What does fever feel like with COVID-19?

Fever is a very common presentation of COVID-19 and may feel like unusual warmth, chills, sweating, tiredness, or body aches. Some people notice alternating chills and warmth, while others mainly feel drained or flushed. A thermometer can help show whether your temperature is raised, because the sensation alone cannot confirm fever or explain its cause.

COVID-19 can trigger an immune response that changes how the body regulates temperature. Fever may occur with cough, sore throat, blocked or runny nose, headache, muscle aches, or a change in smell or taste, but symptoms vary. Fever supports the possibility of an infection; it does not identify COVID-19 by itself. A person can have COVID-19 without feeling feverish.

Rest, drink fluids regularly, and wear light clothing if you feel overheated. Check your temperature with a reliable thermometer and record the time and reading. Stay away from close contact while unwell and follow current local testing or isolation advice. If you take medicine for discomfort or fever, use it only as directed on the label or by a clinician, especially if you are pregnant, have a long-term condition, or take other medicines.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, unusual difficulty waking, or a blue, grey, or very pale appearance of the lips or skin. Contact a clinician if fever is worsening, keeps returning, you cannot keep fluids down, or you are at higher risk of severe COVID-19. A clinician can advise whether assessment or treatment is needed.

Ask whether your symptoms fit COVID-19 or another infection, whether testing is appropriate, and which fever-relief medicine is suitable for you. Tell the clinician when the fever began, the highest thermometer reading, associated symptoms, recent exposure, and any medical conditions or medicines.