck, confusion/altered speech, persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing/chest pain, abdominal pain, pain with urination, or seizures.

High-risk situations: don’t “wait and see”

Go in urgently (or call your oncology team immediately) if you have fever and:

  • Chemotherapy-related neutropenia risk: 100.4°F (38°C) for more than 1 hour, or a one-time temp of 101°F or higher can become serious fast.

  • A compromised immune system (chemo, transplant meds, advanced illness) where fever may be the only early warning sign.

ER or urgent care?

Choose the ER when fever is paired with red-flag symptoms, very young infant age, immune compromise, severe dehydration, or you’re seeing rapid worsening.
Consider urgent care/primary care when fever is mild/moderate, the person looks well, is drinking fluids, and there are no red flags — especially if symptoms are improving.


What Post Oak ER can do for fever (Houston)

At Post Oak ER, our team can evaluate fever in adults and children and treat the most common urgent complications, including:

  • Full medical assessment and monitoring

  • IV treatments (like fluids and anti-nausea meds when dehydration is a concern)

  • Cardiac care when fever is accompanied by chest symptoms or concerning vital signs

  • Trauma care if fever follows injury or you’re worried about a serious complication

  • On-site X-ray / CT / ultrasound when imaging is clinically needed to look for dangerous causes or complications

No appointment needed — walk in 24/7.

Get Seen in Minutes, Not Hours

  • On-site CT, X-ray, Ultrasound
  • ER-licensed facility
  • Pediatric and adult emergency care
  • IV treatments, cardiac care, trauma care
  • No appointment needed

Getting Here from Houston

Whether you’re in Westchase, Midtown, or the Heights, getting to Post Oak ER is simple. We’re centrally located near major Houston routes like I‑610 and San Felipe — just a short drive from Memorial Park and River Oaks. Many patients reach us via Westheimer or Woodway Dr., depending on their neighborhood.

Insurance and Self-Pay Options

We accept most major insurance plans and also welcome self-pay patients with transparent, upfront pricing. Many Memorial-area patients visit us using Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Molina, and United Healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are you really open 24/7 with no wait?

Yes. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our freestanding ER model is designed to minimize or eliminate wait times so you’re seen fast.

No. Walk in anytime. If it’s an emergency, come straight in or call ahead and we’ll be ready: 832-581-2277.

5018 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77056 — near The Galleria/Uptown. Free, convenient parking right by the entrance.

Yes. Our board-certified emergency physicians care for all ages, including pediatric emergencies.

Chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache/migraine, abdominal pain, injuries and fractures, cuts requiring stitches, high fever, dehydration, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and more. If you believe it’s life-threatening, call 911.

Yes. We offer on-site CT scans, digital X-rays, and a full laboratory, so most tests and results are done during your visit.

Absolutely. We routinely see patients from Uptown, The Galleria, River Oaks, Tanglewood, and Memorial.

A photo ID, insurance card (if available), a list of medications/allergies, and any recent medical records you have.

We accept most major private insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan; our team will help verify benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs. Questions? Call 832-581-2277.

Urgent care handles minor illnesses/injuries. ERs have advanced imaging, lab, medications, and emergency physicians for time-sensitive or severe conditions (e.g., chest pain, severe abdominal pain, serious injury, difficulty breathing).

Yes. If inpatient care or surgery is required, we coordinate a direct transfer to the appropriate hospital.

Times vary by condition and testing, but our no-wait intake and on-site diagnostics help you get answers and treatment as quickly as possible.