Health

Is fever or high temperature a symptom of coronavirus?


COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus, which can spread from person to person, but good hygiene can prevent infection.

Severity of cases can range from mild illness to pneumonia, with some sufferers recovering easily, while others may get very sick very quickly.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

 Can a close eye on your temp if you suspect you've contracted coronavirus
Can a close eye on your temp if you suspect you’ve contracted coronavirusCredit: AFP or licensors

Is fever or high temperature a symptom of coronavirus?

The main symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19) are a high temperature and a new, continuous cough.

Fever is the body’s natural response to fighting infections like coughs and colds, says the NHS.

Normal body temperature is different for everyone and changes during the day, it adds.

Your normal body temperature is approximately 37C.

A fever is usually when your body temperature is 37.8C or higher. You may feel warm, cold or shivery.

In babies and children a normal temp is about 36.4C, but this can vary slightly from child to child.

People with coronavirus may experience:

  • Fever
  • Symptoms such as coughing, a sore throat and fatigue
  • Shortness of breath

The NHS recommends that you should not leave your home if you have coronavirus symptoms, particularly if you have either:

  • A high temperature – for example you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you don’t need to measure your temperature with a thermometer)
  • A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot, for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours

The service urges that, to protect others, stay at home.

Do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do.

For babies and children:

  • Call 111 for advice if you’re worried about them
  • If a baby or child seem very unwell, is getting worse or you think there’s something seriously wrong, call 999
  • Do not delay getting help if you’re worried. Trust your instincts.
 Testing of people's temperatures is becoming commonplace in public, including in Poland, above
Testing of people’s temperatures is becoming commonplace in public, including in Poland, aboveCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

The World Health Organization says some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, a runny nose, or diarrhoea.

These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.

Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell.

Most people, about 80 per cent, recover from the disease without needing special treatment.

Around one out of every six people who gets Covid-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing.

Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness, says WHO.

 The most common signs of coronavirus in confirmed cases of Covid-19 from China up to February 22, 2020
The most common signs of coronavirus in confirmed cases of Covid-19 from China up to February 22, 2020

 

 





READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.