Does COVID-19 cause fever?

Fever reflects the body raising its internal temperature during an immune response. It can appear early or alongside respiratory symptoms, but not everyone with COVID-19 has it. A raised temperature can also result from other infections or inflammatory conditions, so fever by itself does not establish the cause.

Rest and drink fluids regularly. Wear light clothing, keep the room comfortably cool, and avoid strenuous activity while feverish. Follow local advice about testing and limiting contact with others. Use fever medicine only as directed on its label or by a clinician, especially if you have liver, kidney, stomach, or bleeding problems or take regular medicines. Record how you feel and whether the temperature is settling.

Get urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, confusion, fainting, severe chest pain, or a blue or grey colour around the lips. Seek prompt advice if fever is worsening, you cannot keep fluids down, you are passing very little urine, or you feel markedly weak. People who are pregnant, older, immunocompromised, or living with significant medical conditions should seek advice early.

Ask whether you should test, which temperature changes matter, how to use your usual medicines during illness, and what warning signs should prompt urgent review.