How long can fever last with COVID?

A raised temperature is part of the immune response to infection. It may come with chills, sweating, headache, body aches, tiredness or a dry cough. Temperature readings can change during the day, and medicine may lower a fever temporarily without removing the infection. A fever that returns after improving, continues without a clear trend towards recovery, or appears with worsening cough or breathing symptoms deserves medical advice. COVID-19 can overlap with other respiratory illnesses, so fever alone cannot identify the cause.

Rest, drink fluids regularly, and use a thermometer consistently if you are checking your temperature. Wear light clothing and keep the room comfortable rather than trying to cool yourself abruptly. Paracetamol may help fever or discomfort when it is suitable for you; follow the package directions and check before taking it if you have liver disease, drink heavily, or use other medicines containing paracetamol. Stay away from close contact while unwell and follow current local public-health advice.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, new confusion, unusual difficulty staying awake, blue or grey lips, or a sudden marked deterioration. Contact a clinician promptly if fever is persistent or returning, you cannot keep fluids down, you are passing much less urine, or you have a condition or treatment that weakens immunity. A clinician may need to check your lungs, hydration and whether a different infection is contributing.

Ask whether your temperature pattern needs an examination, which fever medicine is appropriate with your existing conditions, and whether your breathing or hydration should be checked. Tell the clinician when the fever began, the highest reading you recorded, how it was measured, and which medicines you have taken.