If you wake up on game day or on the day of your tryout struggling with a fever, then this will immediately halt your game plan. Many athletes want to “push through it” when they are feeling sick; however, playing sports when you have a fever is one of the most under-discussed risks in athletic health.
A fever is not just a minor illness but it is an indication that your body is fighting an illness. If you choose to ignore this and continue to participate in physical activity, then you may develop serious complications, have a longer time to recover, or face long-term side effects with your health.
At Sahara West Urgent Care, we can perform fast, same-day sports physicals in Las Vegas, giving athletes the chance to return to play safely with confidence and appropriate medical clearance. Thus—if you are running a fever, playing sports is not going to be safe for you.
Can You Play Sports with a Fever? (Quick Answer)
Medical professionals strongly discourage anyone from exercising when they have a fever. Instead, you need to wait until:
- You no longer have a fever
- You have no symptoms for 24–48 hours (with no medications in your body)
- Your energy levels have returned to normal
This will allow your body to be completely re-energized before participating in any physical activity.
Why Playing with a Fever Is Risky for Athletes
Lets face it – athletes often underestimate the risks of training or competing while ill – what really happens in our bodies is this:
1. Excessive Heart Stress
Fever = Increased heart rate = Overloading the heart with exercise.
2. Risk of Myocarditis (Serious Condition)
Infection – increases likelihood of an inflamed heart (particularly with a virus); therefore risking inflammation of the heart is significantly increased during exercise while you are ill.
3. Severe Dehydration
Fever = Fluid loss. This is compounded exponentially by the extreme heat in Las Vegas, leading to dehydration and a heat-related illness very quickly.
4. Reduced Strength & Coordination
When your body is weak due to fighting an infection, you could sustain an injury and/or perform poorly.
Symptoms That Mean You Should NOT Play
Call your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms and avoid participating in sports:
- Fever 101 or higher
- Chills or excessive sweating
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue or weakness
- Body aches
- Headache
If you have any of these symptoms, these are clear signals that your body needs rest rather than more physical stress.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
Don’t ignore your symptoms if they persist or worsen.
Visit a doctor if you experience:
- Fever lasting more than 48 hours
- Chest pain or breathing difficulty
- Severe fatigue or weakness
- Worsening symptoms after rest
At Sahara West Urgent Care, athletes can walk in for an evaluation any day of the week and guarantee a fast diagnosis and proper plan for recovery in Las Vegas.
Same-Day Sports Physicals in Las Vegas: Why They Matter
A Sports Physical Exam is the most reliable way of confirming if you have recovered from your illness and can return to play when your fever will be eliminated.
What Is a Sports Physical?
Pre-participation Physical Examination (PPE) helps determine if your body the can tolerate participation in Sports.
Why It’s Essential After Illness
- An After Illness, PPE is necessary because:
- It confirms full recovery
- It detects any complications that aren’t obvious
- It helps prevent returning too early to activity and/or injury; and
- It ensures a safe return to your performance level.
Sahara West Urgent Care provides walk-in/same day appointments for PPE to assist in avoiding delays in returning to play.
What Happens During a Sports Physical?
A comprehensive evaluation includes two key components:
1. Medical History Review
A complete evaluation will include two components:
- Medical History Review
Your provider will assess:
- Past Illness/Infection
- Medications/Allergies
- Previous Injuries
- Family health history related to heart diseases or other conditions.
Lastly, this Step of Screening for Health Issues will aid in identifying any underlying issues/risk factors.
-
Physical Examination
Your provider will complete a physical examination to assess the following:
- Temperature and Vital Signs
- Heart Rate
- Blood Pressure
- Lung Function
- Vision
- Muscle Strength and flexibility
- Balance and coordination
If your results are within normal range, you’ll be cleared to play. However, if they are not, additional tests may be necessary.
What Happens After the Physical?
Upon completion of your exam:
- You’ll receive your completed Sports Clearance form(s)
- A determination will be made regarding your fitness for participation in Sports
- Most Athletes will be cleared that day to return to activity
- If return to activities require follow-up care, that information will be provided to you.
- The primary goal will always be safe participation not limited
- The goal is always safe participation—not restriction.
When Should You Schedule a Sports Physical?
Ideally:
- 6–8 weeks before your sports season
However, if you are running late enough that your appointment for a physical is today, we offer same-day sports physicals at Sahara West Urgent Care as a convenient and reliable way to help get you started on your way back to doing sports.
How to Recover Faster from a Fever
To help them come back stronger without any setbacks:
Prioritize Rest
Give your body time to recover fully before continuing activity.
Hydrate Consistently
Hydration and electrolytes play a crucial role in recovering.
Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods
Some great things to focus on for include:
- Lean Proteins
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Whole Grains
Ease Back into Activity
Begin gradually and do not suddenly go back into at a high training level.
Why Athletes Choose Sahara West Urgent Care
Many athletes in the Las Vegas area visit Sahara West Urgent Care because we provide them with:
- Convenience of walk-in appointments (no appointment necessary)
- Same-day sports physicals
- Timely, accurate evaluation
- Experience of our medical providers
- Affordable and Transparency in costs
- Quickness of completion of paperwork.
We put our emphasis on returning you to soccer/sports as quickly, safely and with confidence.
Conclusion
No athlete should ever play sports while sick. Although it might feel like a small “bump in the road”, pushing your body when you’re sick will increase the chance of developing serious complications and lengthen the time it takes you to recover from your illness.
It all comes down to the fact that the best way to deal with illness is to rest, recover and wait until you have been evaluated and cleared by a doctor before participating in any type of athletic activity. Do not risk your health by playing in one game; come into the clinic today and receive the medical clearance that you need in order to return to your sport stronger and safer than ever! If you live in Las Vegas and are searching for a sports physical clinic Sahara West Urgent Care is a good choice for athletes.
FAQs
1. Can I play sports if I have a fever?
It is not safe and it will be harmful to your health!
2. How long should I wait after a fever before playing?
You must wait 24–48 hours after the fever is gone and you have taken no medication.
3. What does a sports physical include?
You will have a medical history and also have a full physical exam in order to assess all your body systems.
4. What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring your forms, medical history, and your parent/guardian if needed.
5. What happens after a sports physical?
You will be cleared to return or referred for an additional evaluation if necessary.
6. When should I schedule a sports physical?
The goal is to return to sports in approximately 6–8 weeks before the start of the season.
7. Is a sports physical the same as a regular physical?
No. This exam is only for readiness to participate in sports.
8. Can I get a same-day sports physical in Las Vegas?
Sahara West Urgent Care allows for walk in for your same day service.
9. Can a mild fever still affect athletic performance?
Yes; it can reduce endurance, strength, and coordination even with a low-grade fever.
10. Is it safe to return to sports if I still feel slightly weak?
You should only return to play when you feel you are 100% well to prevent injuries and/or having a relapse.
11. Can a fever increase the risk of heat exhaustion in Las Vegas?
Yes, the combination of fever with high heat will exacerbate the risk of injury from heat illness.
12. Do I need a doctor’s clearance after being sick?
Yes, if your symptoms were severe or have lasted more than a couple of days.
13. Can infections affect heart health in athletes?
Yes; some infections can affect your heart; therefore, it is important that you have a medical evaluation before you resume sports.
