How long can COVID fever last?

A fever may settle as the immune response controls the infection, but tiredness, cough, or reduced appetite can continue after temperature returns to normal. A changing pattern can also reflect dehydration, another infection, or a complication, so do not judge recovery by temperature alone.

Record readings at consistent times and note whether fever medicine changes how you feel. Consider whether you are drinking normally, urinating, staying alert, and breathing without extra effort. A return of fever after improvement is a reason to contact a clinician for advice.

Rest and take frequent drinks; soups or oral rehydration fluids may be easier when appetite is low. Wear breathable layers and avoid strenuous exercise while fever or significant weakness continues. Use medicine only as directed, and ask a pharmacist to check combinations if you take cold or flu products.

If you have risk factors for severe COVID-19, contact a healthcare professional promptly after symptoms start. Keep distance from others while ill and follow current local advice about testing and reducing spread. A simple symptom diary can make a remote or in-person assessment more useful.

Seek urgent care for serious breathing difficulty, severe chest pain, new confusion, fainting, blue or grey lips, or difficulty waking. Seek prompt advice when fever is not easing, returns after a period of improvement, or comes with repeated vomiting, very low urine output, severe weakness, or a worsening cough.

Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with immune or long-term health problems may need earlier review. Other conditions, including Bronchiolitis or Cellulitis, can also cause fever; assessment should be based on the whole set of symptoms.

Ask what pattern of improvement to expect, when to repeat testing if advised, which medicines are suitable for you, and what change should trigger same-day or emergency care.