COVID-19 FAQ

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, what 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 suggest 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 from 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 it possible to have a fever and contract COVID-19 without other symptoms?

Yes, it is entirely possible for an adult to have a fever without other symptoms, and the doctor will never really be able to 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.

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 will the symptoms of COVID-19 last?

The main symptoms of COVID-19 – fever, cold symptoms and/or cough – usually appear within 2-14 days of exposure. How long symptoms last varies from person to person, but most people recover within two weeks.

What are some common symptoms of COVID-19 disease?

Symptoms may include: fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; muscle and body pain; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea.

What are the common symptoms of people with COVID-19?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) current list of identified symptoms includes:

fever or chills
cough
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
fatigue
muscle or body pain
Headache
new loss of taste or smell
sore throat
stuffy or runny nose
nausea or vomiting
diarrhea

How many cases of COVID-19 are asymptomatic?

We believe that asymptomatic infections account for 15% to 40% of total infections. COVID-19 can cause a wide range of symptoms. Some people have mild symptoms, such as a sore throat or runny nose, that can be mistaken for allergies or a cold.

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 you think you may have been exposed to a disease like COVID-19, you should get it checked more often.

Should I go to work if I have a fever after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

Ideally, employees with a fever should be excluded from work pending further evaluation, including consideration of COVID-19 testing. If an infection is not suspected or confirmed as the cause of their fever, they may return to work when they feel better.

Is body temperature a good screening criterion for COVID-19?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists fever as a criterion for screening for COVID-19, and a person is considered to have a fever if they have a temperature of 100.4 or higher — meaning it is higher than what is considered a temperature nearly 2 degrees higher. The average « normal » temperature is 98.6 degrees.

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.

Can I get COVID-19 if I have a fever?

If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms, you may have COVID-19.

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.

Could a sore throat be a symptom of coronavirus disease?

A sore throat is also a common symptom of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

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 medicines can I take to reduce symptoms of COVID-19?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve) can all be used to relieve pain from COVID-19 if taken in recommended doses and approved by your doctor.

When did COVID-19 symptoms start to appear?

Symptoms, including fever, chills, and cough, may develop 2-14 days after someone has been exposed to the virus.

How serious can a mild case of COVID-19 be?

Even mild cases of COVID-19 can have some very distressing symptoms, including debilitating headaches, extreme fatigue, and body aches that make people feel unwell.

Can COVID-19 symptoms suddenly get worse?

Moderate symptoms can suddenly develop into severe symptoms, especially in older adults or people with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or chronic respiratory disease.

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.

Which pain relievers can I take with the COVID-19 vaccine?

If you experience side effects after getting the Covid vaccine, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (like Advil), aspirin, antihistamines, or acetaminophen (like Tylenol), the Centers for Disease Control says.