COVID-19Common question

CDC considers a person to have a fever when he or she has a measured temperature of 100.4° F (38° C) or greater, or feels warm to the touch, or gives a history of feeling feverish.

What is considered to be fever for COVID-19?

The average normal body temperature is generally accepted as 98.6°F (37°C). Some studies have shown that the "normal" body temperature can have a wide range, from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C).

A temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) most often means you have a fever caused by an infection or illness.

Can I have COVID-19 if I have fever?

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

What can you take to lower fever when you are infected with COVID-19?

In terms of specifics: acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help lower your fever, assuming you don’t have a health history that should prevent you from using them. It’s usually not necessary to lower a fever – an elevated temperature is meant to help your body fight off the virus.

How can you safely measure a person's temperature during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Temperature measurement can be one part of the assessment to determine if a person has an elevated temperature potentially caused by a COVID-19 infection. One method to measure a person's surface temperature is the use of "no-touch" or non-contact temperature assessment devices, such as thermal imaging systems (also known as thermal imaging cameras or infrared telethermographic systems) or non-contact infrared thermometers. The use of other temperature assessment devices, such as oral thermometers, requires physical contact which may increase the risk of spreading infection.

At what temperature do you have a fever?

Is it safe to use oral thermometer during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The use of other temperature assessment devices, such as oral thermometers, requires physical contact which may increase the risk of spreading infection.

How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with COVID-19?

Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever (i.e. have a higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with the new coronavirus. However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever.

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

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

• Taking medications, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce fever
• Drinking water or receiving intravenous fluids to stay hydrated
• Getting plenty of rest to help the body fight the virus

Can you take Tylenol if you have COVID-19?

It is a good idea to make sure you have enough medications at home for you and your family members to self-treat your symptoms if you develop COVID-19 and need to self-isolate. You can take Advil or Motrin with Tylenol if you need to.

Are Tylenol, Advil and Motrin effective and safe to take for COVID-19 symptoms?

Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), and Motrin (ibuprofen) are safe to take for COVID-19 symptoms as long as you follow the recommended dosage and do not have a condition that indicates you should not take these medications. Please consult with your health care provider if you are concerned whether these medications are safe for you to take.

Answered by Dr. Molly Fleece, MD

What are some of the common symptoms of the COVID-19 disease?

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

Is it possible to have a fever with no other symptoms and have COVID-19?

And yes, it's completely possible for adults to develop a fever with no other symptoms, and for doctors to never truly find the cause. Viral Infections can commonly cause fevers, and such infections include COVID-19, cold or the flu, airway infection like bronchitis, or the classic stomach bug.

When do symptoms of the coronavirus disease typically start?

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

How often should you take your temperature if you have COVID-19?

Twice daily. Try to take your temperature at the same times each day. It's also worthwhile to note your activities before taking your temp.

Should I take temperature regularly to check for COVID-19?

If you're healthy, you don't need to take your temperature regularly. But you should check it more often if you feel sick or if you think you might have come into contact with an illnesses such as COVID-19.

What kind of pain reliever can you take with the COVID-19 vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control says that you can take over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen (like Advil), aspirin, antihistamines or acetaminophen (like Tylenol), if you have side effects after getting vaccinated for Covid.

Is it safe to take Tylenol or Ibuprofen before a COVID-19 vaccine?

Because of the lack of high-quality studies on taking NSAIDs or Tylenol before getting a vaccine, the CDC and other similar health organizations recommend not taking Advil or Tylenol beforehand.

Can you take ibuprofen if you have COVID-19?

Studies in Michigan, Denmark, Italy, and Israel, as well as a multi-center international study, found no link between taking NSAIDs and a worse outcome from COVID-19 when compared with acetaminophen or taking nothing.

So, if you are taking NSAIDs regularly, you can continue to take your usual dose.

What can I do at home if I have mild COVID-19 symptoms and do not need hospitalization?

If you have mild COVID-19 symptoms, you will likely need to manage your health at home. Follow these tips:

• If you have a fever, drink plenty of fluids (water is best), get lots of rest, take acetaminophen (Tylenol®).
• If you have a cough, lie on your side or sit up (don’t lie on your back). Add a teaspoon of honey to your hot tea or hot water (don’t give honey to children under one year old). Gargle with salt water. Call your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice about over-the-counter, comfort care product, like cough suppressants, cough drops/lozenges. Have a friend or family member pick up any needed medicines. You must stay at home.
• If you are anxious about your breathing, try to relax. Take slow deep breaths in through your nose and slowly release through pursed lips (like you’re are slowly blowing out a candle). If you are having trouble breathing, call 911.

Can I stay at home to recover if I have only mild symptoms of COVID-19?

Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.

How long can long Covid last?

The medical community has been aware that while most people recover from COVID-19 within a matter of weeks, some will experience lingering symptoms for 4 or more weeks after developing COVID-19. Until now, there has not been a formal definition for this condition.

Can thermal screening at workplace prevent the spread of coronavirus disease?

Some people may reduce fever with a fever-reducing medication if they are concerned about the possible consequences of not coming to work. Relying on temperature screening alone will not stop the spread of COVID-19 at work.

Thermal screening at the workplace can be considered part of a package of measures to prevent and control COVID-19 at the workplace. Workers should be encouraged to self-monitor their health, possibly with the use of questionnaires, and take their own temperature regularly at home.

Workplaces should adopt “stay at home if unwell” and flexible sick leave policies to discourage workers with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 from coming to the workplaces.

How have infrared thermometers been utilized during COVID-19 pandemic?

With the surge of COVID-19, many hospitals and businesses have implemented temperature screenings for employees, patients and customers using infrared thermometers. These devices offer efficiency, safety and accuracy in detecting fevers in large groups of people. They don’t, however, detect COVID-19 in these individuals.

Can the Assure COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Device be used to diagnose COVID-19?

The Assure COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Device should not be used to diagnose acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.

How can I disinfect my thermometer?

Clean the thermometer with an alcohol wipe (or isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab) between each client. You can reuse the same wipe as long as it remains wet.