Fever doctor in Seoul: find the cause, not just the number

When to see a fever doctor in Seoul

A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is generally considered a fever. In adults, most fevers are caused by short-lived viral infections and settle within two or three days with rest and fluids. A fever is actually part of the body's defense, so the goal is not always to bring the number down, but to understand what is driving it.

It is a good idea to see a fever doctor if your fever lasts more than three days, keeps returning, reaches 39.5°C (103°F) or higher, or comes with symptoms such as pain when passing urine, a cough with breathlessness, a new rash or severe sore throat. You should also be seen promptly if you have recently traveled abroad, are pregnant, are over 65, or have a long-term condition or weakened immune system.

At VEI Clinic, Dr. HyunSung Park, a board-certified internal medicine specialist, assesses adults with fever one-to-one in English, the same day where possible.

Common causes we look for

The history usually tells us more than the thermometer does. Dr. Park asks when the fever started, how high it has been, what other symptoms you have, what medicines you have taken and where you have been in the past few weeks.

• Respiratory infections: flu, COVID-19, sore throat, sinusitis and chest infections
• Urinary tract and kidney infections, which may cause back or side pain with fever
• Stomach and gut infections, including food poisoning
• Skin infections, such as a red, hot and spreading area around a wound
• Fevers after travel, where infections such as malaria or dengue need to be considered
• Less common causes, including medicine reactions and inflammatory conditions

What happens at your fever visit

After the history, the doctor examines you from head to toe, focusing on your throat, ears, chest, abdomen, skin and hydration. Based on what he finds, he may suggest a blood test, a urine test or rapid testing where appropriate. Tests are chosen because they will change what we do, and you are told the cost before anything is done.

Treatment depends on the cause. Viral illnesses usually need rest, fluids and fever relief. Bacterial infections such as a urinary tract infection may need antibiotics, while flu caught early may be treated with an antiviral. If imaging or further investigation is needed, or if your illness is more serious than a clinic can safely manage, we can refer you to a hospital with an English summary.

For travel-related fevers, especially after visiting areas where malaria is present, prompt testing matters. If specialized tests are needed that we do not perform, we will direct you to a hospital the same day.

Red flags: when to call 119 instead

Some fevers need emergency care rather than a clinic appointment. Call 119 or go straight to a hospital emergency room if you have fever with any of the following:

• Severe headache with a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, or confusion
• A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass, or unexplained bruising
• Difficulty breathing, chest pain or bluish lips
• Seizures, fainting or extreme drowsiness
• Persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, or very little urine
• Fever during pregnancy with pain or bleeding, or fever with a weakened immune system such as during chemotherapy
• High fever with chills within weeks of returning from a malaria area

Looking after a fever at home

For most uncomplicated fevers, drink plenty of fluids, rest and wear light clothing. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can ease aches and discomfort when used as directed on the label. Avoid taking two products that contain the same medicine, which is easy to do with combination cold remedies, and ask the doctor if you have kidney, liver or stomach problems, or take blood thinners.

Keep a simple record of your temperature, symptoms and fluid intake and bring it to your visit. If you are infectious, stay home and avoid close contact with others until the fever has gone.

Fever assessment is medical care and is usually covered by Korea's National Health Insurance for enrolled patients. Visitors pay directly and receive an itemized English receipt and medical note for insurance.