A fever can zap your energy and take away your will to get out of bed. Although a fever can make you feel miserable, it's a normal reaction by the body to a foreign invader such as a bacteria or virus. Occasionally, a fever can be a sign of a more serious medical condition particularly when it lasts beyond a week or so. Although you may be tempted to treat a fever at home with Advil or Tylenol, in some cases you're best seeking medical attention. When should you call the doctor if you have a fever?

If you have a Stiff Neck

If you have a fever and a stiff neck, it's time to give your doctor a call or head to the nearest emergency room. These are cardinal symptoms of meningitis which is a potentially life threatening infection of the meninges, the tissues that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The sooner you seek treatment for this condition, the better. If a child or adult shows evidence of mental confusion, he should be seen immediately as this is another sign of meningitis.

If You're Vomiting Repeatedly

If you have a fever and vomiting, your likelihood of becoming dehydrated is high. You may need to be treated with intravenous fluids in the emergency room if you're unable to hold down liquids. When you become dehydrated, your sodium and potassium levels can be altered resulting in potentially serious or fatal heart rhythm abnormalities.

If you have High Fever, Headache, and Muscle Aches

If you have the above symptoms along with a cough, you have classic symptoms of influenza. If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible. You can be treated with anti-influenza medications such as Tamiflu if you're diagnosed within forty-eight hours. This can significantly shorten the course of your illness.

If you have a Fever and Abdominal Pain

This can be a sign of early appendicitis and should be evaluated immediately.

If Fever Persists Beyond Seven Days

A fever that persists beyond a week should always be seen by a doctor as it can be indicative of a more serious medical problem.

If you have a Young Child with Fever

Children under the age of six months should always be evaluated if they have a fever. Their immune system isn't as mature as an adult's and they can easily succumb to even a simple infection without treatment. Older children should be seen if their fever can't be brought down using medications such as Tylenol or if it persists beyond three days. Never give aspirin to children for a fever since it can increase the risk of Reye's Syndrome.

When in doubt, particularly if you have a child with a fever, don't hesitate to call your doctor. It's always best to err on the side of safety.