COVID-19 FAQ

What temperature is considered a fever?

The CDC considers a person to have a fever when they measure a temperature of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher, or feel warm to the touch, or have a history of fever.

What is considered a COVID-19 fever?

The average normal body temperature is usually considered to be 98.6°F (37°C). Some studies show that « normal » body temperature ranges from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C).

A temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) usually means you have a fever due to an infection or illness.

What is a fever?

A fever is an increase in body temperature. Temperature is considered elevated when it is above 100.4°F (38°C) as measured with an oral thermometer or 100.8°F (38.2°C) as measured with a rectal thermometer.

Is a fever a symptom of coronavirus disease?

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, or other symptoms.

For mild cases of COVID-19, how many days does it take for your fever to go away?

For people with mild symptoms, the fever usually subsides after a few days, and they may feel better after a few weeks. They may also have a cough that lasts for weeks.

At what temperature do you have a fever?

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What can you do to reduce your fever when you have COVID-19?

Specifically: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve), or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help lower your fever, provided you don’t have a medical history that should prevent you from using them. Fever reduction is usually not necessary – the rise in body temperature is to help your body fight off viruses.

How long can symptoms of COVID-19 last?

COVID-19 comes with a long list of symptoms – the most common being fever, dry cough and shortness of breath.

The severity and duration of these symptoms vary from person to person, but some are more likely to last into your recovery.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with COVID-19 report a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include: fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; muscle or body pain; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea.

What are the most common symptoms of coronavirus disease?

The most common severe manifestation of COVID-19 when it first appears is pneumonia. Fever, cough, dyspnea, and abnormal chest imaging are common in these cases.

What are the symptoms when you have COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 get sick in different ways and some have trouble breathing. Some people have a fever or chills. Some people cough. Some people feel tired.

Should I have my temperature checked daily during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you are healthy, you do not need to take your temperature regularly. However, if you feel unwell or if you think you may have been exposed to an illness like COVID-19, you should get it checked more often.

Is it possible to have a fever and contract COVID-19 without other symptoms?

Yes, it’s entirely possible for an adult to have a fever without other symptoms, and doctors can never really find the cause. Fever is often caused by viral infections, such as COVID-19, colds or flu, airway infections such as bronchitis, or typical stomach problems.

Is it normal to have a fever after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

In most cases, discomfort from pain or fever is a normal sign that your body is building protection. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider:

• If redness or tenderness at the injection site worsens after 24 hours.
• If your side effects worry you or don’t seem to go away after a few days.

How often should I take my temperature in the context of COVID-19?

Twice a day. Try to take your temperature at the same time every day. It is also worth recording your activity before taking your temperature.

Should I go to the hospital if I have mild symptoms of COVID-19?

A mild case of COVID-19 can still make you feel bad. But you should be able to rest at home and make a full recovery without going to the hospital.

When do symptoms of coronavirus disease usually start?

People with COVID-19 have been reported to experience a wide range of symptoms – from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

What are the common symptoms of COVID-19 in patients who are not hospitalized?

Fatigue, headache, and muscle aches (myalgia) are among the most commonly reported symptoms in patients who are not hospitalized, but sore throat and a stuffy or runny nose (runny nose) may also be prominent symptoms

Do most people get only mild illness from COVID-19?

Most people infected with COVID-19, the disease caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, will have only mild illness. But what exactly does this mean? A mild case of COVID-19 can still make you feel bad. But you should be able to rest at home and make a full recovery without going to the hospital.

What should I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19?

Even if you have mild symptoms like cough, headache, mild fever, stay home and self-isolate until you recover. Call your healthcare provider or hotline for advice. Let someone else bring you supplies. If you need to leave the house or someone is near you, wear a medical mask to avoid infecting others.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. If you can, call first and follow the directions of your local health authority.

What are the signs of COVID-19 that require immediate medical attention?

• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• new chaos
• inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

Can COVID-19 symptoms come and go?

Yes. During recovery, people with COVID-19 may experience recurring symptoms and feel better for a while. Fever, fatigue, and breathing problems of varying degrees can last for days or even weeks.

What are the lingering side effects of COVID-19?

A full year has passed since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and the incredible consequences of the virus continue to confound doctors and scientists. Of particular concern to doctors and patients are the lingering side effects, such as memory loss, decreased concentration and the inability to think properly.

How long can you remain infectious after testing positive for COVID-19?

If someone is asymptomatic or their symptoms disappear, it is possible to remain infectious for at least 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19. People hospitalized with serious illness and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for 20 days or more.

How can I treat symptoms of COVID-19 at home?

Your healthcare provider may recommend the following to relieve symptoms and support your body’s natural defenses:

• taking medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever
• drink water or receive IV fluids to stay hydrated
• Get enough rest to help your body fight the virus

Can you take Tylenol if you have COVID-19?

If you have COVID-19 and need to self-isolate, it is best to make sure you have enough medicines at home for you and your family to treat your symptoms on your own. You can take Advil or Motrin with Tylenol if needed.