What is Mobile Fever Care?
Fevers are quite common and a normal response to illness in the human body. A fever is a temporary increase in body temperature that indicates an underlying infection or medical condition. Body temperatures vary slightly from person to person and at various times of day. Average body temperature has traditionally been defined as 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). A temperature taken using a mouth thermometer (oral temperature) that is 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) or higher is generally considered to be a fever.
For most people, a fever will pass without further incident, but for patients who are more at risk, such as seniors living in nursing homes and people whose immune systems are weak or not functioning properly, a fever can lead to hospitalization, further health complications, and worsening illness.
Mobile fever care providers evaluate symptoms, determine possible causes, provide needed treatment, and coordinate care with other healthcare organizations. Signs of underlying infection can include respiratory congestion, urinary discomfort, or skin changes, to name only a few.
The first step when visiting a patient with a fever is an examination and assessment. Mobile care fever providers review patient symptoms, check medical history, identify potential risk factors, determine the cause of the fever, and develop a treatment plan.
If additional evaluation or testing is required, mobile fever care providers coordinate with partner team members or labs to collect and process blood work, urine samples, or swabs used for respiratory infections.
Why Mobile Fever Care is Important
For most people, a mild fever can be managed at home with over-the-counter medications and rest. But for at-risk patients, even a moderate fever can cause issues or indicate serious underlying conditions such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, cellulitis (a bacterial infection affecting deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissue), strep throat, and COVID-19.
The following patient populations benefit the most from mobile fever care:
- Seniors in private living homes, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities
- Patients with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses
- Patients recovering from surgery, recently hospitalized patients, those who are confined to bed, or those with limited mobility
- Residents in group living environments where illness can spread quickly
Mobile fever care providers develop treatment plans for the fever and any underlying conditions. Treatment can include medication management, hydration support, wound care (if needed), and vital signs monitoring. After beginning treatment, mobile fever care typically includes check-in visits, ongoing care, education resources for patients and family caregivers on signs and symptoms to monitor, and aftercare instructions.
The Importance of Timely Evaluation and Collaboration
A fever can affect anyone, but timely evaluation is especially important for patients who live at home, in nursing homes, in rehabilitation facilities, or in group living environments. Because these situations can sometimes hinder timely and effective evaluation, patients might require urgent care services or even hospitalization due to untreated illness.
To achieve the best possible results for patients, mobile fever care providers collaborate with partner staff at hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities by promptly evaluating fevers and managing infections before they spread.
Additionally, because of the importance of working with primary healthcare providers, mobile fever care providers also share notes with doctors and other providers to keep all parties updated on patient treatment and progress.