When should you worry about fever if you have MERS coronavirus infection?

MERS coronavirus infection can cause fever with respiratory symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath. The fever reading is only one part of the picture. Breathing effort, alertness, fluid intake, urine output, and the speed of change are more useful when judging whether the illness is becoming dangerous.

Because this infection can spread through close contact, phone a healthcare service before travelling to a clinic or hospital. Explain the diagnosis or suspected exposure, current symptoms, and any recent healthcare or animal contact so the team can give infection-control instructions.

Rest, drink small amounts often if able, and record changes in breathing, alertness, and urination. Follow the fever-medicine instructions given by a clinician or pharmacist, taking account of pregnancy, kidney disease, liver disease, and other medicines.

Limit close contact, improve ventilation where possible, and follow local public-health instructions. Do not self-start antibiotics or share medicines. A person with significant medical conditions may need advice sooner because complications can develop quickly.

Call emergency services for severe or increasing shortness of breath, chest pain, blue or grey lips, fainting, new confusion, inability to wake, or a seizure. Treat marked weakness or rapidly worsening symptoms as an emergency even if the temperature is not very high.

Seek prompt clinical advice for repeated vomiting, inability to drink, very little urine, worsening cough, or a fever that returns after improvement. Do not wait for the fever to settle if breathing or mental alertness is changing.

Ask how often to check symptoms, which medicine is suitable for fever, when testing or monitoring is needed, how to protect household members, and which service to call overnight. Tell the clinician about chronic illness, pregnancy, medicines, and any known exposure.