Blogs

Coronavirus and Fever: How common is it?

Fever is a prevalent symptom of COVID-19. Although, not everyone who develops COVID-19 will experience fever. Some other prevalent symptoms include cough, fatigue, and loss of smell or taste.

These findings come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Fever causes the body temperature to increase above normal levels. It is part of a body’s immune response to infection.

Many infections could cause fever, but if a person has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or above, they must stay at home and get medical advice. This is due to the fever could be an early symptom of COVID-19.



What is the frequency of fever during COVID-19?

Fever is a prevalent symptom of COVID-19, but it remains unsure exactly how common. A 2020 review in PLOS One with data from almost 25,000 adults discovered that fever was the most prevalent symptom. It was present in 78 percent of cases.

A study in China discovered that only 44 percent of people who stayed in the hospital for COVID-19 had fever upon admission. Although, just under 89 percent experienced fever at some point during the hospitalization.

Fever appears to be one of the most prevalent COVID-19 symptoms, but people with this illness do not always experience fever, and some people develop no symptoms at all.



How COVID-19 symptoms are developing?

The symptoms of COVID-19 generally develop 2 to 14 days after exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Different people will experience different symptoms, but some of the most prevalent include:

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Tiredness

  • Loss of smell or taste

  • Muscle aches

  • Headaches

  • Sore throat

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea

Fewer people report rashes and confusion or delirium. That is particularly the case for the elderly.

People might experience different combinations of these symptoms or other symptoms not listed here. These may be mild or severe.

A study in Frontiers in Public Health indicates that fever might happen before other symptoms. Coughing, muscle aches, and nausea might follow fever during the course of the disease.

Although, other people might experience loss of smell or taste first. A study in Nature Communications indicates that these symptoms are early indicators of the disease.



How long do the symptoms last?

There are a number of ways that COVID-19 affects people. Most people experience mild-to-moderate illness. People who fall into this category usually recover without hospital treatment within 1 to 2 weeks.

Although, people with more severe symptoms generally take longer to recover. Depending on how COVID-19 has affected them, they might take 6 weeks or longer to feel better.

Doctors or primary care physicians might treat COVID-19 cases causing serious symptoms with antiviral or steroid drugs, ventilation to aid breathing or monoclonal antibody therapy.

Some people who experience mild or severe COVID-19 go on to develop persisting symptoms. People might refer to this as “long COVID,” or post-COVID syndrome.

It is unclear how many people will develop persisting symptoms, but early data from the COVID Symptom Study indicate that around 1 in 20 people experience symptoms for 8 weeks, while 1 in 50 has symptoms for 12 weeks or longer.

Scientists and doctors are still studying the best treatments for cases that cause long-lasting symptoms.



Can you experience COVID-19 with no fever?

COVID-19 could happen without fever. Some people might only experience cough or shortness of breath, while others develop symptoms that resemble a cold, for example, a runny nose and sore throat.

Research indicates that a significant number of people with COVID-19 have no symptoms at all. Estimates vary, but one 2020 review in Annals of Internal Medicine indicates that 40 to 45 percent of cases happen without symptoms.



What to do if COVID-19 is a possibility?

People with symptoms that could suggest the presence of COVID-19 must take precautions to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2.


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide advice:

  • Staying at home - Rest at home and contact a doctor or primary care physician for medical advice. Circumvent leaving the house or using public transport. Only go to a medical facility if a health care worker informs you.

  • Avoiding contact with others - Where possible, stay in a different room from others in the household. Use a different bedroom and bathroom. Do not permit people from other households to visit.

  • Monitoring symptoms - Contact the emergency services if symptoms become serious, causing difficulty breathing, chest pain, or other worrying symptoms. Tell the operator ahead of time that the cause might be COVID-19.

  • Taking precautions to protect others - This involves wearing a mask over the nose and mouth, covering coughs and sneezes with the inside of the elbow, and avoiding sharing household items. Dispose of tissues safely, and wash the hands with soap and water frequently.

  • Cleaning - It is crucial to clean and sanitize surfaces and objects that people use frequently, for example, door handles, light switches, phones, and other devices.

Most people with mild symptoms of COVID-19 will heal at home without hospital treatment. Taking over-the-counter medications might help with certain symptoms. For instance, acetaminophen (Tylenol) could relieve pain.

State and local health departments could provide COVID-19 tests to those with symptoms. People without symptoms might also wish for a test, for example, someone who has recently come into contact with a person with known COVID-19.


It is generally safe to leave the house again when all the following conditions apply:

  • It has been ten days since the first symptoms started.

  • The symptoms are improving.

  • One person did not experience a fever for a minimum of 24 hours.



When to look for help

Contact 911 or the local emergency department if symptoms become serious or if someone is experiencing any of the following:

  • Trouble breathing

  • Continuous chest pain

  • New confusion

  • An inability to stay awake

  • Blue or white lips or face



Bottom Line

Fever is a prevalent symptom of COVID-19. Some research indicates that fever might be an early symptom of COVID-19, though not everyone will develop this. Some people suffering from COVID-19 do not have any symptoms.

If a person experiences fever, it is crucial to contact a doctor or health organization, as they might need testing. While waiting for guidance, they should self-isolate and follow precautions to protect others.



If you or anyone you know is suffering from post covid fever, our expert providers at Post Covid Centers will take care of your health and help you recover.

Call 469-545-9983 to book a telehealth appointment for a home check-up.

Post Covid Syndrome vs. Fatigue

While COVID-19 is a short-lived disease in most people, others experien...

Post Covid Syndrome vs. Skin Weakness Problems

A new study illustrates that some patients with COVID-19 disease have continuous skin-associated symptoms...

RELATED BLOGS