What should you know about COVID-19 and temperature?

Fever is part of the body's response to infection and may come with chills, sweating, headache, cough, fatigue, or a general feeling of being unwell. Readings vary with the measurement site, device, recent activity, room conditions, and medicines. A normal reading does not rule out COVID-19, and a raised reading can have causes other than COVID-19. Record the reading, time, method, and associated symptoms so a clinician can understand the pattern.

Rest, wear light comfortable clothing, and drink regularly unless a clinician has given you a fluid restriction. Use a reliable thermometer according to its instructions and avoid repeatedly checking immediately after exercise, a hot shower, or a hot drink. Follow the label or a clinician's advice before taking fever medicine, especially for children, pregnancy, liver disease, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or when taking other medicines. Stay away from close contact while you are unwell and follow relevant testing guidance.

Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to stay awake, seizure, or blue or grey lips or skin. Contact a clinician if fever is persistent, returns after improvement, comes with worsening cough or weakness, or you cannot drink and are passing much less urine. People with significant medical conditions or reduced immunity should ask for advice early. A clinician may assess for COVID-19, pneumonia, or another infection.

Ask which thermometer method is most useful, how often to check, which fever medicine is safe with your conditions, and what pattern should prompt review. Mention recent exposure, test results, medicines, pregnancy, and any breathing change.