Can You Get A Fever Test At Night or on Weekends

Introduction 

Fevers can occur at any time. They signal an underlying health issue. During fever, your body combats the virus or bacteria that caused an infection. Sometimes, you do not know the reason and take over-the-counter medications and rest enough to treat it. 

The fever goes away on its own. There are episodes of fever when they do not get treated naturally and need an expert’s attention. All your efforts go to vain. Your fever lasts for more than three days, suspecting a major illness. It is when you may need a blood test for fever to determine the cause and an appropriate treatment. 

Today’s blog sheds light on getting a fever at night or on weekends and how to manage it. 

Why Are Blood Tests Ordered for Fever?

Healthcare providers suggest blood tests for fever to help identify the underlying cause, especially when the symptoms are unclear or persistent. It is clear through the blood test whether the fever is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Besides, autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatic fever, lupus, inflammation, or rarely cancers, can cause recurring fevers, maybe every weekend. 

5 Conditions When Your Doctor Might Order Blood Work: 

• If the thermometer reading shows your fever is 104°F (40°C) or higher. 
• When a fever does not go and continues for more than three days. 
• When other symptoms such as fatigue, stiff neck, serious rash, chest pain, or joint pain also occur. 
• The doctor suspects a serious infection such as sepsis or dengue. 
• If you traveled to a country with endemic diseases (malaria, typhoid, etc. ) 

 

Night Fever or Night Sweats 

Conditions behind causing night fever or night sweats: 

• Menopause
• Diabetes insipidus
• Hyperthyroidism
• Nocturnal diabetes
• Anxiety
• Medications
• Alcohol misuse
• Night terrors
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• 102°F fever or stays in the body of infants and young children for more than 24 hours. 

4 Options for After-Hours Fever Testing

If you are among those who get fever mostly at night and look for options for after-hours fever testing, have a look below: 

1. 24-Hour Emergency Clinics

Contact an urgent care center immediately. Urgent care centers open at night or operate 24/7. These 24-hour clinics have the latest facilities to check for fever and run diagnostic tests, like flu or COVID-19 swabs. 

2. Hospital Emergency Rooms

During high fever (especially above 103°F or 39.4°C), persistent, or accompanied by serious symptoms like rash, confusion, or difficulty breathing, get admitted to a hospital emergency room. Hospitals work around the clock and can handle more complex evaluations. 

3. Virtual Health Platforms

Many virtual health platforms/telehealth offer online consultations even late at night. You can discuss your requirement regarding checking the fever at home and recommend whether in-person care is needed. 

4. Retail Pharmacy

Some pharmacy chains even work on weekends. Experts in these clinics can diagnose and treat minor illnesses that may cause fever. 

List of Common Blood Tests for Fever

Common blood tests that helps you and your healthcare provider investigate fever:

• Complete blood count
• Blood culture
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) & C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
• Liver and Kidney Function Tests (LFT & KFT)
• Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT)
• Serologic Test (Antibody/Antigen Tests)
• Procalcitonin Test (PCT)

When is the Right Time to Take a Blood Test After a Fever?

Several factors can affect the accuracy of your blood test after a fever. The duration and severity of fever are crucial factors when you take a blood test for fever. 

Experts suggest letting the fever level decrease before a blood draw to avoid the ongoing fever not impacting certain blood parameters. Further, this can help improve the accuracy of your blood test reports. 

Additionally, fever is accompanied by certain symptoms and must inform your doctor: 

• Headaches
• Vomiting that never stops
• Stiff neck 
• Flushed face
• Chills and shivering 

5 Things to do Before You Go for An Urgent Care 

Listed below are a few things that you can do while you wait for urgent care: 

• Monitor your fever with a thermometer every few hours. 
• Keep your body hydrated
• Fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help.
• Wear comfortable clothes. 
• Let your body rest. 

Final Thoughts

Thanks to urgent care clinics, emergency rooms (ERs), telehealth, and some pharmacy clinics that can help you get a fever checked at night or on weekends. 

Ensure you have a working thermometer at home, and a 24-hour working facility can bring peace of mind the next time a fever strikes after hours.

FAQs

1. What are the causes of fever at night?

You may get a fever at night due to a viral infection like cold, flu, or COVID-19, a bacterial infection, immunization, or some medications that lower your immune system, causing fever. 

2. Why do some people get a fever at night but not during the day?

Less cortisol in the blood causes a fever at night. Consequently, white blood cells in your body readily detect and fight infections, and may cause fever, congestion, chills, or sweating. 

3. Why does my fever go in the morning and stay at night?

Getting a fever that stays at night and goes away in the morning may be because of the hypothalamus functioning. This deep structure in your brain becomes more active at night, leading to an increased body temperature.

4. Why do some people get a fever every weekend?

Some people get a fever every weekend, primarily due to infections. Autoimmune diseases and cancers may also trigger recurring fevers.