COVID fever: what you should know

Fever is part of the body's response to infection. With COVID-19, it may occur with chills, tiredness, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, or a change in taste or smell. Some people have mild symptoms, while others become more unwell. Fever alone cannot show how severe the illness is or identify COVID-19 without testing.

Check your temperature with a reliable thermometer and note when it rises, settles, or returns. Also watch whether you can drink, stay awake, walk around the room, and breathe comfortably. A fever that improves but is followed by worsening cough, chest discomfort, or marked weakness deserves medical advice.

Rest, drink fluids regularly, and choose light clothing and a comfortable room temperature. If you use a fever medicine, follow the package directions and check with a pharmacist or clinician if you are pregnant, have liver or kidney disease, take regular medicines, or are caring for a child. Do not combine products that contain the same ingredient.

Stay home while you feel unwell and follow current local guidance about testing, masking, and contact with others. People at higher risk of severe COVID-19 may need early clinical advice, because some treatments are time-sensitive. Keep a record of symptoms and any temperature readings to share with a clinician.

Seek urgent help for severe trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, new confusion, inability to wake, fainting, or severe chest pain. Arrange prompt medical assessment if fever is persistent or returning, you cannot keep fluids down, you are passing very little urine, or your condition is clearly worsening.

For an infant, older adult, pregnant person, or anyone with a weakened immune system or significant long-term condition, contact a healthcare professional early when COVID symptoms begin. Fever can also come from illnesses such as Acute Bronchitis or a Common Cold, so a clinician may consider the full pattern rather than temperature alone.

Ask whether you need a COVID-19 test, how often to check your temperature, which fever medicine fits your health history, and whether your risk factors make early treatment appropriate.