How common is fever in COVID-19?

COVID-19 can trigger an immune response that raises body temperature. Fever may occur with cough, sore throat, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, or a change in smell or taste, but symptoms can be mild or absent. A fever does not show which infection is responsible, so consider the full pattern, recent exposure, and local testing advice. A thermometer reading can help you describe the illness, while chills or feeling unusually hot may occur around the temperature rise.

Rest, drink fluids regularly, and wear light clothing if you feel overheated. Follow the label or a clinician's advice before using fever medicine, especially for a child, pregnancy, liver disease, kidney disease, or other regular medicines. Reduce close contact while you are unwell and follow current local advice about testing and staying home. Seek clinical advice if the fever continues, returns after improving, or you cannot keep fluids down.

Get urgent help for trouble breathing, chest pressure, new confusion, unusual difficulty staying awake, blue or grey lips, or a sudden marked deterioration. Contact a clinician promptly if you are older, pregnant, immunocompromised, or have a long-term condition that may increase the risk from infection. Fever with severe weakness or signs of dehydration also needs prompt assessment.

Ask whether testing is appropriate, how to monitor your temperature and breathing, which fever medicine fits your health history, and when you should seek reassessment.